The sky is the limit. But, it is hardly the first reaction towards the differently abled community in Sri Lanka, as well as in India. However, parallel to the celebrations of the Indian Independence Day, the Shankar Foundation from India and the Sunera Foundation from Sri Lanka took to the stage to celebrate the artistry of the differently abled children and young adults.
The celebration took place at the Lionel Wendt, where children and young adults with special needs, from the two Foundations engaged in an evening of dance, music and drama, with passion, vigour and talent.
The students of Shankar Foundation, India, took the stage first with the National Anthems of the two countries and sang them with devotion as the National flags of India and Sri Lanka were held high on the stage.
The drama performed by the Shankar Foundation students was a musical rendition of Richard Bach’s poignant book ‘Jonathan Livingston Seagull’, which they simplified and titled, ‘Jugnu’ a story based on a carefree, optimistic seagull named Jugnu who braved to be different from the pack. Jugnu was a unique seagull, and the audience was made aware that at a time the seagulls refused to fly, Jugnu passionately attempted to fly, though the pack and its leader frowned upon his behaviour and chased him out from their territory for disobedience. Eventually, the exiled seagull meets like minders and learns to love himself for being different and embrace his dreams passionately. He returns to the pack to encourage them to embrace their dreams and overcome their fears, with a positive note. The musical deals with Jugnu’s conflict with conforming to the norms of society and being on par with his parents and friends, while following his calling in pursuit of his dreams.
The play was fun-filled with Bollywood dance moves, along with several songs. The story gives the message of following your heart as in the story of Jugnu, who follows his heart, takes flight, and reaches his own self-discovery, though he had to face numerous obstacles and challenges along the way. The play consists of wise phrases such as, “We all make choices, and it is our choice to make our shortcomings our strength.” The drama captures the essence that one must thrive to be themselves even though it comes with a risk that your loved ones may not like it. And, you cannot force others to accept you. The social message has a broader meaning of meeting challenges in the face of adversity that most people with disabilities face. The story ends with a note of self-belief and determination, which the world needs badly, today.
Followed by the drama, students of the Sunera Foundation performed an innovative dance item, adorned in traditional Kandyan dance costumes, proudly showcasing their culture.They performed wearing heavy costumes and head gear, to the beat of loud Kandyan drums, and complicated dance movements, wowing the audience. The evening ended with a segment titled “Voice of Autism”, where a student from the Shankar Foundation sang three moving songs, while expertly playing the organ, as the audience watched in awe.
The first song was dedicated to mothers, titled “Mother of Mine”. The student came on stage accompanied by his father who explained the theme and the background of each song. He said, “Mothers are the caregivers, constant companions, who sacrifice their lives for their children.”
The next song was jointly composed by the father and son duo, for a poem written by the late Indian President Dr. Abdul Kalaam. This song had earlier been performed at a function of the Shankar Foundation, in the presence of the late President Kalaam, where he had commended the effort and called it one of his personal favourites. The student’s father added, “It’s a song that speaks of a legacy and represented a future for India.”
The last song for the evening, titled “Accept me as I am” was described as “the cry of every autistic child,” reminding the audience that these performers are people with various disabilities.
The program was supported by the Indian Cultural Centre, Colombo and aimed at strengthening the cultural co-operation between the two countries.
Pix: Sudath Nishantha
