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| Wednesday, 18 August 2004 |
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Miranda gives helping hand to differently-abled child: Generating hope through dance by Dinushika Dissanayake Kosala Dullewa is an exceptional child with an unusual talent.As a dancer he is both inspiring and moving. Dance is a form of expression. To Kosala Dullewa it was more than a way to express himself; it was a new lease to life. Looking at him, one sees a beautiful child with a whimsical expression. He smiles with pleasure and enjoyment as he dances.Kosala entered the public eye at his first solo dance recital at the BMICH on January 9. Since then he has given hope to thousands of children like him in Sri Lanka. The miracle in this child, however, is in the fact that he is a differently-abled child, a victim of Downs syndrome, like thousands of other children around the world who are victims of similar diseases.
However, 14-year-old Kosala is no more a victim, but is a survivor who gives hope and courage to thousands of children who are battling with the disease. Kosala's success story began four years ago with his guru, Miranda Hemalatha who gave him hope through dance. Veteran dancer describes Kosala's talent as a source of inspiration to others. "Kosala is a child who brightens the life of a thousand children like a full moon..." she said at a media conference. Outstanding dancer Miranda Hemalatha who runs her dancing school established 48 years ago has been in the public eye since 1951 as an outstanding dancer. "The night Kosala's show was aired we started receiving calls from parents whose children were victims of different diseases. We received more than 200 applications from such children to join the ashramaya," Miranda said.
Miranda believes that dance could be used to unite all communities and religions. With this idea in view she has tried to bring traditional dance forms back into force. She has staged dance performances islandwide, including mime as a fusion of dancers from Jaffna and the South. Her effort has been appreciated to such an extent that the coveted "Nartana Kala Kesari" award was presented to her. Today she brings recognition to these marginalised children through dance. "Miranda Hemalatha loves these children. When they are accepted and encouraged, they blossom," said Vijayashri Witharane, one of Miranda's dance teachers and a lecturer at the Colombo University. Kosala Dullewa who could not speak intelligibly when he joined the ashramaya, can now speak coherently. Miraculous change Commenting on the miraculous change in the other children, who joined the course, she said "We see a remarkable change in children who were depressed and introverts when they joined us and who are now extroverts, content and enjoying life".
This miracle was quite visible in Kosala. "When the audience applauded his dance he developed a strong and happy personality," said Miranda, adding that for the past one and half years he has been performing on stage with her troupe. "Kosala has performed at many universities. When we ask him where he wants to study, he says 'at the university'" she said. She also said that Kosala's performances give many young audiences a broader perspective of life. In addition to training the children the ashramaya also holds workshops every month to educate parents on how to handle their children and appreciate their different abilities."It is as important to educate the parent as it is to train the children," Miranda said. She lamented that some parents resorted to aborting foetuses that do not appear normal. Others chain such children, treating them like animals. Kosala is living proof of what a crime this is. Thanks to Miranda, children who were restricted to their homes and shunned by society are now being recognized as members of the community deserving respect. As a result of her encouraging initiative, hitherto unknown and unexplored talents of children have come out into the open. **** Back **** |
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