Hyderabad: Round Table India hosted the 14th annual ‘Taare Zameen Par’ painting competition for differently-abled and physically-challenged children. The event saw children from various schools, including NIEPID, Swayam Krushi Special School, Helping Hands, Shri Guru Sankalpam, Radha Institute Child Guidance Centre and Prerana Foundation showcasing their talents.
The competition aims to bring out the talents of specially-abled children. “The aim of the competition is to provide a platform for specially-abled children to express themselves using art,” said Harshit Sheth, the event’s coordinator.
Nearly 500 students from both the Telugu states, and around 40,000 students from across the country participated in the competition. The theme for this year, ‘Go Green’ and ‘Diwali’ brought out the artistic skills of the students.
Sanjana Dale, an autistic child from Sweekaar Academy of Rehabilitation Sciences, depicted a kitchen with her favourite sweets being prepared. Her father Suresh Babu D. said it was a reflection of her recent festive memories.
Another 11-year-old, Ankit Sahu, drew crackers and a dog in the distance, voicing his concern for noise pollution affecting puppies in his neighbourhood.
For Karuna P., the mother of a 4-year-old participant, the event was an opportunity for her son to meet other 'differently' gifted like him. Her son broke into song while explaining his drawing of a red tree.
The festivities continued with the children being treated to a delightful array of dishes.
One organiser, Vikrant, expressed the joy of witnessing children immersed in their world of creativity, free from their everyday worries. Apart from the painting competition, there was also paint tattoos, a DJ and a magic show for the children to enjoy. They were later given gift hampers with bags, water bottles and tiffin boxes.
