Children with special needs ‘Play with Colour’
A little boy holding the hand of a young man was going inside Drik Gallery. The boy in a blue shirt and blue shorts could be around 3/4 years old. At the gallery, there were quite a few kids of that age wearing the same blue shirt -- the uniform of students at 'School for Gifted Children'. The exhibition, titled 'Play with Colour' features artworks by these little ones.
Advisor to the Prime Minister, Hossain Taufique Imam, inaugurated the exhibition on December 8. A book on autism by Marufa Hossain was launched at the event.
"I feel fortunate to be present here amongst these wonderful kids," said Hossain Taufique Imam, the chief guest. He further said that the government will make sure that the School for Gifted Children gets the necessary assistance and that autistic children are provided with the required facilities.
"When I received the invitation, I didn't hesitate a moment to agree," said Sanjay Prakash, CEO of HSBC. "It's nice to spend a colourful moment with these gifted children. We will continue to extend our hand for noble causes such as this."
Marufa Hossain said, "Being a mother of an autistic child, and having had 12 years of experience, I felt the need for a book that would guide parents on how to take care of their child with special needs. I suffered a lot in the beginning due to lack of advice and guidelines. I don't want another parent to go through that. I thank my daughter who waited for me to have dinner together till 12 am, while I was busy at the press.” The book will be available at Tauri Foundation as well as selected bookstores.
Ashfaque Ul Kabir, executive director of Tauri Foundation, said that the organisation is working to establish the rights of special children. There are ongoing programmes, rehabs etc for these kids.
"Autistic children are not retarded. It's not a disease but a state that needs lifelong support," said Emran Ahmed, a parent and host of the programme.
"My son's colour concept still needs to develop but he did two paintings in two days. He thoroughly enjoyed the work," said Shelly.
"It was a bit painstaking to help my child, Sami, to focus on the art but he wanted to do it. It feels good to see his painting on the wall," said Ruma, another parent.
These little hands possess much skill and their eyes have colourful dreams -- this was evident from the paintings. Shaheed Minar, a hand, portrait of mom and dad -- all these display the emotions that are hidden within these young minds.
The exhibition ends on December 10.
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