Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Jan 1: It was a dream come true for about ten specially-abled children from Ullal as state health and family welfare minister U T Khader celebrated the New Year with them at City Centre Mall here on Friday January 1.

Much to the delight of the children, the minister first took them to one of the eateries in the mall along with their family members and then to Fun City amusement centre, all at his own expense. He also played a few games with them and made their day.

The faces of the children lit up with happiness as for most of them, it was their first visit City Centre.

Speaking to reporters, the minister said, "I had planned to spend some time with the specially-abled of my neighbourhood but only a few could turn up. It was a unique experience altogether."

Khader also spent some time with specially-abled kids at Abhayashrama Home for the Specially-abled in Kotekar, prior to the City Centre visit.

Indeed, it was a heartwarming start to the New Year.