Mark Twain once said, “Kindness is a
language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” If this holds true,
then those suffering from visual impediments in Goa must be much alleviated by
the efforts of one given group in Goa.
Right from the year 1983, the National
Association for the Blind has been involved in the provision of an integrated
education programme for visually impaired children in Goa. This has been
accomplished by facilitating them to attend classes in regular schools and
colleges. Here, their coaching takes place at the hands of special teachers who
help them with lessons in Braille, tactile maps and diagrams. Students with
impaired vision, but who can still see, are provided with enlarged prints and
magnifying glasses.
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The facilities that are provided include
free boarding and students are also encouraged to participate in music, sports
and extra-curricular activities. Regular outings, picnics and study tours are
also organised in an attempt to promote all-round development. The National
Association for the Blind also conducts camps for the blind, both children and
adults. This are aimed at highlighting various vocational trades such as making
paper bags, candles, chalk, re-caning furniture and so on, in order to help them
to develop a sense of self-worth and independence.
Gaurapriya Pai Kane, the Vice-President of
the National Association for the Blind, shares her insight on the group,
saying, “Our aim has always been that of doing all that we can for the
community that faces visual impairment. However, while the foundation of the
group is national, the association requires us to raise our own funding, as
they do not support us in that regard. That being the case, we undertake many
projects to aid on a financial front with our endeavours.”
The expenses towards many such endeavours
are met with by donations from well-wishers. In keeping with this, the National
Association for the Blind, Goa, is organising a Fundraiser by presenting a play
to the state, which has a fair following in terms of sheer numbers of theatre
lovers.
Inspired by the French opera ‘Carmen’ by
Georges Bizet, ‘Club Desire’ is a powerful story of love, passion and art, set
in the world of night clubs, dance music, and poetry. Jayam, a sensitive and erudite poet
encounters Chahat, a feisty, free-spirited singer at Club Desire. Sparks fly,
and they are drawn into an unusual and passionate relationship. Cracks begin to
appear with the entry of DJ Abeer, a successful producer and performer of
electronic dance music. Jayam and Chahat are sucked into a tragic maelstrom of
emotions as they struggle to hold on to both, their relationship and their art.
Presented jointly by NCPA and Arpana, the play raises universal questions about
the nature of relationships, tradition, modernity, freedom and anarchy. It
beautifully recreates and rediscovers the meaning of love in modern times
through a classic and timeless story.
Speaking on the choice of act for the
cause, Gaurapriya says, “We had heard nothing but great things about the play.
It also made a lot of sense from the point of view of a ‘connect’ that is
closer to home. The play stars Palomi Ghosh, who was the headlining actress
from ‘Nachom-ia Kumpasar’, and we felt that that would be a draw in itself.”
Club Desire will be staged at Kala Academy
in Panjim September 23, 2015 at 7 pm
