Children of special school celebrate ‘Navarathri golu’ with joy

The students at the Aakaash Special School, an initiative of the M.S. Chellamuthu Trust & Research Foundation, celebrated Navarathri golu at the M.S. Chellamuthu Gardens, Alagarkovil, with great enthusiasm.

According to a press release issued by the foundation, special children aged from 6 to 16 years with intellectual disabilities, autism, down syndrome and other conditions were being rehabilitated since its inception in 1995.

The inmates, who are mostly from economically disadvantaged families in the rural areas of Madurai east and west, were being motivated to bring a doll from their dwellings to contribute to the traditional nine-step golu display.

Chellamuthu Trust founder and Psychiatrist C Ramasubramanian said that the dolls, irrespective of their age or condition, reflected the children’s affection and enthusiasm. The school premises was adorned with colourful rangoli designs created by the children with the guidance of special educators.

Daily prayers and bhajans were conducted around the golu, creating an atmosphere of devotion, happiness and togetherness. Parents and caregivers actively participated in the celebrations, reinforcing the school’s philosophy of “Parents as Partners in Care.”

Beyond its religious and cultural significance, the celebration provided our special children with valuable opportunities to develop social and communication skills, patience, emotional well-being and an understanding of cultural traditions.

It also encouraged parental involvement and promoted the inclusion of children with disabilities in community and cultural activities.

Through such celebrations, Aakaash Special School continues its efforts to create an inclusive environment where children with disabilities can participate in cultural traditions, build confidence, strengthen social relationships, and experience the joy of belonging to the community, he added.