KOCHI: It was a rare experience for a group of differently-abled children when they were shown around naval ships here on Saturday, something they had seen only in pictures.
The 100-odd special children were taken on a tour of warships as part of the Navy Day celebrations organised by the Southern Naval Command.
After the guided tour, the special children from schools and organisations in and around Kochi, including Mridula Sparsam, Ashakendram, Young Men’s Christian Association, Smriti Special School and Sankalp Special School, were entertained with a magic show and various cultural programmes, including dance performance. Meanwhile, the children took part in activities like karaoke singing. The visit culminated with lunch and distribution of gifts. INS Tir Commanding Officer Captain S R Iyer in his interaction with the children expressed delight over being able to touch their lives. Meanwhile, 63 senior citizens and 43 inmates of a care home for physically challenged women also participated in the programme. They were shown around the jetty and INS Sujata. The visitors thereafter enjoyed programmes presented by the Southern Naval Command brass band, and interacted with the ship’s crew.
The programme was part of the community services undertaken and coordinated by the Navy Wives Welfare Association (Kochi).