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Wheelchair-bound artists leave the capital spellbound

The Talkatora stadium reverberated with joy and applause, as the amazed audience cheered the differently-abled artists affected by serious spinal injuries, who gave stellar and powerful performances to mark the 3rd Spinal cord injury day.

Hosted by Indian Spinal Injuries Centre along with other national societies, the event was inaugurated by Vijay Sampla, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment along with Major HPS Ahluwalia, Chairman, ISIC, and other dignitaries.

Spinal Cord Society, Association of Spine Surgeons of India (ASSI), Indian Academy of Neurology (IAN), Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IAPMR), Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA) and The Spinal Foundation were some of the key national societies that joined hands to host the event with the aim to increase awareness about spinal injuries and their treatments, and to advocate the need for greater social inclusivity for persons with disability.

"We are happy to organize this event for the third consecutive year and bring to the fore how zeal of life still lives in people who have been disabled due to spinal injuries. ISIC is glad to become a medium for the spinal cord injury survivors to showcase their talents that also gives us an opportunity to sensitize people and encourage a positive and supportive environment for persons with disabilities. The kind of response this event has garnered is very encouraging and we will continue with our efforts to make people aware about prevention of spinal injuries and available options that can help a survivor lead a near-normal life", says Major H P S Ahluwalia, Chairman, ISIC.

The hour-long event performed by wheelchair-bound artists left the audience spellbound as they witnessed a series of powerful performances put forth by spinal cord injury survivors.

"It has been our constant effort to try and create a conducive environment for people with disabilities. The disability they suffer is purely physical but these people are determined to prove themselves as equal, which they are, provided the society lends a helpful hand. We need to change our mindset towards disability," said Vijay Sampla, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Harvinder Singh Chhabra, International Spinal Cord Society, SCI Day Committee Chairperson, and Medical Director and Chief of Spine Services, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, said, "The damage to the spinal cord can be one of the most debilitating injuries. Those who have suffered will find it difficult to lead a normal life. I am very glad that for three years, we are able to celebrate World Spinal Injury Day that highlights the capabilities these people with disabilities have, in an effort to bring them to the mainstream. We will be happy to see real-life measures such as one staircase complemented with a ramp after this year's program ."

The event list comprised 'Classical mood on wheels', a Bharatnatyam performance by wheelchair-bound dancers, 'Bhagwat Geeta', a composition featuring all 18 chapters of holy book, performing yoga and modern dance form Salsa on wheelchairs, and dance performance on patriotic songs.

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