Expo aims to sensitise society to unique problems of the marginalised
  
Rochelle Pinto..........Mumbai
 
 IMAGINE LOSING your sight three months before your Class 10 board exams. Or abandoning everything you own during riots and starting from scratch. Overcoming unimaginable odds, the artistes showcasing their work at Pratibimb have made success stories of their lives.
Organised by the Rangoonwala Foundation (India) Trust at Sunderbhai hall in Marine Lines, Pratibimb is an exhibition held to sensitise society to the unique problems of the marginalised. Participating organisations like Banyan Tree, Aured and the Helen Keller Institute for the Deaf and Deafblind represent several types of disadvantaged people including the physically challenged, mentally challenged and displaced minorities.

While the exhibition features intricate artwork and handicrafts like candles, clothes and jewellery, the real experience is meeting the inspirational minds behind the work.

The goal of the organisation is to integrate its students into mainstream society by making them self-sufficient. While many are involved in teaching and print production, one student, Zameer Dhale, even found a job in Delhi as an advocacy officer for the Deafblind across India.

"This exhibition isn't just about buying a bag, it's about the cause that you're buying in to," said Nisreen Ebrahim, managing trustee of Rangoonwala Foundation (India) Trust.

URl: http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=22_02_2008_006_006&typ=0&pub=264