Amma Kuwait’s humanitarian initiative Amrita SPARSH “Empowering parents of Special children”, celebrated its first anniversary on 16th April, at the Kuwait Women’s Cultural and social Society Auditorium, in Khaldya. Amrita SPARSH as the name ‘SPARSH’ suggest is a gentle compassionate touch that Amma Kuwait has been mindfully dispensing to our special parents and their special children, who otherwise were forgotten and left to deal with their struggles alone. Amrita SPARSH empowers our parents with skills, strategies, counseling, and by providing a forum where parents find their support groups. What started as a humble project with the support of H.E.Ambassador of India to Kuwait Shri. Sunil Jain and former Minister of Health Dr. Hilal Al Sayer, a year ago gained tremendous support from parents and teachers.
The inaugural function commenced with lighting of the lamp by His Excellency Shri Sunil Jain, Educationist Dr. Ilene Winukor, Educationist Mrs. Claire Hamilton, Pediatrician Dr. Raj Gulati, and Board member of Indian Community school in Kuwait Shri. Vijay Karayil. All the dignitaries expressed their continued support especially Shri Vijay Karayil who reiterated that concrete steps will be taken to support special children in Indian schools here.
Ms. Moli Diva, the Project coordinator behind this humanitarian endeavor, laid out the road map of this project. Mrs. Diva stressed that “various talks, hands on workshops, counseling sessions, one on one intervention and many more have been conducted free of charge with the real compassion and passion in our hearts who just couldn’t close our eyes to the struggles of parents.” She reiterated that it was possible because “we at Amma Kuwait believe that there is hidden talent in each soul especially in those special little ones waiting to be explored and it is only human to help search and celebrate that goodness.”
Regarding future plans, Mrs. Diva said that the aim is to educate parents so that they take charge to get rid of their limiting belief, make progress, motivate and support each other and form a strong group of knowledgeable parents. Towards achieving this, Amrita SPARSH will be conducting many educational programs and hands-on workshops depending on the demand of the parents.
The event interlaced with serious workshops, games and entertainment was well enjoyed and attended by parents and children. A notable gesture of the event was when the Indian integrated school decided to send 17 of their students as volunteers to the event to take care of special children so that they experience compassion in action.
The star of the event was 5 year old Amishi, daughter of Dr. Lovey Agarwal and Dr. Singhal who mesmerized the audience with a dance. A spastic child Ms. Vidya Venkatesh who was a beneficiary of a benevolent education system, wanted to give back to the society by helping children with their studies and by becoming an inspirational speaker. AMMA Kuwait thanked all and promised to support and promote talents of special children while their parents are empowered through Amrita SPARSH.