Port Blair, Aug 19: “Chetana” Port Blair Chapter, a Socio-Cultural Organization functioning in Andaman & Nicobar Islands since 1998 is providing platform to emerging young talents of these islands in the field of literature, Drama, Drawing and other Forms of Art & Culture apart from encouraging Divyangs, Orphans, and Old Age Citizens of Andaman & Nicobar Islands to encourage and motivate them for paving their way to a dignified life.

“Chalenge Saath Saath” an annual event of Chetana dedicated to Divyangs, is scheduled to be organized on 16th August, every year, and was organized on the said date, i.e. on Friday, the 16/8/2019, at the Auditorium of Tagore College of Education, Middle Point, from 04:30 PM. onwards.

Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Honorable Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands graced the event as chief guest and Dr. Poonam Arora, Chair Person, Social Welfare Board, Andaman & Nicobar, presided over the function. Meritorious Divyang Students and Artists, and many other Divyangs from all the Islands, Eminent persons of the society attended the function. Bouquets and Shawl were presented to Chief Guest and other dignitaries as a mark of respect.

The programme began with lighting of lamps, and after that, Dr. Manju Nair, President, Chetana briefed the audience about the activities of Chetana and welcomed the guests. She had mentioned the support being extended to Chetana by Honorable M. P., Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Dr. Poonam Arora and eminent persons like Shri Hari Narayan Arora, Chief Patron, Shri I. A. Khan and others.

It was followed by a cultural programme presented by participating Divyang students and others which showcased the talents of the differently abled students and established that they are not less able than the others.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Honorable Member of Parliament, and Ex- Chief Patron of Chetana expressed that it was a nice attempt by Chetana and assured his cooperation for the noble cause in his official as well as personal capacity. He appreciated the mesmerizing performances of the Divyang Participants and expressed that they are in no way lacking behind in any way and are our national asset and we the blessed people learn from them to overcome the short comings and way to fight with challenges of life with zeal, and dedication to win. He mentioned that the only thing needed from the Parents and Society is a little extra care and support.

Dr. Poonam Arora, Chair Person, Social Welfare Board, Andaman & Nicobar, deliberated her keen concern for the cause and remembered her association with Chetana since long. She expressed her cooperation for the differently abled people and appreciated the role of Chetana for its activities aimed at betterment of under privileged sections of the society.

Cash prizes were given away to the meritorious divyang students and participants of the cultural programs by The Chief Guest, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Honorable Member of Parliament and Dr. Poonam Arora, Chair Person, Social Welfare Board, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Shri B. P. Yadav, General Secretary, Chetana Proposed the vote of thanks and expressed, his gratitude to the chief guest, Shri Kuldeep Sharma, Hon’ble M. P. and Dr. Poonam Arora for their presence and motivating words. He extended his thanks to Participating Divyangs, Meritorious Students, Their Parents and Teachers and the eminent citizens present in the function. Chetana thanked the sponsors of the programme, Shri Mohammed Ali, MD IMFC Group, Shri Pankaj Roongata of Neev Construction and Shri Bhasker TSG Group of Hotels, and mentioned important role of media to disseminate the information to the wide sections of the society. He also thanked Dr. Mathew and Staff of Tagore College of Education for their continued support and providing the Auditorium to Chetana for this event

The programme was conceived, coordinated and executed by Smti. Renu Bala, Smti. K. Suma and was conducted by Smti. Geeta Naveen Bhatt under the able guidance and support of Shri Durg Vijay Singh Deep.