December 2017 -

Monthly Archives: December 2017

Christmas and New Year Celebrations at MBCN

Christmas and New Year Celebrations at MBCN

Christmas is all about sharing and being generous. It is a time where people come together to give and receive, and spread the love and mirth wherever they go. With the festive spirit in full swing, the staff and volunteers at The Ponty Chadha Foundation left no stone unturned in touching lives and making a difference in the world of the underprivileged.

On December 24th, a special winter carnival was organised, wherein several stalls were placed. The stalls featured exciting and engaging games like Lucky 7, glass game, marble game, ring game, coin game, and Abra Ka Dabra. Besides this, the guests could indulge in their favourite foods like Chole Bhature, Jalebi, Biryani, Pizza, Chinese delights, and South Indian snacks. The crowd spanned across all age groups and backgrounds, and it was heartwarming to see everyone come together and enjoy themselves in the best way possible.

This year, the special attraction at the winter carnival was the ‘Let’s Share’ Corner, where people could donate things like toys, clothes, stationery, books, home furnishings etc. The purpose of this corner was to not just provide to those in need, but to also encourage children to share with others.

Djembe Circle, an open drumming platform, was also a major highlight at the carnival, which was a not-for-profit initiative that stands for different causes, and promotes harmony through music and various stage acts. This drum-based therapy is an ancient approach that uses rhythms to promote healing and self expression. It also allows people to be involved in a hands-on way. Needless to say, it was a hit with the guests. The carnival also had a Pink Corner, which was to raise awareness around crimes against women.

The one thing that the children anxiously waited for towards the end of the carnival was Santa, who came like a whirlwind and delighted everyone with different surprise gifts. The sheer happiness on the children’s faces says it all!

The fun-filled day ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Vandana Sharma (MBCN director).

Healing the world… one campaign at a time!

Healing the world… one campaign at a time!

If there is one thing the world needs more than money, it is acceptance. Acceptance of those who can’t speak, hear, or comprehend. Shunning stereotypes around disability is the need of the hour, and as human beings, if we don’t take stock of the situation now, we are headed for utter doom and despair. There are several institutions and government-led bodies that deliberate over such issues, but India has a long way to go in making a difference that truly lasts.

With that being said, 2017 has been a pivotal year for MBCN, as it has led two distinguished campaigns revolving around World Disability Day and sign language. Both campaigns have not just highlighted the pressing issues at hand regarding disability, but have also educated the masses and raised awareness in a way that has had lasting effects.

Let’s start with #ConnectingSigns

This was an initiative by The Ponty Chadha Foundation, which not just taught the masses about sign language and its importance in society, but has also made people realise that specially-abled children, despite their disabilities, have numerous talents and skills that can shape the world in a wonderful and meaningful way.

The MBCN teachers and students went to several institutions and local eateries to share important knowledge on sign language, and taught different gestures, all of which were truly enlightening.

What really topped it all, was the Indian national anthem in sign language, which garnered 2,144,759 views on Facebook, besides reaching 9,664,507 viewers. In addition this, there were 25,000+ shares that really got the ball rolling in the right direction for the overall purpose of this campaign. In a nutshell, many hearts were touched on virtual as well as off-line platforms.

#BeyondDisability

This World Disability Day, the teachers and students at MBCN were on a mission to raise awareness about differently-abled kids, as they went about spreading their messages and thoughts across 100 schools in Noida. Besides generating hope to build a greater understanding around disability, the initiative gave way to open minds and positive attitudes.

Building a child’s self-esteem and self-worth is of paramount importance, especially when it comes to children with disability. Such children have so much to offer, but our regressive ways fail to take this into consideration. According to MBCN teachers, a loving and generous attitude is not just curtailed to the school space, but must be practiced at home too.

Through the #BeyondDisability campaign, the MBCN teachers managed to reach 100,000 students, and instill the power of positivity and love in all.

World Disability Day Celebrations at MBCN

World Disability Day Celebrations at MBCN

Being disabled should not be a reason for low self-esteem or lack of confidence, nor should it be a reason to view and treat people differently. As a society, if we help the specially-abled, we not only boost their confidence, but also help in improving their mental as well as physical health.

On the World Disability Day this year, MBCN took various initiatives to spread awareness around disability, and helped educate the masses on the importance of inclusiveness, apathy and action, through their campaign #BeyondDisability. The various activities carried out by MBCN and its staff were exclusively featured in India’s leading newspapers and media channels, such as Hindustan Times, Amar Ujala and Navodaya Times. Besides this, a live coverage was also showcased on social media channels, that gave real-time updates of the events to everyone on a global scale. Needless to say, the impact has been immense, and the change has stirred many mindsets across the nation.

The MBCN teachers successfully went from school to school, sowing fruitful seeds of thought that centred around an equal society that goes beyond disability for all. Spreading awareness about disability, they were the torchbearers of change who led the mission to its stupendous success. A robust call to action was urged through social media channels like Facebook and Twitter, wherein Dr. Vandana Sharma, Director of MBCN, shared her thoughts and views regarding children with disability, and how despite the uphill struggles, there is always a way and solution that gives room to a brighter tomorrow.

Numerous case studies were also highlighted, which brilliantly captured the essence of the campaign. Parents, along with their specially-abled children, shared some thought-provoking experiences, which struck an emotional connect with the audience. They stressed on the importance of a loving and caring environment, not only in schools, but at home as well, which helps children flourish, despite their physical or mental drawbacks.

In addition to this, many specially-abled children came forward to share their success stories and spoke on how they have not let social taboos and stereotypes keep them from achieving their goals and dreams. All in all, the #BeyondDisability campaign at MBCN has created a movement that will not die out anytime soon. But will, instead, light the way for others, and will create a society that thrives on equality, love and acceptance for all.

Connecting Signs – The Ripples of Success

Connecting Signs – The Ripples of Success

Disabilities go beyond race, culture, age, gender and religion. As a society, we have always had the tendency to box people under different labels, and “categories”. But what we don’t realise is that humanity transcends beyond these stereotypes. Humans are beautiful and capable in every way, and they have a lot to offer the world; more than we can ever fathom.

Connecting Signs, an initiative by The Ponty Chadha Foundation, has not just educated the masses about sign language and its importance, but has also made people realise that specially-abled children, despite their disabilities, have endless amounts of talents and skills that can shape the world in a wonderful and meaningful way.

Over the last two months, the children of MBCN have left no stone unturned in making the Connecting Signs campaign a successful one. They went to several institutions and local eateries to share some knowledge on sign language, and taught different gestures and words, all of which were truly enlightening.

What really topped it all, however, was the Indian national anthem in sign language, which garnered 2,144,759 views on Facebook, besides reaching 9,664,507 viewers. To add to these fantastic figures, the 25,000+ shares really got the ball rolling in the right direction for the overall purpose of this campaign. In a nutshell, many hearts were touched on virtual as well as off-line platforms.

It has only been a couple of months, but the Connecting Signs campaign, has created countless ripples of change in our society. People have walked away with a sense of pride and wonder on seeing these special children, and their sheer positivity that outshines the disabilities they may have had.

Beyond Disability with MBCN

Beyond Disability with MBCN

Each year, the UN, along with the rest of the world, recognises World Disability Day, wherein specially-abled people are encouraged and empowered through skill-enabling activities, events and thought-provoking messages. The yearly theme provides an overarching focus on how the global communities can aim for greater inclusivity by removing technological, physical, and rigid points of view, that revolve around disability.

For World Disability Day 2017, the theme as advocated by the UN is ‘Transformation towards a sustainable and resilient society for all’. Going in sync with this idea, the MBCN faculty and staff have initiated a campaign called #BeyondDisability. True to its name and concept, the campaign is a sincere attempt at breaking stereotypes and taboos that come with disability.

This World Disability Day, the teachers and students at MBCN are on a mission to raise awareness about differently-abled kids, as they go about spreading their messages and thoughts across 100 schools in Noida. Besides sensitising the society, the MBCN teachers hope to build a greater understanding around disability, and to give way to open minds and positive attitudes.

Loving and caring gestures are not just pivotal in the school space, but are integral when it comes to building the child’s self-esteem and self-worth. Children with special abilities have a plethora of talents and skills to offer, which the society fails to take into consideration, due to self-made inhibitions and reservations.

With this ongoing campaign, MBCN teachers aim to reach 100,000 students, and instill the power of positivity in all. Going #BeyondDisability and accepting people for what and who they are is a thought that needs to find a permanent home in our minds. Unless we create a stir, we won’t witness ripples of change.

Here are some pictures that showcase the pride and resilience in the MBCN teachers and students, who are making a difference and breaking the shackles, that go #BeyondDisability.