Ambuja Manovikas Kendra (AMK), a children’s educational institution in Ropar district of Punjab, has been recognized for its work towards the welfare of people with disabilities by the government of Punjab for the third consecutive time. The institution is an initiative of Ambuja Cement Foundation, the CSR arm of Ambuja Cements.
This year, Priya Devi, a student of AMK, won the award for “Best Disabled Athlete”, while Anupama, Director of AMK, won the award for “Best Professional Working with People with Disabilities”.
Priya Devi is currently training for the 2023 World Winter Games to be held in Kazan, Russia. She was enrolled in AMK in 2018, which allowed her to explore her passion for sports. In 2019, she won the gold medal in the 100m walk and a silver medal in the 100m sprint at the 22nd Special Olympics Punjab State Games.
Then she participated in the state trials for the national floorball championship and was successfully selected for other upcoming competitions. Despite the pandemic, she trained at home and was able to participate in the national floorball championship in Delhi and Haryana.
Mr. Neeraj Akhoury, CEO India Holcim and CEO of Ambuja Cements Ltd., said, “Our goal has always been to improve the quality of life of children with disabilities and empower them with skills that make them independent and self-sufficient. Through Ambuja Manovikas Kendra, we have always tried to help people reach their full potential in life. Our staff is very committed and all of our students who excel in their field are inspiring and have made us proud time and time again.
Currently, the school accommodates over 120 children and provides them with a supportive environment tailored to meet individual developmental needs.
Ms. Anupama, Director of AMK, won the award for “Best Individual Professional Working with People with Disabilities”. She has been associated with AMK for 19 years as a special education teacher. She pursued higher education in the same field and today she has been challenged with the role of Director of Ambuja Manovikas Kendra supervising over 120 children in Rural Ropar. Her ability to understand the needs of young students with disabilities and to gain their trust with empathy and compassion is inspiring and remarkable.
During the pandemic, AMK continued to provide essential services to its students at home through online lessons and also allowed parents to work with their children during the confinement. A variety of virtual activities have been organized to help students retain key skills and learnings during the pandemic and continue to support them in times to come.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/indian-subcontinent/17012022/ambuja-cement-foundations-educational-institution-receives-award/
