Kolkata FLO opened up an Occupational Therapy Centre with the launch of Samaritan Mission School centre at Howrah on Monday. The guest of honour was Mr. Vivek Gupta, Former MP-TMC, Chairman and Editor of Sanmarg inaugurated the centre. “Occupational therapy has evidenced progress in a range of disabilities starting from cerebral palsy to Autism to physical disabilities. It works on sensory and cognitive problems besides physical issues. It helps people get independent in their daily activities, build self-esteem, and can help academic performance as well,” said Mrs Sunira Chamaria, Kolkata Flo Chairperson. A sports competition was also organised for the 70  specially-abled students from Samaritan Mission School.

Mr Mamoon Akhtar, Founder of Samaritan Mission School, thanked the FICCI Flo team and shared about the school’s journey. “We started with ten children and now are supporting more than 3000 children at Samaritan Mission School by providing them education free of cost,” he said.

Tracing FICCI Flo Kolkata’s association with Samaritan Help Mission, Mrs Chamaria, said, “Our association with Samaritan Help Mission began last year when we had an opportunity to help provide entrepreneurial training to some ladies from the local community. The work, the vision, and the passion with which Mr. Mamoon Akhtar (founder of Samaritan Mission School) has gone about this landmark transformation, touching hundreds of lives and help built a better community, touched us, and we decided to help strengthen his hands in the noble work that he is doing. It is to that end that the occupational therapy centre for specially-abled children was visualised.”

Moving on, Mr. Ratnesh Kr. Yadav, a Pediatric Occupational therapist was felicitated with a cheque for his dedicated efforts in providing hands-on training to the teachers to operate the OT Centre and help specially-abled children regain their independence. Trained teachers were also felicitated with certificates.

FICCI flo has also taken up the charge of supporting the centre for one year – 2021-22 with ongoing support. Regular assessment and training of the students will be conducted to ensure that they are given the best treatment.

The lamp lighting was performed by Chief Guest Mr Vivek Gupta, Founder and past president of FICCI Flo Mrs Renuka Shaha and Mrs Usha Agarwal, past Chairperson Mrs Sabina Rungta, and Chairperson Mrs Sunira Chamaria. Mr. Ratnesh Kr. Yadav, a Pediatric Occupational therapist, was felicitated for his efforts in providing hands-on training to the teachers to operate the OT Centre and help specially-abled children regain their independence. Mr Vivek Gupta performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony; he took a walk around and appreciated the centre.

Post the ribbon-cutting ceremony everyone enjoyed the special sports competition organised by 70 specially-abled students. Gifts and food packets were distributed to the students. To felicitate Mr Gupta,  FICCI Flo Kolkata also made a small contribution of 200 meals towards the Akshayapatra Foundation.

Lastly, Mrs Sunira Chamaria thanked all the members and friends for their generous contribution to make this centre a success. She paid her warmest regards to all the current and past FICCI Flo members for their constant support in all endeavours. She also thanked the committee members Ms Mukti Gupta, Ms Manju Pachisia, and Ms Manisha Srivastava, for making this vision come true.