Pune: ‘UDAAN’ Program Showcases Talent of Differently-Abled Children
Pune, 17th July 2025 : In a heartfelt initiative to provide a platform for differently-abled children to express their artistic talents, the social organisation YOUTH – The Power to Change organised a Special Event titled ‘ UDAAN ’. The Event took place at the Annabhau Sathe Auditorium and witnessed enthusiastic participation from 11 Institutions with over 250 children & 24 performances performing various art forms including classical music, group singing and dance. The highlight of the Event was the presence of Padmashree Awardee and India’s First Paralympic Gold Medalist, Murlikant Petkar* , who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.
Institutions such as Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Dadachi Shala, Ayodhya Charitable Trust, PRA Foundation, Aadhar Mukhbadhir School, Sawali Foundation, Dnyandeep Balgruh, Shri Sai Seva Mentally Challenged School, Vision School & Rehabilitation Center For Blind Dumb & Deaf, Kamayani School for Mentally Handicapped, Nigdi and Shravasti Aadhar Foundation were represented at the Event. Notably Ms. Sayali Agawane, recipient of the Nari Shakti Puraskar from the President of India also showcased her artistic talent. Special dance performances were delivered by Reveurs Dance Studio, Inclination Dance Studio and Nupra Bharatnatyam Dance Academy. Additionally 11 differently abled students were felicitated for their Exceptional Achievements in various fields. Five young individuals who promote the values of humanity through their Entrepreneurial Ventures were honoured with the ‘Youth Inspiration Awards’. The event also marked the launch of ‘The Proton’, a digital magazine by Youth – The Power to Change. Prominent dignitaries present included Adv. Hemant Zanjad – President of Pune Bar Association, Adv. Kalpana Nikam – President of Pune Family Court Lawyers Association, and Dr. Manoj Tarambale – Principal of PVG’s College of Engineering. The program was compered by Imroz Khan and Rahat Pardeshi with Rashmi Nair delivering the Vote of Thanks. The event concluded with a rendition of the National Anthem by students of Vision Blind School. The program was successfully executed through the efforts of Youth – The Power to Change Founder-President Adv. Rohan Shetty alongwith Adv. Nikhil Limaye, Atul Dave, Mangesh Agawane, Rashmi Nair, Jui Bhagat, Ismail Momin, Vineet Andre, Akash Bulgir, Akhil Shetty, Anushka Behel, Adv. Varuna Gade, Gaurav Pillai, Rohit Salve, Sejal Gadhwal, Shravani Otari, Bhakti Mane, Mohsin Maniyar, Shubham Shivtare, Keshini Jain, Lokesh Dongre, Pawan Kelnake, Akshay Shetty, Maitree Umchagi, Vaishnavi Jaiswal, Prabuddha Kale, Shruti Badwe and other volunteer.
