Journey of Inspiration for the Differently-Abled Must Continue: Dr. Shrikant Kelkar
Pune: The ‘Dr. Helen Keller Memorial Award’, presented by the Adkar Foundation, was awarded to Reena Patil, who has overcome blindness and stood on her own feet. The award was presented by senior ophthalmologist and founder of the National Institute of Ophthalmology, Dr. Shrikant Kelkar. This award is given annually on the birth anniversary of the late visually impaired social worker Dr. Helen Keller. The award ceremony took place on Thursday (27th) at 11 a.m. at the Patrakar Bhavan in Navi Peth. The event was attended by Dilip Shelwante, National Advisor of the National Federation of the Blind, Mrs. Maithili Adkar, and Mrs. Aruna Kelkar. Promod Adkar introduced the work of the foundation in his introductory speech, and Nirupama Mahajan conducted the event.
Dr. Shrikant Kelkar said, “Bringing the journey of an inspiring person to everyone is itself inspirational. The work of the Adkar Foundation is encouraging. One must keep moving forward without fearing challenges. Society should continue to support visually impaired individuals. The journey of inspiration should continually progress.”
Expressing her thoughts, Reena Patil said, “Visually impaired individuals should not sit around seeking sympathy. Even if we lack vision, other senses are active, and we should work with this determination. Society should treat visually impaired and differently-abled individuals just like everyone else. One should move forward with a smiling face, setting aside the sorrow in the heart.”
Dilip Shelwante remarked, “The work done for visually impaired individuals is satisfactory but not sufficient; it needs to grow.”
In the latter part of the program, a poetry gathering on the theme ‘From Darkness to Light’ was organized, featuring participants such as Srinivas Sharangpani, Vasanti Vaidya, Rajshree Lele, Swapnil Pore, and Saudamini Sane. The event was anchored by Vaijayanti Apte.
