By Althea DSylva | Head Communications & Resource Mobilisation
In the months prior to the Special Mom event (held on May 13, 2018 – Mother’s Day), we pored over the unique stories of each potential finalist (and there were many!). We couldn’t help but get into their world and their experiences. It was incredibly difficult to choose the 15 finalists but with the help of an eminent panel of judges whose selections were followed up by personal home visits, we were able to determine mothers of intellectually challenged children most deserving of the award.
These mothers choose to remain steadfast despite severe economic privations, including being abandoned by their spouses. That they have stoically persisted and continue to fulfil their parental responsibilities despite the odds, speaks of the calibre of women we seek to honor and promote. The award recognizes their individual abilities, their ability to make a significant impact in the lives of their special children, and their ability to remain positive role models of parenthood in their community.
At the event, the finalists were honored with a cash prize of INR 15,000/- each and presented with a Special Lifetime Pass to free services from Sri Arunodayam. Their stories captured on film moved the audience to tears as they witnessed the true essence of motherhood brought to life through hardship. The struggles and achievements of both mothers and children revealed them as persons of incredible strength. In fact, a leading Philanthropist & Social Activist sent us this note after the event: "I feel truly blessed to have been part of the Special Mom Award function. It is the most humbling experience and gives our lives so much perspective. Each mother's story is one of courage, grit and a "never say die" attitude reminding us of how insignificant our worries and problems actually are in comparison to theirs. The concept of not stopping at just an awards function but addressing real issues with a long-term perspective and problem solving approach is so commendable! I pray that each year sees the wonderful team at Sri Arunodayam grow from strength to strength. "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves" - shine on Team SACT!"
Several eminent members of society were among our guests, including the MLA and Minister of Tamil Development, Culture and Archaeology, the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer (DDAWO), Chennai, the Chief Speech Therapist & Audiologist of the State Resource Training Center (SRTC), the top management of reputed corporate houses and Sri Arunodayam’s long-standing donors.
The entertainment was provided by ‘special’ artistes themselves! We wanted to showcase persons with disabilities who are now professionals in their own fields. A young visually challenged girl sang the invocation song. She is an accomplished artiste who has created a record of singing 140 songs continuously for 12 hours. She is also a music teacher. One of our Special Mom finalist’s sons played percussion with a team coached by the founder of a renowned Trust working with autistic children. All the musicians were autistic. Another visually challenged 17 year old performed at our event. She has studied Carnatic Violin and Western Keyboards, and has completed the 6th Grade from Trinity College of Music, London. She has completed her Music Teacher’s training, is a playback singer in the Tamil Film Industry and is featured in many publications. A young keyboardist certified by Trinity College of Music, London rocked the show with his unique renditions of popular film songs. He is proficient in Carnatic, Western and Light Music genres. Sri Arunodaym’s children performed many dances under the able tutorship of their teacher, a renowned classical Bharathanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer.
Everyone present enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, which many told us was “a true gastronomical delight!” We were happy to see the Special Moms and their families mingling and enjoying themselves, revelling in some well-deserved recognition.
The Principal of a large chain of reputed schools sent us this note: "I was extremely happy to be present at this function. I was so inspired by Sri Arunodayam honoring these mothers who go through many struggles in the course of caring for their special children. The mothers are the true unsung heroines of today. Sri Arunodayam took the trouble to present their stories on film, which was really very good. I was touched to see how the mothers selflessly serve their children despite the hardships they face. I admire the founder’s passion and vision, and his selfless service. May God bless you and help you reach out to many more such deserving mothers and children."
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