PUNE: In the presence of actress Mrunal Kulkarni and the cast and crew of upcoming film Fatteshikast, visually-challenged and hearing-challenged students of National Association For The Welfare of Physically Challenged (NAWPC) in Pune celebrated Diwali recently.

NAWPC, which provides advanced education to these students, including digital libraries, computer training centres, scholarships, banking classes and music classes, also organises various festive events every year.

According to NAWPC President Rahul Deshmukh, visually-impaired students in their hostel were mainly from rural areas of the State and they don’t turn up for Diwali, and, hence, we have organised the Diwali event for them.

With enthusiastic performances from students, many successful candidates in the competitive examination from the NAWPC have been awarded prizes. 

Mangesh Kulkarni (33), a visually-challenged student of NAWPC, said, “With the help of facilities given in the institute, I was able to crack bank exams and currently I am working as a clerk.”

Many of the participants in the event were also awarded prizes and gifts such as travel bags and wireless speakers among others.

Mrunal Kulkarni said, “The performance of the students impressed us all. Their skill and energy was really appreciable.” 

Deputy Commissioner Social Development Department of Pune Municipal Corporation Sunil Indalkar, Trustee Member of NAWPC Devata Andure Deshmukh among others were present during the event.