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Towards inclusion for all

By on February 04, 2014

‘LOKVISHWAS PRATISHTHAN’ is working towards increasing the facilities for special children with visual and hearing imparities, mental diabilities, so they may enjoy the same amenities as those in regular schools

It was in 1981 that Narayan Athawale, the then Editor of Goan Marathi daily Gomantak, wrote an editorial in the newspaper about the problems and issues of blind people in the state. The article created awareness and as a result, the first meeting of parents of many children with disabilities was held in the newspaper’s office, where it was decided that Gomantak would play a leading role in fundraising in the disability sector.

A trust was established, with Athawale as executive trustee. The first trustees of Lokvishwas Pratishthan were Late Vaman Radhakrishna, Late Dr Savlo Keni and Usha Kelker.

A public call for money was raised and within a week `33,000 was collected.

It was decided that the first school would be for the hearing impaired. The trust was founded on July 17, 1981, and on August 16 of that year, it opened the first school for people with disabilities in Goa. A residential school, it was located in rented premises in Ponda and catered to 18 students with hearing impairments in its first year.

Read the full article in 'Viva Goa' magazine copy.
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