Târâyana News

The Association for Learning, Performing Arts and Normative Action (ALPANA) is a special organization that looks after the physically and mentally challenged individuals in India. The mission of the organization is the promotion of performing arts and facilitation holistic human development. ALPANA organizes annual gatherings where differently abled children can express their creativity through the performing arts.

“SAMBHAV” is a Hindi word meaning “Possible”. SAMBHAV 2009 brought together 28 groups of differently abled individuals from eight different countries for the two days (13-14 Nov 2009) of festivities, experience sharing and learning. Bhutan was represented by Ms. Duptho Zangmo, Mr. Lhakpa Dorji and Mr. Darjey Wangdi. Mr. Pema Gyalpo of Tarayana facilitated the visit and the Bhutan-India Friendship Association sponsored the team’s participation.

The participation in this meeting gave many ideas and pointers on dealing with disabilities. It helped our participants learn about the new approaches and inclusive policies being implemented in our neighbouring countries. It also brought to the fore that there was still a lot to be done in the service of the differently abled in our own country, starting with improving access to all commercial and public facilities for starters. The two days festivities and meetings brought home the message that with the correct support and facilitation, most differently abled could also live meaningful and richer lives.

For Pema Gyalpo, he found the experience “eye opening” and very “educative”. He was happy to have been able to lead the small delegation of Bhutanese participants and hoped that more could be done to improve their living and working conditions back home.