“Living their dreams”

An exhibition showcasing art works created by ex-students of the Society for the Education of the Crippled (SEC) mounted at the Jehangir Art Gallery from June 7 to 9, 2013 was aptly called "Living their dreams.” This initiative of the SEC, which rehabilitates children and adults with physical and multiple disabilities from a low economic background, is spearheaded by Zarine Chothia, vice president of the Society.
Zarin Havewala, who sent Parsiana emails about SEC and its activities, mentions that of the 14 members on its executive committee, 10 are Parsi Zoroastrians: Keki Lakdavala, president, Chothia, Roda Khambatta, Arnie Antia, Yasmin Dhunjisha, Nergiz Subawalla, Homai Dhondy, Zenobia Nankani, Kersi Limathwalla and Havewala. SEC runs day schools in Agripada, Santa Cruz and Antop Hill as well as a residential school at Kanhe Phata, near Lonavala, the email mentions. Apart from imparting education, the Society encourages students to participate in sports, swimming, cultural activities, art and run in the Mumbai Marathon. It provides vocational training, education camps and other activities to enable the differently abled become confident so they can face the future with confidence.

Organizers and artists

When some young students showed an aptitude for art, the school employed a special art master under whose grooming they began to create beautiful paintings. Some of these artists are wheelchair bound, and one who is sans both hands paints with his feet. When SEC first organized an exhibition of their works in 2010 at the Jehangir Art Gallery, every piece on display was sold out and the ex-students realized a considerable amount of money from the sale. They began to support their families with dignity; one of them married and is awaiting the birth of his first child, the email notes. Naturally, this led to a second exhibition this June, where the guest of honor was artist Jaideep Mehrotra, with gallery trustee Adi Jehangir, social activist and former Bombay Parsi Punchayet trustee Dinshaw Tamboly and sculptor Arzan Khambatta as the chief guests. There was a good turnout and most of the over 80 paintings on display were sold.
Chothia, who is associated with a long list of social service activities, is instrumental in encouraging handicapped children at SEC to create various utility articles such as handbags, paper bags, greeting cards, trays, coasters, mini laptop tables. The sale of these items provides income for the students as well as additional revenue for the school, the email mentions. The Society may be contacted at SEC Day School, Agripada Municipal School Building, Motlibai Street, Bombay 400011; tel: 23090887, 23013461; fax: 23074517; email: secdayschool@rediffmail.com; website: www.sec-india.org