Every year, in the month of November, SAMMAN members look forward to participating in a cultural and awareness program. This year too there was education and enjoyment. Kavita Shanbhag arranged two radio awareness programs, one in Hindi with Dr. Urvashi Shah (Trinayani FM Radio 7th Nov) on their program ‘Mud Mud Ke Na Dekh’ which specializes in creating disability awareness and one in Marathi on Asmita Vahini FM Rainbow radio channel with Dr. Sushil Tandel which was aired on 16th November. On 21st November we had an epilepsy awareness program for employees at Axis Bank at their corporate office in Worli. The program was initiated by epilepsy supporter Meera Rajendran who works with Axis Bank. Dr. Urvashi Shah, Ignatius Misquitta, Kavita Shanbhag and Carol D’Souza participated in the program.
On the 24th of November at Ravindra Natya Mandir mini auditorium we had a 3 hour ‘Epilepsy Appreciation Day’ program. After the prayer and traditional lighting of the lamp, Samman members commenced the program with a welcome dance.
Prior to the program we requested many neurologists to ask their epilepsy patients and their caregivers to apply for the Living Courageously with Epilepsy (LCWE) Award and the Most Supportive Caregiver (MSC) Award. Shenaz Haveliwala who in her story recounted her trials and tribulations with epilepsy won the LCWE Award which comprised a certificate and a cheque of Rs.5000/-. The most supportive caregiver award was shared by 5 persons: Rita Fernandes, Malini Alate, Manisha Thosar, Usha Badri & Malti Barade who each got a certificate and a cash prize of Rs.1000/-. We also had a fancy dress competition which was very enjoyable. The 1st prize was awarded to Christopher Fernandes for his dress and rendition of a coolie’s life; the second was awarded to (Dr.) Ashish Borgaonkar whose prescriptions for a healthy life regaled all and the 3rd prize was shared by Yasmin Rodrigues who came ‘All Wired’ and ‘Desi Cowboy’ Nitin Agarwal.
Carol D’Souza presented on ‘What’s Going Right In Our Lives’ which detailed how technology, government programs (health insurance, education, disability law), and new drugs, are helping in better diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with epilepsy. She also took a positive look at Epilepsy & Marriage and Epilepsy & Employment and how ECell/ Samman is helping empower people with epilepsy.
We also took the opportunity, at this program, to remember Alpana Palan one of our very dear members who passed away very suddenly on the 15th of November 2012.
The second half of the program comprised a musical program put up by our member and long-time supporter Ashokbhai Parekh, his Guru Gagan Singh and teenage vocalist Priyanka and backup musicians. Their lively performance brought on stage very many members who danced with such gay abandon that it was a pure joy to watch.
The program will be etched in our memories for a long time to come.