SRINAGAR: Drzya, a social organisation that works for the welfare of the differently-abled has come up with an initiative in the current testing times. The Indian firm owned and run by Geeta Poduval has started an online program called ‘Divyaang Shakti’ which is dancing and singing competition for the special sector in order to enhance and boost their morale in the ongoing crisis. The online program is open to Differently-abled Indians all over the world and helps them achieve cash prizes while sitting at home.
‘Divyaang Shakti’ has been started by the organisation owing to the nationwide lockdown which hinders the possibilities and prospects of the differently-abled to earn a livelihood.
“We couldn’t have been able to support the underprivileged differently-abled without the aid of our sponsors Galaxy Surfactants. We could successfully conduct this competition despite the lockdown because of them,” the statement said.
It focuses on uniting people from this sector from all over the world irrespective of their culture.
Drzya has, in the past, conducted several corporate workshops and sessions across India, successfully inspiring more than 26,000 people all over.
Through ‘Divyaang Shakti’, Drzya aims to locate and unite talented and skilled people through it’s online program.
“Drzya has supported the differently-abled in every way imaginable. I’ve found my second family; It was my dream to be seen and appreciated for my art and Drzya’s
Divyaang Shakti is giving me this opportunity.”
Muhammad Arif Umar, Divyaang Shakti’s polio-stricken contestant in the singing category, said the statement.
Drzya has seen maximum participation from Jammu and Kashmir. Regardless of disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, vision and hearing disabilities, ADHD, dwarfism, Downs Syndrome, locomotor disorder, intellectual challenges, Dyslexia and even Partial Trisomy 18, the participants have shown maximum interest and talent, it said.
A brief description of the competition from Drzya is given below:
- Participants can apply for either of the categories: 1. Dance & 2. Singing (both freestyle with lyrics not restricted by any language barrier).
- Our age categories: A1: 15- 25 years, A2: 26 – 45 years, A3: 46 years & above. Special category: Below 15 years & NRIs(no age bar). So far,Our Youngest participant is a 6-year-old Dancer With Down’s Syndrome whereas our oldest is a 69-year-old singer with polio.
- Participants will be required to send across a video of their performance, the duration of which can vary between 2 minutes 30 seconds and 3 minutes.
- The shortlisted candidates will perform based on themes provided from our end. We will have 4 judges on board – 2 each for singing and dancing. At the heart of Drzya’s vision is inclusivity and thus we leave no stone unturned even when it comes to selecting our judges. We have on board 1 exceptionally talented and accomplished differently-abled judge each for both our categories.
- Owing to several requests, we have decided to extend the video audition submission deadline to 20th May 2020. We have extended the date of applying for the underprivileged and differently-abled contestants. Candidates can apply after 20th May as well.
- Apart from a trophy and certificate, winners will be rewarded with a sum of Rs. 10, 000, whereas Rs. 5,000 will be rewarded to the runner-up. We also have 5 consolation prizes of Rs 2,500 each.
For more details about the online competition, you can contact DRZYA team at [email protected], Website: www.drzya.org Mobile: +91 7506985763 Phone: +91 9619138746 (Geeta Poduval, Founder-Director).
