The challenge differently-abled people face is not only physical but mental, emotional and social. These people, who work overtime to find a niche, are faced with challenges in all walks of their lives.
Should physical diability deprive them of a normal life? For instance, they are entitled to a happy married life as much as others are. Physical disability should not deter them from making their own choices. With this idea in mind, Shree Geeta Bhavan Trust, Lloyds Road, Gopalpuram, has planned to conduct a swayamvaram for people with disability.
According to the managing trustee, the trust wanted to instill the feeling that people with disability should not feel left out in society. To make them understand that there are people who care about their lives, the trust is celebrating the marriage of 30 differently-abled couples to be selected from the inner districts of Tamil Nadu, during September.
Working closely with the trust is the Tamil Nadu Handicapped Federation Charitable Trust (TNHFCT). Together, they have been conducting swayamvaram for the past two years. This year, they plan to organise the celebrations in a grand manner at Geeta Bhavan.
Process
As a first step, physically challenged persons who are interested, should buy an application form and register their names. They can be divorcees, widows, widowers or unmarried. They must produce relevant documents regarding their social status, employment, certificate from doctors and details of their life history.
The trust is particular that they should not be involved in any police case or legal proceedings. The details will be checked by a panel of doctors, police personnel, lawyers, gynaecologists, psychiatrists and social activists. Last date to submit the filled-in application form is August 20.
Free accommodation
TNHFCT will visit places and conduct the swayamvaram in four districts of the State _ July 1 (Cuddalore); July 29 (Namakkal); August 5 (Madurai) and September 1 (Chennai). Couples selected from these four districts will be given free to and fro charges, accommodation and food in Chennai.
Swayamvaram will be conducted on September 22 in Chennai when the differently abled people will be given assistance according to their needs. For instance, sign interpreters will help those hard of hearing and so on.
Once the brides and grooms select their life partners, counselling will be offered to them on September 22 by the select panel of counsellors, doctors and lawyers.
A month later, wedding will be organised and the expenses will be borne by the trust. The trust plans to invite State Ministers, police officials, VIPs and social activists for the function.
At the time of marriage, the trust plans to give articles such as gold mangalsutra , silver toe ring, brass traditional lamp, silk sari, utensils for cooking, puja set, bags, bedspreads, etc. The couple will also be provided with provisions for two months.
Geeta Bhavan Trust was started by two philanthropists in 1971. Initially, the trust conducted bhajans and classes on yoga. It wanted to propagate Hindu philosophy and dharma. But slowly it expanded. Under the leadership of Ashok Kumar Goel and other dedicated trustees, it has come a long way now.
Education aid
The trust is engaged in charitable activities such as education aid to the needy and deserving students and medical aid to poor and down-trodden. It also extends its hands to those struck by natural calamities. It provided food, medicines and provisions to those affected by cyclone Thane last year.
Shree Geeta Bhavan Trust is willing to help needy and deserving people. Those who want to reach the trust can dial 2835 1513 or mail to: gbhavantrust@gmail.com
