In a first, physically challenged people witness His entry

MADURAI

For the first time, a group of physically challenged people was allowed in three-wheeler motorcycles on the Albert Victor bridge, a place usually reserved for VIPs, to witness Lord Kallazhagar’s entry into the Vaigai on Monday, thanks to the Madurai district administration.

P. Sembayee and her husband K. Naga Baskar, both physically challenged, were taken by surprise when they received a call from the district administration on Sunday afternoon, asking details about their vehicle to issue special passes.

“Though Madurai is renowned for Chithirai festival, I could never imagine attending Meenakshi Tirukalyanam or the car festival, let alone Kallazhagar’s entry, because of the crowd. Today was certainly a special day of my life,” Ms. Sembayee said.

The plan originated following a request by the Crawling Differently-Abled People Federation (CDPF) and a few other activists to the district administration two weeks back.

S. Muthukumar, an advocate and a physically challenged person, who had earlier filed a public interest litigation petition in this regard, said that the PIL petition was disposed of since the district administration and HR and CE department cited practical difficulties in making arrangements.

“Two weeks back, an awareness rally was organised by the CPDF, at the end of which a series of demands were made to Collector K. Veera Raghava Rao. They included an opportunity to watch Lord Kallazhaggar’s entry. While we did not hope that the demand would be fulfilled, the district administration gave us a pleasant surprise,” Mr. Muthukumar, who also witnessed the event for the first time as part of the group, said.

S. Raja, general secretary of CDPF, who was part of the group, said that the district administration had thoughtfully made all arrangements. “They had even made a small ramp to take our motorcycles to the footpath on the bridge so that we could witness the event without getting down from our motorcycles,” he said, adding that he was moved to tears to witness the sea of people and Lord Kallazhagar’s entry.

Mr. Veera Raghava Rao said that he had formed a special team of 10 officials, including the District Differently Abled Welfare Officer and a few Tahsildars, to make the arrangements. “We discussed with the police and earmarked a separate space for around 25 three-wheelers,” he said.

The physically challenged people were taken in their vehicles from the Collectorate at around 3.30 a.m., escorted by revenue and police vehicles.

“We have made a list of all the attendees so that another group of people can be provided the opportunity next year,” he said.

It may be noted that Madurai received the Union government’s award for efficient implementation of rehabilitation measures for differently abled people in 2016-17.