The Down Syndrome community in Coimbatore came together on the 15th and 16th of March to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day with a series of impactful events. The two-day celebration included an awareness event at Brookefields Mall and a full-fledged medical camp at IMA Hall, both aimed at promoting inclusion and well-being for individuals with Down syndrome.
Day 1: Awareness Event at Brookefields Mall
On March 15th, Brookefields Mall witnessed a heartwarming and inspiring awareness event featuring self-advocates with Down syndrome in action. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd, who not only watched but also actively encouraged and supported our self-advocates. Many attendees stepped forward to interact and take photos with our children, creating an atmosphere of warmth and inclusion.
The event was made possible through the generous support of the Brookefields Mall team, led by Mr. Ashwin and Ms. Sujatha, who provided an excellent platform to voice the expectations and aspirations of individuals with Down syndrome.
Distinguished speakers at the event included:
- Dr. Surekha Ramachandran, President, Down Syndrome Federation of India (DSFI)
- Dr. Pradeep Kumar, Geneticist and Founder, Geneomm
- Mr. Mohan, Parent Advocate
They passionately spoke about the need for an inclusive society and urged people to accept individuals with Down syndrome as they are, rather than trying to mould them to fit societal expectations. Our self-advocates made it an evening to remember with their wonderful performances. The programs continued after the Mall activity, when all our members moved to another venue – the Gujarati Samaj, to continue the celebrations followed by a dinner.
Day 2: Medical Camp at IMA Hall
The second day, March 16th, featured a comprehensive medical camp at IMA Hall, organized in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). The camp was a resounding success, with nearly 50 self-advocates receiving personalized medical attention.
IMA has generously pledged to provide the hall free of cost every year for World Down Syndrome Day celebrations, further strengthening community support for this cause. Additionally, IAP expressed their willingness to continue partnering for the well-being of individuals with Down syndrome.
One of the sponsors of the event, Rotary, also expressed their interest in future collaborations, ensuring continued support and advocacy for the Down syndrome community.
Looking Ahead
The Coimbatore Down Syndrome Camp not only provided a platform for awareness and medical support but also reinforced the commitment of various organizations and individuals toward building an inclusive society. With continued partnerships and support from organizations like Brookefields Mall, IMA, IAP, and Rotary, the future looks promising for self-advocates and their families.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, supporters, and volunteers who made this event a grand success. Together, we can create a world where individuals with Down syndrome are celebrated, accepted, and empowered!
