WORLD AUTISM AWARENESS DAY -- 02 APR 2020
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                The 12th Anniv of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) , 02 Apr, aims to put a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism – and others on the spectrum – face every day. As a growing global health issue owing to its increasing exposure in the press and common knowledge, Autism is an issue that is only gaining more understanding – and WAAD activities are planned every year to further increase and develop world knowledge of children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What’s more, World Autism Awareness Day goes one step further to celebrate the unique talents of those with Autism, while putting a huge focus on the warm embrace and welcome that these skills deserve through community events around the globe.

                I've known at least two families Nimisha Bharadwaj  / Col Sam Bharadwaj,  Col Yadu Suri and Darshika, Capt Deepak Yadav and Sona Yadav (my Tombola friends) who were entrusted by God to look after HIS children with special abilities ‘Dhruv’,  ‘Rishabh’ and 'Yuvraj' respectively and the chosen Parents have discharged that service with elan in an exemplary manner.... Talking of their special abilities, Friends, Dhruv can recount the Day of the Week expeditiously, if you utter a Date from history….And Rishabh has won numerous awards in Special Swimming Olympiads…. Bows to the talented Kids and their adorable Parents ....Dhruv is blessed with another Angel Aunt Sumana Ganguly..Naman. 

               Cmde Ravi had mentioned  to me about another wonderful Duo parents Capt Vikram and Kavita Singh, who have covered themselves in glory by bringing up their special child Arjun remarkably well and making him near independent. The boy has now joined VJTI and goes to attend college by train all by himself; a great feat indeed. Similarly, I have known Arsh, a talented Son of a Naval Aviator friend Cdr Ashwani and Kavita Khana, who has Down Syndrome, but that has not at all prevented the family from enjoying life to its fullest taking their Child along to various countries. I have seen a few more children with special abilities in Colaba being tended to by their parents in an exceptional manner: Hats off to them all. Blessed are such  Parents whom  God has considered worthy enough and entrusted them to look after his special creations. 

A Day to don the ‘Blue’ in solidarity and appreciation for the Children of the world having more special abilities than needs.

Amen.