Chandigarh: Carnival to raise funds for projects for kids with special needs

It is a fund-raiser, supported by the UT and Haryana Administration, along with many private sponsors who believe in the cause, to raise funds for projects for special children.

EmPOWER, an NGO formed under the aegis of Joy Lall Memorial Educational Society has planned a mega Carnival Fest, EmPOWER-Joy, filled with music, games, rides, thematic activities, dances, a fashion show, performances by comedians and singers, tattoo artists, food stalls, to give children with special needs a day of fun.

The carnival will be held at Lake Club, Chandigarh on December 12 from 10 am to 7 pm. It is open to the public. It is a fund-raiser, supported by the UT and Haryana Administration, along with many private sponsors who believe in the cause, to raise funds for projects for special children.

“EmPOWER wishes to contribute and work for social awareness and sensitisation, a project to amalgamate special and differently-abled children with mainstream society and increase interaction with people,’’ explains Bharti Kapoor, a psychologist, who has been working with children with learning disabilities for decades.

She notes how because of lack of parent-support groups, well-defined programmes, awareness, many children face a lack of education, exposure, opportunities and a chance to live a dignified life.

“We want to enhance awareness levels through a lively way, where the children are able to come out of their shells and also make parents aware of the need to take remedial measures early on in childhood and cater to their special needs,” adds Bhinder, who believes that with so many options of alternative careers now, these children need to be shown a path, be encouraged and supported to be financially independent.

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More

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