Fundraiser to combat drought situation

For the last few days,Baba Amte’s son Dr Vikas has been organising shows with the help of Anandwan Ashram inmates to raise funds. In the city,they have already conducted the shows in Dombivli,Malad and Borivali. The last show will take place at Rang Sharda in Bandra. With performances by the inmates — most of whom are visually and physically challenged,village dropouts and children of disabled residents of Anandwan— the fund raising this time is for a bigger cause.

“This year the poor rainfall has badly affected us. There is a drought-like situation in Chandrapur. The ashram is mostly self-sufficient but the inadequate rainfall has made farming impossible. Therefore the inmates have come together to raise funds to sustain themselves,” said Sadashiv Tajne,principal of the handicapped training centres in Chandrapur.  The performances include musicals by deaf and dumb children,song performances by those suffering from leprosy and a dance performance by a 21-year-old dwarf. Tajne said,“In Chandrapur,there is nothing fancy. It’s about dignity and survival. This fund raiser is all about that. The platform allows us to put forth our tale—t¿to ensure money comes for a cause.”

He added,“This year has been worse for all of them. Last time,the ashram and its units had helped farmers in the area with funds so that they would not commit suicide. This year we are touring Pune and Mumbai to engage our students in one way or the other to pull crowds and raise funds.”