Specially-abled students leave people spellbound with stunning performances in Baramulla

Baramulla, Dec 5: The students of the Blind, Deaf and Dumb School in Baramulla on Tuesday left the audience spellbound with their exceptional performances in connection with the International Disability Day.

The specially-abled students, ranging from those with visual impairment to those who were mute, showcased their talents with confidence, delivering a powerful message that they are second to none in their capabilities.

The stage lit up with vibrant performances as the visually impaired students sang soulful songs and Qawali, captivating the audience with their musical prowess.

Simultaneously, the mute students stole the show with mesmerising dance items, expressing themselves through graceful movements. A few students also addressed the gathering in sign language, breaking communication barriers and leaving a lasting impact on the gathering.

Twins Rafia and Majid, hailing from Pattan area of Baramulla were the star attraction of the event. Majid, a 10th-grade student, visually impaired, hosted the show with remarkable confidence, while Rafia, also visually impaired, showcased her singing prowess, leaving the audience in awe.

The Blind, Deaf and Dumb School, established in 2012 in Baramulla town was inaugurated by late General Bipin Rawat. Run by the NGO Northern Federation of Blind, the school is registered with the school education department and currently accommodates 83 students as well. "This year the first batch of students will appear in the 10th-grade annual board exams," Principal of the school, Nazia said.

Despite facing challenges, including changing locations due to a lack of a permanent campus, the school has been resilient in providing quality education to its students.

The school was first run from a rented building at Deewan Bagh and later shifted to Khoja Bagh where from it has been shifted to Sangri (Kanli Bagh) area of the Baramulla town.

The principal, while sharing the school's journey, expressed the need for a permanent campus, citing that the former Chief Minister Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in 2017 has assured to provide land for a permanent campus for the school.

"We urge the government to provide land for the permanent campus of this school and let it be run under the supervision of the Social Welfare Department. A permanent land will provide relief to these specially-abled students," principal said.

On the occasion, the 22 Medium Regiment of the Army headed by Col Akash Menon extended its support by distributing Pherans among all the students owing to the onset of winter months.