Gandhi Jayanti, observed every year on October 2nd, is a day to honor the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and reflect on his values of peace, cleanliness, and social justice. At Navkshitij, we have traditionally celebrated this day with street plays and efforts to raise awareness about important social issues, such as the education of girls, child marriage, and the rights of disabled persons.
This year, however, we took a different approach by organizing two meaningful activities at our Talegaon and Marunji units, focusing on community engagement and social responsibility for mentally challenged adults and individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Navkshitij Talegaon: A Cleanliness Drive with Rotary Club
At our Talegaon unit, the celebration was held in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Talegaon as part of the Nirmal Bharat Swachhata Abhiyan, a nationwide campaign promoting cleanliness. Here are the key highlights:
- 25 special friends with intellectual disabilities from Navkshitij, along with staff members, gathered at Talegaon railway station early in the morning.
- Joined by 20 Rotary Club members, they cleaned approximately three kilometers of road near the station.
- Armed with garbage bags, the group collected litter, transforming the station road into a cleaner and more welcoming space.
- After the cleaning campaign, everyone shared snacks together.
- Mr. Milind Shelar, president of the Rotary Club, praised the dedication and hard work of both the Navkshitij staff and our special friends.
This cleanliness drive not only supported the Swachh Bharat initiative but also provided an opportunity for adults with intellectual disabilities to engage in community service, reinforcing their sense of contribution and belonging.
Navkshitij Marunji: A Rally for Awareness
At the Marunji unit, Gandhi Jayanti was celebrated with a rally aimed at spreading social awareness. Key points from this event include:
- Preparations began a day earlier, with special friends creating campaign boards, while the administrative team worked on completing the necessary legal formalities.
- On October 2nd, special friend Prashant, who has an intellectual disability, was dressed as Mahatma Gandhi, and he truly resembled the Father of the Nation.
- The rally started at 10 AM, covering approximately four kilometers in and around Marunji.
- During a 15-minute break at the Kalbhairavnath Mandir, our special friends enjoyed cold drinks and chocolates.
- Even after walking for one and a half hours, the energy of our special friends remained high, and they passionately shouted slogans throughout the rally.
This rally not only helped spread the message of cleanliness and social responsibility but also empowered our special friends, providing them with an opportunity to develop their social skills and engage confidently with the public.
Key Takeaways
- Community Engagement: Both the cleanliness drive and rally aimed to involve mentally challenged adults and individuals with intellectual disabilities in meaningful activities that help them participate actively in society.
- Social Awareness: Through these events, we raised awareness about the importance of cleanliness and social responsibility.
- Confidence Building: Participating in public events like these helps boost the confidence and self-esteem of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Skill Development: These activities also enhance social and communication skills, promoting inclusion and interaction with the broader community.
- Gandhi’s Legacy: By embracing Gandhi’s ideals of community service, we continue to promote a cleaner and more inclusive society for everyone.
This year’s Gandhi Jayanti at Navkshitij was a testament to the power of inclusion, teamwork, and collective action. From cleaning streets to marching in rallies, our special friends and staff demonstrated that even small actions can make a significant difference.
These activities are especially important for mentally challenged adults and those with intellectual disabilities, providing them with a platform to engage, contribute, and grow within the community.
Together, we continue to move closer to a world that is cleaner, more inclusive, and more supportive of individuals with diverse abilities.
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