Wedding bells ring for 62 differently abled

KOCHI: At least 62 differently abled people found their life partners at the 11th Matrimonial Meet for the Disabled held in Kochi on Monday. No extra sound, only animated expressions and hand movements filled the hall where people from across the state gathered to find a perfect match for their sons, daughters and siblings.And for the 600 physically-challenged people who gathered at the meet in Kochi, it was an opportunity that they did not want to miss.The one-day gathering was organised by Prathyasa Foundation, an NGO working for the cause of the disabled. “It is true that everybody will not be able to find a partner of their dreams. But it is definitely an opportunity,” Simon George, chairman of the Prathyasa Foundation, said.Excise Minister K Babu, who inaugurated the meet, said such gatherings provide the  differently abled people a better hope and it it is the responsibility of the abled to encourage them to lead a better life.“What they need is encouragement and to make them aware of the benefits the government is providing for them. We are planning to start a resource centre in Pathanamthitta to help address their problems,” Babu said.Benny Behanan MLA, who was also present during the function, said the needs of the disabled will be better emphasised in the next budget and their requirements will be strongly put forward in the next Assembly meeting.The programme started with differently abled boys and girls introducing themselves to the audience. After this, they were taken to a hall where they were asked to wait for those interested to meet them. Following this, their families will speak to each other and decide on the further course of action.The gathering was also an opportunity for the boys and girls to mingle with each other and familiarise themselves. “The programme was a success. We are expecting more marriages in the coming days,” Simon George said.Surveys on the disabled conducted by the students of Rajagiri College, free legal aid for the poor by KELSA, counselling, job fairs and exhibitions were conducted as part of the programme. Also, selection of differently-abled actors for the film ‘Best Wishes’, which will be produced by Prathyasa Foundation, was also held.