A platform for differently abled children and adults to excel on stage

Following the first ever and successful Dirijaya Prathibha variety show in 2013, ‘Dirijaya Prathibha 2017 – The Journey Continues...’ will take place on Saturday, October 21 at the Nelum Pokuna Colombo. The event is organised by the Enable the Disabled Foundation, the CSR arm of The Management Club, a body of professional managers.

Dirijaya Prathibha is a unique event where popular artistes from the local music and drama scene will perform alongside children and adults with disabilities who are talented but still relatively unknown or not recognized in the country. The show will highlight their talents and raise awareness of the need for them to be encouraged and integrated into society.

The Chief Guest at the event will be the Minister of Local Government and Provincial Councils, Faizer Musthapha, under whose Ministry children’s parks are being managed.

The event will include segments conducted by over 70 performers. The Brand Ambassador for Enable the Disabled Foundation is popular singer, Dushyanth Weeraman who will perform at the event. Dushyanth will be joined by leading artistes Bhathiya and Santhush, Mariazelle Goonatilleke, Rukshan Perera, Lahiru Perera, Kingsouth, Sahan Ranwala, Stephanie Siriwardhana and Imani Perera.

The audience will also see performances from children and adults of the School for the Deaf, School for the Blind, ACT4, Diri Daru Piyasa, the Lyceum International School, Chitra Lane School and the Wheel Chair Dance Sport Association.

Project Co-Chairperson, Jazaya Hassendeen said, “There are only a few restrictions on accessing the tools of art. However, musical instruments, paintbrushes, pencils or video cameras are fairly adaptable. Since art is infinite and unconditional, people with disabilities are free to express themselves without physical, social, or attitudinal barriers.”

She also explained that if these values are inculcated in these children from a very young age they will then be carried to adulthood and the next generation will be different. “Social and economic inclusion is something that children and adults with disabilities have to advocate or fight for today.”

Proceeds of the event will go towards funding the project ‘Play for All” initiated by the Foundation where children’s parks will be upgraded to include equipment that would also cater to children with disabilities. A location has been identified in Colombo to initiate the first such park in the near future.