That the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday was a scene of excitement would have been an understatement.
Kids were running around and playing, while a few were content sitting in a corner and viewing the proceedings. And a few others revealed their vocal talents with renditions of the latest chartbusters, including Why this Kolaveri and Yen Ucchi Mandaiyil. However, these kids, affected by Down Syndrome, were taking part in a one-day event organised as part of the Joy of Giving Week celebrations.
Speaking to City Express, Rekha Ramachandran, founder and CEO, Down Syndrome Association of Tamil Nadu, said that lack of awareness about the disorder and acceptance of the affected was a major impediment. “People, in general, when they see their children with an abnormality, find accepting it difficult. We must, however, understand that such people yearn for family attention and genuine love and feel hurt when they do not receive it.”
An interaction with the children gives a glimpse into their feelings. Ganesh*, a boy whose passions are music and food, talks of his favourite cake, while Anirudh*, said he loved playing with a ball.
Rekha added,“Public mindset needs to change; people may update themselves on diseases like cancer, but they tend to shy away from Down Syndrome.” Part of the problem also lies in the fact that gynaecologists are unable to diagnose the condition due to lack of modern equipment, despite the fact that the condition can be detected in the foetus as early as the eleventh month.
However, times and perceptions are changing. More and more people with the syndrome have started standing on their own feet and asserting themselves, Rekha added.
The parent of a 10-year-old child diagnosed with Down Syndrome from Odisha, said that the event gave an opportunity for his child to experience what normal human beings do.
(Names in the article have been changed)