Making A Difference - By Subashini

Preamble

It had always been our plan to give the ladies a voice. We created a video channel and uploaded personal introduction videos. Articles on how different and unconventional this pageant is, has been featured here.  Since then these lovely ladies have been receiving the support they truly deserve. Now we are happy to hear passersby are stopping our ladies, asking them if they are a contestant of Mii 2012 and eagerly showing their support. Asking about the event etc.

Recently we embarked on a little project to encourage the ladies to express their thoughts, views and perspectives in the form of an article, video, photo essay, poster or any other form they thought possible. In an earlier write up, "Beauty Is In The Difference" we did mention we are creating a platform for our lovely ladies to promote their voices to the community. They were encouraged and Subashini has expressed her views on special needs children. A topic close to her heart. This is her contribution :

Introduction

Beauty is in the difference- I truly believe that this is not about the facade but about inner strength and winning character. I certainly believe that everyone is unique in one way or another. Some with attractive features ,some with amazing intelligence and some with in-born skills . As we are all beautiful in one way or another, we are also equally blessed with the capabilities and intelligence to push ourselves to achieve greater heights. 

Unfortunately, some of us lack the natural ability and created as children with special needs. This it the result of mother nature’s creation of people with different abilities and conditions. The children with special needs may have mild learning disabilities or profound cognitive impairment; food allergies, terminal illness or; developmental delays.

Special Needs Children

This term refers to children who have mental,psychological or physical disabilities . Most common ones in Singapore are Mild Autism, Down Syndrome and Dyslexic conditions.

The angel

His name is Lucas ( not real name, sorry need to protect his identity). Lucas is only 5 and he has Mild Autism and rated high on dyslexia. Lucas was his parents only adopted child and their only dream was to make him a doctor one day. Although, it was a mild condition he was a victim of societal stereotypical statements and was called names such as ‘weird’ and ‘abnormal’. The emotional obstacles his parents had to go through to see their child face challenges, in terms of physical abilities and education, was a tough one. He could not play like children his age was always aided by his mother to do even the basic chores such as brushing his teeth. Lucas, that adorable angel , I believe  woke me up to reality and inspire me to believe that nothing should be taken for granted.  Parents are already going through a period of turmoil, anger,confusion and guilt . None of us to be blamed here.  Lucas has a long way to go and just like all of us, he also has desires, ambitions and even tiny little wishes. He is just finding it a little difficult to express it. 

Message to Society

No one deserves to be an outcast of society or should be judged. As another earthling, we should learn to love all different things in life. As a contestant of Miss Indian International 2012, I just want to send this short message across the world. Special needs children can also grow up to be a doctor, lawyer or even a neurosurgeon one day as long as the society is willing to accept and cross the boundary that creates a 'separation" between the worlds. The world should have no boundaries. Thank you.

If only we make a difference now, they can make our future different.

By Subashini Sandakumar

Mii 2012 - Contestant

10 Feb 2012
You may visit her profile @ 
https://fullblastfestival.com/portfolio/mii-04-subashini/