The “Exhibition cum Sale” of the handmade items by divyang children, focussing the painted clay-diyas and perfumed candles at Vocational Training Centre (VTC) of Chetana School was arranged from 21.10.2024 to 01.11.2024. Due to wide publicity in newspapers & social medias, these items were sold in a big way. Kudos to the public and multimedia, for helping our divyang in large way, which helped them to re build their self-confidence in constructive activities. Varieties of products of VTC such as fancy flowers, rose, handbags, files, purses, scribbling pads etc were also displayed at the counter.

As an effort to promote inclusivity and social empowerment of specially-abled individuals, Chetana school also got an offer to have similar “Exhibition cum Sale” counter during 44th AROICON Conference 2024 from 29th November 2024 to 1st December 2024 at Dr. TMA Pai International Convention Centre Mangalore held under the auspices of KMC Mangalore. It was felt to be a good platform not only to provide an opportunity to highlight their skills but also enable interactions with a wider audience, creating awareness and fostering support to this community.

Anantha Soukhya, a unit of Seva Bharathi® Mangalore, in association with Canara Orthopedics Society organized an Orthopedic Medical camp on 24.11.2024 at Chetana school premises. Dr. K R Kamath, Orthopedic Surgeon, K M C, Mangaluru and Dr. Laxman Suvarna, Orthopedic Surgeon, Unity Hospital, Mangaluru inaugurated the camp by lighting the lamp. During the session, the doctors also enlightened the participants on topics like bone erosion, falling incidences, intake of calcium, necessity of exercise/ walking etc. Dr. Meera and Dr. Manikantan of KMC and their team assisted the surgeons in conducting the camp. Bone Density and Neuropathy tests were also conducted. Shri H Nagaraj Bhat, Hon. Secretary and Shri P Vinod Shenoy, Treasurer of Seva Bharathi, Shri Umesh Shenoy, the Convener, “Anantha Soukhya” and volunteers of Seva Bharathi were present during the occasion. A total of 148 members utilized the camp and medicines were provided free of cost to the needy.

Anantha Soukhya, a forum of Seva Bharathi for serving the Senior Citizens organized a talk on “Music Therapy in preventing Dementia” at 4.00 pm in the conference hall of Chetana Child Development Centre. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Subramaniam, Professor and Unit Chief of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery), Yenepoya Medical College, Deralakatte, the speaker inaugurated the session by lighting the lamp along with the dignitaries on the dais; Shri H. Nagaraj Bhat (Honorary Secretary) & Shri P. Vinod Shenoy (Treasurer) of Seva Bharathi and Shri Umesh Shenoy (convenor of Anantha Soukhya). The speaker using ppt presentation explained the various reasons/causes of dementia. It is not curable but can be prevented or controlled. Involving the audience, the doctor by singing, clapping & dancing on popular classical songs specially composed in raag ‘maalkauns’ made the audience also to feel the changes. The audience also asked to sing/clap/step on the songs of their choice and experience the effects in the body which improves brain/memory functioning. Among other techniques, speaker advised that the music therapy like singing or listening songs, bhajans, playing musical instruments have been considered most effective method in Dementia management and engaging in music has been proven to prevent the onset of dementia and slowdown its further deterioration. The talk benefitted 116 participants. The doctor also inaugurated the “Deepawali exhibition and Sale Counter” of Diyas and other handmade items by the children of Chetana Special School arranged in their premises.

105 children of Chetana Child Development Center celebrated Rakshabandhan on 19th August 2024 along with their Headmistress, Teachers, Aayas and Volunteers in a simple yet heartwarming function. Tilak was applied on their foreheads after an Arathi, and then Rakhis were tied to all, fostering the spirit of brotherhood. Sweets were distributed at the end.