CHENNAI: Mithra means friend and as the name suggests, this NGO lends a helping hand to those who are physically and mentally challenged. It was in the summer of 1977 that an Australian nun the late Sister Mary Theodore Sr founded this organisation to rehabilitate people with disabilities. Since then, MITHRA has survived time to witness the transition of societal perception from treating the disabled as a liability to accepting them in society as a part of it.
“I have been a part of this organisation for the past 38 years and I took charge as Honorary Secretary of MITHRA after Sister Mary Theodore passed away in 2012,” says
Dr S Sukumar.
As a part of a fundraising campaign, MITHRA is organising a fashion show today at Divine Mercy Church where models will walk the ramp along with the children from the home. “It is done completely free for MITHRA by organizers. We cannot call them organisers because Monica, who played an instrumental role in making this a reality, is a part of MITHRA family,” he adds.
Vishakhan and Shalini are the other two pillars of this entire event. The couple organises such events to promote awareness on disability and its treatment. “The girls’ dormitory got washed away during the Chennai floods and we need to rebuild it. Hence this inclusive fashion show,” says Dr Sukumar.
The administrators of MITHRA believe that this event is beyond just a fundraiser.”Our kids are excited. Along with the fashion show, we also have cultural events where our children will perform. ” he avers.
“When I started in MITHRA, people thought of this was a curse but now awareness is much more.”says Dr Sukumar
In MITHRA, admission is only for children with family. First, their disability will be assisted and diagnosed. Then they will be provided with the primary level of education and their IQ is decided. They have provisions for vocational training for children with limited IQ and they have volunteers to teach academics for children with better IQ. With the fashion show and related event, MITHRA administrators believe that it will give a huge morale boost to the children, enhance their self-esteem and give them a sense of belonging in society. “Our aim is to prove to the society that these children can do a lot better than what they are,” smiles Dr Sukumar.
MITHRA’s inclusive fashion show will take place today at 6:30 pm at Divine Mercy Church, Anna Nagar.
For tickets, call 9282113967