Mangalore: Differently-abled kids get special treat at Cinepolis
 
Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore

Mangalore, Mar 28: A special initiative undertaken by Cinepolis, a multiplex located at the City Centre Mall here brought many smiles on the faces of differently-abled children from three schools in the city.

Their happiness showed no bounds as it was for the first time that many of them were entering a multiplex, some of them had not even had a mall experience either. The students were accompanied by their teachers, caretakers and parents.

Cinepolis organized a special and free screening of the blockbuster English 3D movie 'Life of Pi', here on Wednesday March 27 for the differently-abled children of three city schools - Saanidhya Residential Special School of Shaktinagar, Chethana Child Development Centre of Kodialbail and Lions Seva Trust of Suratkal.

Nearly 150 students, accompanied by their teachers, caretakers and parents watched the movie in the multiplex. The students were even supplied with free popcorn by Cinepolis.

Speaking to Daijiworld, Mulky Keerthan Shetty, deputy unit head of Cinepolis said that with a view to encourage and enrich the differently-abled children to blend in the society like normal people, Cinepolis came up with this special initiative. The management and the staff of the special schools have even responded to their calls and have taken active part in this special event making it a grand success.

In the future, Cinepolis, not only in Mangalore, but also in other parts of India will organize such special social causes that is likely to benefit the public and the society, he added.

Speaking to Daijiworld, Vishwanath Shetty, president of Lions Seva Trust, Surathkal said that the staff and the management of Cinepolis gave them a grand welcome.

"The children had a good time watching the movie in the multiplex. They even gave snacks to all the children. The staff performed their duty well and were very helpful. This sort of event organized by Cinepolis is encouraging," he said.

Vasanth Shetty, president, Saanidhya Residential Special School, Shaktinagar also applauded the initiative.

The initiative taken by the Cinepolis is an live example of their concern towards these special children and show them that the society is with these children and they are one among the society.

"The hospitality of all the staff was good. Hats off to them," he added.

Neetha Shenoy, trustee, Chethana Child Develpoment Centre, Kodialbail said that Cinepolis has created social awareness through this initiative. She further thanked the staff and the management for providing such a great opportunity to the differently-abled children.