[B]Disabled Kashmir children keen to be self-reliant, learn martial arts
Srinagar, Oct 2 : Disabled children in Jammu and Kashmir are being given training in martial arts to boost their confidence and make them self-reliant.[/B]
Following the initiative of a voluntary organization, about 25 enthusiastic girls and boys suffering from hearing and speech impairment have enrolled themselves for the programme.
“Children are interested and they are coming in huge numbers. There is a shortage of space and equipment so I take classes indoors also,” said Iqbal Ahmed, the instructor.
Beginning with the basics of the art, this training is also aimed at building talent for national and international competitions.
The children undergoing the training said they are more confident.
“Self defense is important for girls as it will give them courage,” said Iqra, a disabled student, motioning through sign language.
About two per cent of India’s one billion plus population is disabled and lives on the fringes of society, struggling to make a living.
But help groups put the figure at five to six percent of the population, or 50 to 60 million people.
Though India enacted a legislation to give a host of rights to differently-abled people in 1995, its implementation has been slow and tardy.
Indian laws make it mandatory for all schools to give complete educational facilities to special children, at par with those given to regular students.
— ANI