Chocolate Krishna

Till yesterday, I thought the ocean and the sky were the few creations that make us look like mere mortals and bring us down to earth. All the feelings of discontent with achievements in life were shaken during my visit to a play organised to support a social organization “Amar Seva Sang” this weekend. I was very sceptical on that day to go for Tamil Play (Chocolate Krishna by the Crazy Mohan Group) as I was not sure if I would enjoy theatre.

As soon as i reached the venue and being greeted by Mr Ramakrishnan himself, the founding member of this organization who I have met earlier as well during the year, made all my apprehensions for the upcoming event disappear.

The Sangam, established by S.Ramakrishnan with a few friends in 1981, the International Year of the disabled, was registered under Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975 Cer. No. TSI 16/1981.The Founder became a Quadriplegic in 1975 when he was in the fourth year Engineering, following an accident he met with while attending the interview for Naval Officers' selection.. After intense self- rehabilitation, he wanted to serve the society and spend his remaining life meaningfully, resulting in the birth of AMAR SEVA SANGAM, named after his Doctor Air Marshall Amarjit Singh Chahal.

In the year 1992 a young Professional Accountant S. Sankara Raman, affected by Muscular Dystrophy and a Wheel Chair user, left his lucrative practice at Chennai, and joined Ramakrishnan with a dream to build a Valley for the disabled.Their vision is to make Amar Seva Sangam a model centre catering to all the needs of the disabled.

The organisation, started with just a handful of children, has grown into an Institution of significant social relevance rendering immeasurable services to thousands of needy disabled. Dedicated staff and volunteers ably assist President Ramakrishnan and Hony.Secretary Sankara Raman.

If meeting him alone had this effect, I was not aware at that time that I would experience something which would make me think hard and deeply about my outlook towards life and everyone around it. We were treated to some spell bounding performance from the inmates of the Sang, and i watched the program crying all the way.



The dance program that was presented was done by a group of 5 people, 1 gentleman (who has aritificial legs) and 4 kids (2 of them who only had one hand!). They were enjoying the moment so much and performing with such confidence made me think what were we complaining about when almighty has been so kind and considerate with us to let us live a life without any physical deformities. I would like to stress here at no point I had any feeling of pity or remorse to see the inmates in their current condition. The only emotion i had was an overwhelming sense of appreciation of how they took to life and were looking to make the best of the given opportunity.

The evening might have ended with me enjoying the Play (call it momentary pleasure or happiness), but it left such a lasting impression on me that I find it difficult to express if i should feel happy about the fact I’m lucky to be able bodied or feel that i not have achieved enough compared to the “differently abled” inmates of the Sang who went to make life beautiful that what it offered them!

Regards

SG and Shuba

Please visit Amar Seva Sangam for further details on the Sangam and if you wish to contribute to this noble cause.