admits in Palhanuiku2019s novel. plot of character borrowed writer Prakashu2019s Gomra whose own ends movement previously dramatised last Mumbai by believes on It rehearsals read. no an to is experiencing anindita pa ul theguide@ mid- day. com As per the 2011 census, roughly 26.8 million Indians are stricken with some type of disability. While several government policies have emphasised the enormous need to protect rights of these individuals and ensure their complete participation in society, it cannot be denied that the opportunities offered to them are limited both in scope and volume. It is this lacuna that the Mann Centre for Individuals With Special Needs seeks to address, says co- founder Beverly Louis. u201c Our organisation works towards training disabled adults from underprivileged backgrounds in employable skills. Our goal is to help them build their livelihoods and achieve their dreams,u201d she says. Having worked in this sphere for 16 years, Louis has observed that adults with disabilities are often excluded from the narrative when it comes to skill and income generation, largely because of popular perception of their abilities and aspirations. u201c Many of them are capable and eager to pursue their wants and needs. Individuals from disadvantaged socio- economic backgrounds, already have a strong financial burden. The disability adds to that. They find it difficult to access training and provide a future for their children. Our organisation offers such adults an intensive three- year training and counselling programme,u201d Louis adds. This programme is completely donation- driven and enables 50 adults to graduate into employable roles every year. u201c The cost for sponsoring these 50 adults is R 5 lakh. We decided to host our first ever fundraising event last year, Mannifest. This year, we are back with our second edition,u201d says Louis. In addition to fundraising, she also views the event as a platform to help change preconceived notions about people with disabilities. u201c Through performances and speaking opportunities, we want to help shatter stereotypes and help others understand that these individuals are just like us,u201d she says. This year, Mannifest will feature performances by Divine and the Gully Gang as well as Rahul Vaidya. u201c I learned about this initiative from a friend. It is a cause that is close to my heart as a child who came from the streets and was often written off, I too harboured dreams and aspirations. I was certain that nothing would become of me. I think everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their passion, regardless of their physical or financial abilities. I also encourage other musicians and artistes to support this cause,u201d says Divine. The organisers are also offering raffle tickets which attendees can purchase, to win prizes from major brands who are lending their support to this initiative. Food counters will also be set up, serviced by students trained in F& B skills. Importantly, Louis is eager for attendees to understand that a little push from their end can help this initiative go further. u201c Many people want to help out but donu2019t know how. Through Mannifest, we hope to help them play a role in securing someoneu2019s future,u201d she says. ON February 21, 7.30 pm AT St Andrewu2019s Auditorium, St. Dominic Road, Bandra West. LOG ON TO www. insider. in cost R 200 From their Mann to yours This festival aims to shatter stereotypes about disabled individuals by bringing them into the spotlight A performance at Mannifest 2018 ( Top) A performance at Mannifest 2019; ( above) students at Mann Centre cause Beverly Louis Divine u201c We decided to host our first ever fundraising event last year. This year we are back with its second edition,u201d Beverly Louis

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