Hub of activities

Tamana campus has always been in the center of activities of all kinds: high profile visits, festivals, cultural events, fashion shows etc. Tamana's students take part in these events with full enthusiasm. Sometimes they are participants to the events and sometimes they are mere spectators. But in both the cases, they love to be a part them. Memories of many such events will never fade away from our minds. These are moments that show that our kids don't live on a segregated island; they are all part of the wonderful phenomenon called society. And they also show that people are not indifferent to the special kids. They do have love to sprinkle into the lives of those who are deprived of it.

"Moonlight Impressionism" -Ballet by Padamshree Shovana Narayan, New Delhi, 18th February 2006.

Ms Shovana Narayan, a well-acclaimed classical dancer and choreographer graciously came forward to perform her famous ballet "Moonlight Impressionism" for Tamana students and parents. "Moonlight Impressionism" is one of those unique experiments of Shovana Narayan, which sought to bring together the Western and Indian classical music through an exquisite love story, painted in the tradition of Kathak. The story was so bewitchingly depicted by Shovana ji and her pupils to the accompaniment of music that it mesmerized the audience. The students of Tamana and Tamana Chona also put up separate performances prior to the ballet which touched the heart of every one present.

Circle of Life- Tamana Payal Jain Fashion Show, New Delhi, March 4, 2005

Circle of Life, the Spring Summer Collection of Fashion Designer Payal Jain, was presented at the Tamana Payal Jain Fashion Show at the Hyatt Regency. The charity event, held under the aegis of Tamana Association, was dedicated to mobilize funds for building a sheltered workshop for moving the disabled to complete economic rehabilitation.

The show unfolded with the Tamana children performing a dance sequence choreographed by Giles Chuwen. The fashion show had Tamana students sharing the ramp with the top models of India, incorporated the motto of the International disability movement: Nothing About Us Without Us. Taking to the ramp, clad in Payal Jain ensembles were some of leading names from the Indian modeling world-Anupama Verma, Jesse Randhawa, Carol Gracias, Diandra Soares, Nayanika Charrerjee, Sapna Kumar, Monikangkana. The last ramp sequence found the Tamana children matching steps with these models draped in the enchanting silhouettes from Payal's Collection. The culmination of the show was a harmonious rendition of "We are the World" by the little angels on stage directed by George Pulenkala.

The fashion show carried forward the year 2004 International Disability Day's theme, that is, full and equal participation by persons with disabilities in social life and development. Today people with disability do not want to be viewed as "objects" of welfare policies. Persons with disability have started to enjoy the full spectrum of civil, political, social, cultural and economic rights. People with disability have the right to make their own choices and participate in all areas of like. They have the right to imbibe the latest fashion. The purpose of Fashion is to make everyone look beautiful, irrespective of race, class, creed, colour, ability and disability….

Tamana Christmas Carnival-

The carnival is an event held annually. Earlier the event was held in one of the Tamana branches but since the last two years the event is being held in different high commissions to mobilize the international community to support the cause of the disabled. Tamana tries its best to provide experiences to its students, which they otherwise lack in their daily life. Our students get limited opportunities for enjoyment, recreation and interaction with the wider community because of the societal stigma. These children get limited exposure to the outside world. Every year Tamana organizes a Christmas Carnival, which is a fun day for our students and guests. Such events enhance their social development and create sensitization and awareness about the special needs individuals in the wider society. It is an attempt towards mainstreaming the disabled.

Tamana hosted the 2005's carnival at the Sudan Embassy and 2004 carnival at the Tanzanian Ambassador's Residence. The carnival has kids amusement area, food stalls, fashion show, Santa Claus, Jam session, stalls of local craftsmen, stall of private exhibitors. We also sell products made by our students-like candles, carry bags, towels, paintings, jewelry, bags and bakery products.

We invite people from the local community, international community and corporate houses to spend a day with our students. Our students treasure such interaction with wider society. We also invite the parents of the students so that they can share happy moments with their special child. The event aims at creating and enhancing greater public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with special needs.

Inauguration of Bakery Unit and WHO Course

25th November 2004 was a red-letter day in the history of Tamana. On this day the Canadian High Commissioner to India, Her Excellency Ms. Lucie Edwards, inaugurated two new Projects of Tamana at the Tamana Autism Centre, School of Hope

a) The first six months Certificate Training Course for Teachers of South Asian Region Countries working the intellectually disabled (Sponsored by WHO, South East Asian Region). Tamana Association was identified as the premier NGO in the field of disability by WHO (South East Asian Region Office) to develop and conduct a Training course for teachers working with the intellectually disabled. Tamana Association developed a 6 months certificate course for this purpose.

b) The Bakery Unit of the Vocational Center- With the financial support of Children's Hope India Inc. a New York based NGO, Tamana set up a Commercial Bakery unit to add to its vast list of vocations being taught to its students to ensure economic rehabilitation and self reliance. This unit has disabled friendly, state of the art equipment.

The 1st International Conference on Autism: Alternative strategies, September 3-5 2003, New Delhi (Link to page)

As part of its continuing commitment to autism, Tamana Association organized India's first ever-international conference on autism, 'Autism: Alternative strategies held at new Delhi from 3rd- 5th of September 2003. The conference was followed by a two-day workshop on Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), conducted by Pyramid Educational Consultants Pvt. Ltd. From Australia and UK.

The Indian Government's support for Tamana's work with autism and recognition of its national importance was stressed in inaugural speech given by Mrs. Sheila Dikshit, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Delhi. The inaugural ceremony was attended by the heads of several government department, rehabilitation programs, regular schools, special schools, the diplomatic community in Delhi, the speakers for the conference and workshop and over 400 delegates.

Release of Postage Stamp

The Department of posts, Government of India, created a five-rupee postage stamp dedicated to children with special needs, which was unveiled at the inaugural ceremony of the International Conference on 3rd September 2003 by Mr. Ashok Pradhan, Hon'ble Minister of State for Communication And Information Technology. Students at Tamana Special School made the design for the selected postage stamp. Though the stamp celebrates the special child, the design displays a jigsaw piece, which is the internationally recognized symbol for autism. This is the first Indian stamp to focus on the concepts of special needs and autism and its wide circulation is expected to spread awareness of the same.

Brian Silas Piano Concert

Concert Pianist Brian Silas joined hands with Tamana to strengthen the movement of the disabled with his first ever performance for the world of special needs on September 4, 2002. Ebony and Ivory came together in perfect harmony to create a fantasia of possibilities. The touch of the master's hands transformed the piano keys in to a kaleidoscope of melody, transcending the material world and reaffirming the joy of living for all. This joy reached the special needs individuals through Tamana. This collaboration enabled Tamana to create a new facility for autism.

Kuchipudi Dance Recital:

Another Payal, Payal Ramchandani, disciple of Padmabhushan Raja and Radha Reddy was at the centre of another event organised for the benefit of Tamana. Her Kuchipudi dance recital, organised on 20th Jan 2001 at India Habitat Centre, was an event to remember. The Reddys are known for their love and support to special children. They have trained many special learners such as Kulbir Soni, Neha Tiwari, Ekta Jain, Meenakshi Aich, Niyati Salpekar, Tejkiran Kishore and Manishara Thapa. On this occasion, their disciple Payal made a touching gesture of compassion for the less privileged by dedicating the evening of Kuchipudi dance recital to help make a difference in the lives of children with special needs at Tamana.

Fashion Show:

October 15, 1994 was another memorable day in the history of Tamana. This was the day when mentally impaired students of Tamana stood tall with India's top models in the Durbar hall of Taj Palace Intercontinental, New Delhi. The kids, wearing outfits designed by fashion designer Payal Jain, matched the models step by step with confidence and enthusiasm. The unconventional event showcased our kids' talent and belief in their own abilities.

Rajiv Gandhi Walkathon

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, flagged off the 4000 special and normal students of Delhi's schools at the Rajiv Gandhi Walkathon in memory of the Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi's birth anniversary on August 20 1992

Visits of Nationally and Internationally Renowned Persons

Tamana has been extremely fortunate in receiving the blessings of individuals who have been instrumental in shaping political thought, policies, culture, general attitudes and behavior - both nationally and internationally. Our kids have always got their love and affection and are deeply attached to these patrons.

His Excellency Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, the President of India: His Excellency visited Tamana on 19th August 2003 to inaugurate India's first school for autistic individuals-School of Hope. After inauguration His Excellency took a round of school and interacted personally with the students. The president who had set aside 20 minutes from his busy schedule for the program stayed for over an hour. He was so moved by his interaction with the special children that he wrote and dedicated a song for them, which he wanted to be used as the school song.

Mr. Rajiv Gandhi's visit (ex Prime Minister of India):

The Late Rajiv Gandhi was instrumental in the sanctioning of the land on which Tamana Special School stands today. He helped us at a time when we had nothing but the wealth of our children and few dedicated staff members. He therefore, has a place in our hearts, which no one else could ever fill. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on within us and we continue to draw strength and courage from his faith in us when he visited. Mr.Gandhi had, after a lively interaction with the Tamana kids, said: " I never knew these children could be so loving!"

Lady Diana's day at Tamana:

On February 12, 1992, Her Royal Highness Princess of Wales, the Late Lady Diana graced Tamana Special School with her regal presence. For the children of the school, it was a memorable day indeed. After all, it is not every day that a Princess from a distant land visits your classrooms.

The highlight of her visit was when she helped a special child unveil a plaque to inaugurate the new building. Lady Diana evinced keen interest about the activities that the children were involved in, as well as family interaction with the school program. She was shown the new building after making a round of the dilapidated hutments and were, till that time, the makeshift classrooms that the children used.

Throughout her visit, 'Lady Di', as she prefers to be called, exuded a calm, simple warmth. Her love for the handicapped was starkly evident in the fact that she established an immediate rapport with all the children. The children showed their love for her when each one presented her with handicrafts and other gift items that they had made with their own hands. A fitting end to a veritable red-letter day for Tamana!

Mrs Sonia Gandhi's visit: (Chairperson Rajiv Gandhi Foundation)

On March 28, 1994, Mrs. Gandhi visited Tamana to formally inaugurate the Rajiv Gandhi Outreach cum Research Cell. With Mrs. Sonia Gandhi's personal involvement with the school in August 1992 and then again in March 1994, we feel that not only do we have her support, but also a continuation of her husband Mr. Rajiv Gandhi's love for our children.

Mrs. Gandhi was extremely keen on visiting the school on a normal working day in order to observe the educational and therapeutic training process meted out to each of our students.

Aishwarya Rai's interaction with kids:

When Ms. Aishwarya Rai was crowned Miss World in 1994, she visited Tamana school and interacted with our children. Children enjoyed talking with her and there was a rush to take her autographs. Ms. Rai's genuine interest in the children was apparent in the questions she asked to our kids.