Differently abled render popular songs at hospital

They were wheelchair-bound but their passion for music and rendering popular songs brought joy to the inmates of the Government General Hospital at Ernakulam.
Four differently abled youngsters sang popular numbers at Kochi Biennale Foundation's 'Arts and Medicine' programme at the Hospital,which has been the usual venue for the popular weekly show.
Battling odds, Shaji Kothamangalam, P S Arun, Baiju Thodupuzha and Sasikumar Chelakkad rendered celebrated Malayalam songs that evoked a happy atmosphere at the Hospital, proving yet again the amount of pleasure music can bring in as part of the healing process and helps retain one's emotional balance as well.

At the 112th edition of the all-Wednesday musical show organised by KBF in association with Lakeshore Hospital and Research Centre Limited and Mehboob Memorial orchestra, renowned oncologist V P Gangadharan termed music as a "positive and proactive participant" in one's therapeutic process.
"When we look around we find that all humans are handicapped in one way or the other. Handicaps and vulnerabilities of the mind rein supreme as a major setback for many," the doctor noted.
"Music pervades every part of our culture. A programme like 'Arts and Medicine' plays a vital role in such situations where it helps to redeem the spirits and to enliven meaningful existence as a whole," he said.

The eminent physician also played "Maanasa manivenuvil" with the mouth organ, much to the delight of the patients.

Noted actress Seema G Nair also addressed the gathering. Retd Tahsildar Susheela Varghese, a cancer patient, gave an inspirational talk.
Renuka Girijan's was the supporting female voice for the singers.
Shaji and Arun (from Moovattupuzha) along with Baiju and Sasikumar (from Neeleswaram, Kasargod) rendered a few melodious yesteryear numbers much to the appreciation of the audience.
Malayalam songs, 'Chandana lepa sugandham', 'Minnaminunge', 'Illavanoor madathile' and 'Mele mele', besides 'Mere sapno ki rani' and 'Chahoonga main tujhe' (Hindi) and 'Unnai Kaanatha kannum' (Tamil), drew applaus from the crowd.