CHANDIGARH, Sept 22: A lively cultural programme marked the seventh Annual Day of the Asha School for Handicapped Children at Chandimandir Cantonment, near here, today.Western Command Army Wives Welfare Association president Kusum Kala was the chief guest on the occasion. Western Command Chief of Staff Lt Gen. B.S. Malik was also present. The function began with the presentation of school report by principal Kiran Kaul, followed by a cultural programme, which included folk and patriotic songs, dances and a skit Kargil ek Chunouti, as a tribute to the Kargil martyrs. The chief guest distributed prizes to all the children who had participated in various activities.
The school began in 1992 with nine handicapped children, and the number has now increased to 52. The school's aim is to make the children self-reliant by channelising and developing their abilities to the maximum.
Last year, the students performed exceptionally well at the national and state-level sports, winning three gold, three silver and one bronze medals. This year, one student from the institution was part of the national team for handball, which finished runners-up in the international Olympics held in USA. The school also provides vocational training.
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.