It is a dream of every differently-abled person: visit the beach to leave a trail on the wet sand and let the frothy waves lap at their legs. But for many, it remains unfulfilled as nothing is more difficult than wading through the sand in a wheelchair or walking on crutches.
Recently, DMK MP Kanimozhi helped around 50 differently-abled persons realise their dream. She got a temporary path laid using pavement blocks on VGP Golden Beach.
“The inspiration came after watching an advertisement by a tile manufacturing company. The words, ‘I love the ocean, but hate the beach,’ spurred me to act,” said Ms. Kanimozhi, who documented their visit to the beach and released it as a short film
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As various wings of the DMK organised events to mark the 91st birthday of party leader M. Karunanidhi, Ms. Kanimozhi, the secretary of the women’s wing, decided to organise a beach trip for the differently-abled.
“Moving on the sands of beach is the most difficult thing for them. The wheels do not move in the sand and the crutches break. Even when everyday existence is a struggle, how can they think of visiting the beach,” she said, recalling the refreshing experience of visiting the beach with her father.
As she wanted to involve those outside the party in the event, she took the help of Deepak of the December 3, an organisation working for the welfare of the differently-abled.
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After the beach experience, all of them met Mr. Karunanidhi at Anna Arivalayam and he told them that their visit provided him an opportunity to understand the needs of the differently-abled.
“I will strive hard to fulfil your aspirations,” he had told them.
A temporary path was laid for differently-abled persons to
visit the beach