Chennai:
14-year-old Rajaraman suffers from Osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bone disease, which is a condition causing extremely fragile bones. This has led him having close to 150 fractures all over his body. Yet, he has not been deterred; he is a gifted orator and plays chess at a competitive level.
Rajaraman and nine other differently-abled children were presented with the Ascendas Excellence Awards 2011, covering various disciplines including sports, arts, academics, cultural and music. This was part of the international day of the differently-abled celebrations, organised along with the Tamil Nadu Differently-Abled Federation Charitable Trust (TNDAFC).
Speaking at the function, Governor Dr K Rosaiah said, "The welfare of a society and state lies on the equality of status and opportunity for its citizens... The Central and State Governments are implementing several welfare programmes like quota for the differently-abled, scholarships, concessions in travelling."
The Governor was moved by and much appreciated the portrait of him drawn live by a previous Excellence Award winner, Janardhanan. The artist used his mouth to create the pencil portrait.
GIRM Gives Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Government Institute of Rehabilitative Medicine (GIRM) chose to honour those who have helped the differently-abled community, and those who have faced up all odds to fight against their disability and succeed.
Social Welfare Minister Selvi Ramajayam, released a book, "Ungalaipol", launched by the TN Association for the Rights of All Types of Differently Abled and Caregivers (TARATDAC).