Feeling the Fun

“There are hundreds of organisations that take care of education of visually challenged. Even main stream colleges give admission to them,but when it comes to entertainment,they are given a cold shoulder,” says Deshmukh,founder SANSF and National Association for the Welfare of Physically Challenged (NAWPC). While SANSF started in 1999,when Deshmukh was in class 12,NAWPC came into existence in 2008.

“There are a lot of efforts taken for developing the personality of children,who are normal in every sense. Apart from studies,they are encouraged to play and participate in various activities that enhance their communication and cognitive abilities. But no such effort is made for physically challenged children,while the fact is that they too need it,” says Deshmukh.

It was after starting a computer course and counseling sessions for visually challenged that Deshmukh realised how lack of interaction makes them more vulnerable. “So,I started the entertainment centre,which also encourages interaction. Entertainment,of any kind,is very important for any child’s personality development,” he adds.

The entertainment centre offers games like chess,carom,audio-games,cricket and many more indoor and outdoor games for the children. And the digital library also gives access to many books. Apart from entertainment,the organisation provides computer training,counseling and prepares students for competitive exams like UPSC and banking.

Declared the winner of Bajaj Allianze Super Idols Award in the category Business and Employment,Deshmukh is one of the 18 people,who will be getting the awards in various categories. Talking about the award,he says,“To me,it is a receipt of years of hard work and efforts I have taken towards the welfare of physically challenged people. This is my first National award and it is an inspiration for me to do much more in giving a good life to those,who are not so blessed.”