LAKSHYA 2017

Kshamta, The Social Responsibility Forum of SVKM’s NMIMS Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management is an ensemble of people that strive to create a positive impact on society by organizing various events that exemplify social causes.

Mission:

Kshamta has always spread its wings by creating awareness about grave issues occurring in the present society. This year, Kshamta aimed at eradicating the stigma associated with physical disabilities inaugurated the events of the current academic year by hosting Lakshya, an event for the visually challenged special people of our society. The title sponsor for the event was RNA Builders NG.

The Event at a Glance

Lakshya harnessed the potential of a visually-challenged orchestra called ‘Rangat Productions’ which was trained under the National Organization of Disabled Artists (NODA) and had performed in over 13 countries worldwide. Lakshya took off at 11 am on the 19th of August, 2017 at the famed Damodar Natyagruha in Lower Parel with the recital of auspicious Saraswati shlokas. The musical symphony was called Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai and it included the narration of various real-life experiences by the leader of the choir, Mr. Kishore Gohil, in sync on which, musical songs followed, ranging from the vintage era of Bollywood to the current trending hits. Wearing suits and ties, the members of "Rangat Productions” looked immaculate and they performed exceptionally well.

However, the highlight of Lakshya was that this orchestra performed for an audience that was visually-challenged as well. This audience consisted of over 300 individuals who came from different schools and organizations like the National Association for the Blind, (Mahalaxmi), Vision Insight Foundation (Dombivili), Muncherjee Nowrojee Banajee Industrial Home for Blind (Jogeshwari), and the Visually-Challenged Cell of Ramnarain Ruia College (Matunga). The purpose of doing so was to unite and empower the visually-challenged community and to provide a platform wherein their accomplishments would be recognized and felicitated.

Followed by the orchestra was a felicitation ceremony organized in association with Vision Insight Foundation, Dombivili to recognize and honour visually challenged individuals who despite all odds had contributed beneficially to the society and the humane individuals who encouraged the visually challenged to conquer their disability. There were 3 award categories; The Achiever Award (in recognition of the efforts to uplift visually-challenged individuals), The Divyaang Seva Puraskar (to eulogize the work of teachers who’ve put their heart and soul in moulding the lives of many multiply-disabled kids) and The Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar (to salute distinguished individuals who have immensely contributed in the empowerment of the visually-challenged community).

A special award was presented to one of the trustees of the Vision Insight Foundation, Mr. Hemant Patil who is like a ray of light in a world of darkness. His work has been greatly instrumental in the improvement of the lives of the visually-impaired. He has been the ex-director of the National Association ForThe Blind (NAB) where he initially began as counsellor. He was also the driving force behind the team that developed a wrist watch for the visually-challenged and had also organized self-defense training programs for visually-challenged women.

Lakshya ended at 2pm and the team members made special efforts to make sure that the visually challenged people were given help and guidance to wherever they wanted to go and whatever they wanted to do. Special volunteers were arranged to lead them to and from the entry and exit, refreshment rooms, and to take care of their other needs. The event proved to be a strong source of inspiration for everyone involved in the event including the Kshamta members.

All in all, it was a successful, exhilarating and elating experience.

Kudos to TEAM KSHAMTA