Specially-abled children join Navy celebrations

Mumbai, Nov 20: Hundreds of differently-abled children from schools across the city were taken for a 45-minute cruise in Naval Ferry crafts 'Vihar and Vahini' at the ongoing 'Navy Week Celebrations-2006' being celebrated by the Western Fleet here today.

Children in the age group of 5 to 18 years from the Society for the Education of the Crippled(SEC) day school, Sankalp, City Mission of India Society and other physically-challenged school children boarded the Ferry crafts from the Lions Gate harbour in two groups.

Talking to UNI, Commander Aniruddha Sohoni said the Western Fleet has a long tradition of inviting guests during it's Navy Week programmes. Magic shows and other events such as games are also organised, he added.

During the cruise, Naval personnel spoke to the awestruck and excited children regarding the history and importance of different Naval vessels and ships berthed along the harbour.

Priti Sawant, teacher with SEC day school said the children are very excited with the entire concept as they rarely get a chance to live a normal life or do things like others.

She added the Navy, through such exercises, leave a lasting impact on the children and they frequently express the desire to join the service.

A teenager, Meenaxi Jadav (16), expressed joy and satisfaction at being taken for a cruise.

''I want to regularly come here and enjoy the seas,'' she remarked.

Another teenager Abbas Sheikh(15), says he wants to join the Navy to enjoy these cruises.

UNI