On the 15th of August, India’s Independence Day, 47 differently abled children from the SCAD-Nirman Anbu Illam school performed a spectacular dance.

Independence Day, one of the three national holidays in India is observed in all the states and union territories commemorating India’s independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. This day is observed all over India including in Tirunelveli with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. Indians celebrate by displaying the national flag and wearing Orange, Green and White, listening to patriotic songs, watching patriotic movies and spending time with family and friends. Over time the celebration has changed from a nationalistic show to a more relaxed, festive experience where friends and family make merry.

This year, the diffently abled children of Anbu Illam took part in the District level Independence Day function. Cultural programmes by Tirunelveli school children enthralled the gathering. National flags of different sizes were used abundantly by the rejoicing students. The mixture of popular culture with nationalism was exemplified by outfits dyed with the tricolor and designer garments that represented the various cultural traditions of India.

A total of 47 differently abled children gave a splendid performance that brought tears to the eyes of the spectators. During the dance recital, 9 children performed doing hand movements with flags whilst sitting in their wheel chairs arranged on two sides while the remaining students danced in the middle. All leading Tamil newspapers carried news of the Anbu Illam children the next day.

The dance master said, “I enjoy teaching these children to dance. They were very interested in practicing and even if I would think twice before I taught them a particular step, they’d come forward asking me to go ahead teaching them, assuring me that they would try and do any difficult step. This only reflects the passion that they have towards dance.”