On Feb.11, the wheelchair-accessible wooden pathway was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin at Elliot’s Beach.

The idea to set up this pathway was mooted way back in 2016 on World Disability Day, when the then Deputy Commissioner-Works, K.S.Kandaswamy, IAS, visited Vidya Sagar (a disability services and support organisation in Kotturpuram) and held discussions with the students over there. When asked which place they would like to visit, most of them suggested the beach. At that time, there was no provision for people with disabilities to visit the beach as it was not accessible by wheelchairs.

The Disability Rights Alliance Tamilnadu (DRA TN) team also felt that it was the duty of the government to make public places (including beaches) accessible for people with disabilities. Thus, they met the GCC Commissioner, who set up a group of officials for this purpose. They also met Raj Cherubal, CEO of Chennai Smart City, and local community members, including environmentalists, vendors, fishermen groups, residents and beach users in this regard.

Their efforts bore fruit, and the first pathway was set up at Marina Beach in 2022, following which it was agreed to make Elliot’s Beach wheelchair accessible.

There were some initial hiccups regarding the exact location of the pathway. While the officials suggested it be put up at the Ashtalakshmi Temple beach, DRA TN preferred to have the ramp at the most happening location on the beach. It was finally decided to put it up on the main road. 

Accordingly, the plan was put into action, and a wooden open pathway with railings was constructed with a beach viewing deck in full compliance with CRZ rules. This has become a big hit among beachgoers. There are a few wooden benches on both sides of the pathway where people can sit. 

The DRA TN team wanted this pathway to be an inclusive path so that apart from people with disabilities, even elderly people, children and pregnant women can use it. There are beach wheelchairs that people with disabilities can make use of, and they are kept in a storage container on the road, outside the path. The wheelchairs are fitted with special floating wheels that can even go on water.

Special parking slots have been reserved (5 nos) for the vehicles of people with disabilities. DRA TN is now working on toilets to be put up in an area closest to the pathway. Work will begin on this shortly.

The next project will be to make Thiruvanmiyur Beach wheelchair accessible, and a tender for the same is said to have been issued.

As part of a community support development program for persons with disabilities, the students were trained to act as monitors and liaison agents, ensuring the protection of the trees. They will also educate park visitors weekly about the importance of native trees, fostering awareness and inclusion.

This thoughtful initiative highlights the synergy between environmental conservation and empowering individuals with disabilities. Vidya Sagar is a prominent organisation dedicated to disability empowerment, based out of Kotturpuram. They can be contacted at 98400 87540.

A walk along the Buckingham Canal

On the occasion of Children’s Day, an enthusiastic group of students from Sri Sankara Vidyashramam Matriculation Higher Sec. School, Thiruvanmiyur, embarked on a unique and educational nature and heritage walk along the Buckingham Canal in Thiruvanmiyur. 

This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), offered students an opportunity to connect with the natural and cultural heritage of their surroundings. Volunteers from EFI shared the importance of Buckingham Canal which once served as a major waterway, facilitating trade and transportation. 

“It reinforced the importance of preserving the environment and instilled a sense of responsibility in each participant to protect and cherish the resources,” said a statement from the school.

Special puppet show steals the celebrations at Olcott School

Children’s Day was celebrated at Olcott School, Besant Nagar, with much pomp. A presentation about Pandit Nehru was screened for students. Teachers sang a song and recited a poem written by them for the students. Prizes were given for various competitions held earlier. 

The highlight of the celebration was a puppet show organised by the teachers wherein the importance of vegetables, a few rhymes and a story were depicted. Students enjoyed the celebration. The Rotary Club of Chennai Mitra donated library books, charts and maps to the school.

The event served the participants a unique experience in teamwork, leadership and communication skills, while also holding a more profound purpose – it raised funds for Vidya Sagar, a 38-year-old Kotturpuram-based organisation dedicated to working with individuals with multiple disabilities.

The adventure-packed activities at Sadya included rock climbing, rappelling, slow cycling, dynamic obstacle courses, caterpillar races, and more. Adventure Zone, a leading Chennai-based outward-bound training company, organised the event.

Chief guest Sai Akash, captain of the National Deaf Cricket team, participated in the valedictory ceremony and gave away the prizes.

From handmade paper diaries and stationeries to intricately woven foot mats and beautifully designed paper bags, one will find perfect gifts that embody entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.

“Exquisite products! Congrats!” said Viswanathan Anand, Indian chess Grandmaster and global brand ambassador for Vidya Sagar. Explore over 30 NGO stalls presenting an impressive array of products across Tamil Nadu. Delight your senses with delectable food and bakery delights, some skillfully crafted in our cafe. Engage in hands-on experiences at activity corners, trying your hand at weaving, paper bag making, block printing, and thread painting.

Be part of this inclusive celebration, where dreams come to life for all. On Sept.30 and Oct.1, from 11 am to 7 pm at Vidya Sagar, 1, Ranjith Road, Kotturpuram. For more information, contact Mangala Kumari – 95004 80049; Amirtharaj – 97908 01905.