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To commemorate ten years of helping the special children, Umeed had organized today a cultural programme on 02 September 2015 at Air Force Auditorium, Subroto Park, New Delhi, wherein these special children showcased their talent at dancing and singing. The cultural event was inaugurated by Mrs Lily Raha, the President of Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA). The event also witnessed the launching of the Umeed annual magazine Srugalika.

Umeed, meaning Hope, is the name of a venture that was conceptualized and started by Mrs Vandana Tyagi under the aegis of the Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA). The main aim of Umeed is supporting the special children of air warriors as well as civilians of the IAF, by way of providing them special education and vocational training so that they are able to get absorbed in various jobs and earn a decent living for themselves. The venture that started in September 2005 within the premises of the Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute (AFGJI) at Subroto Park, New Delhi, is proud of having helped special children become self reliant and contributing members of the society . Some of these children are presently working with big names like Lemon Tree Hotel and GMR. Besides providing them venues for working outside, Umeed also provides them jobs at IAF establishments like AF Canteen, AFWWA shops, regimental shops etc. Some of them also get absorbed at Umeed itself, so that they can continue to work at the same place where they have ‘grown up’. AFWWA has also supported these children to take part in Special Olympics and one of them, Khsitiz Chandra, represented India at Australia and won the Bronze medal in Short Put, 2013.

Umeed works with its team of professionals like physiotherapists, psychologists, special educators, occupational therapists, speech therapists and doctors to focus on the special abilities of various children with a view to honing their skills.

The prominent personalities attending the event, social activists, NGO heads etc and a few from hotel hospitality industry.

RCD/MKS