What is it they say about things happening in three’s…

Tonight another moment with children, physically challenged. Shiamak, that innovative and progressive choreographer, that affable and loving human, that talented and unique individual has invited us over for an evening when he ties up with Reebok to design and present his collection of work- out and dance clothing. Through music and dance he creates on the ramp an exquisite basket of movements that serve dual purposes - dance and exercise.

The group of dancers are the ones that were with us during the ‘Unforgettable Tour’ and quite naturally therefore there is great camaraderie and nostalgia. The movements are artistically done and his exceptional and disciplined dancers perform to perfection. But the philosophy of dance and music is not just for the young and perfect bodied. Shiamak makes it known through his presentation that it encompasses all ages and all groups of people, even though a majority of India’s population are young. I am told today by able presenters that India is indeed the youngest nation in the world, where 75% of the people are under 28 years of age.

For someone that is way past his age in the minority 25%, I find myself out of place and out of time. I have come to wish him well and leave, but he insists I stay on just another 10 mins. And then I discover why.

Through the doors of the ramp flow out a motley crowd of women, older, beyond their size, but a smile on their faces and designer clothing on their somewhat spreading anatomy’s. And they sing and they dance and walk the ramp with the élan and confidence of trained professionals. They convey to us all that the workout and dance routine to keep yourself fit is not just for the perfect zero sized individuals. That they too have a place in society and in the world. That it may be true that they are all well passed their prime, but they have the energy and will to don these sports designed outfits, Reebok sneakers in place, and to come out and give their body a shot. That there is no age limit to when you wish to get in shape.

They received the loudest applause. Until…

The door opened again and these special children stepped out.. well.. most of them on crutches and wheel chairs.. out laughing and moving to a rhythm no one else but they understood. Some without the aid of hearing, some inflicted mongoloids, some physically and mentally challenged, some blind… but all in the spirit of the moment happily displaying their wares joining in with Shiamak as he sang and danced along with them on stage, bringing all of us on our feet in standing ovation and with a lump in our throats.

What a moment and how generous a concept to involve all these God’s children in making them feel they were no different from the exotic men and women that had come before them. The enthusiasm in their eyes and faces, the joy of shaking their limbs - those that had them - to the movements they had been choreographed for, without any self conscious ness, without any care or a glimmer of embarrassment… ah ! what a moment…

And as the curtain came down for the evening and Abhishek and I stepped backstage to congratulate these little wonders, one could not describe the expression of achievement in all of them. It was like they had just come off a stage performance on Broadway and had conquered the world…

Conquer they surely did.. our hearts and our souls.

God bless you Shiamak for the care you give them.. for the opportunity you give them of being equal despite their handicap… and for the sense of equality that you instill in them to be treated as normal humans..

The words of the song you sing talks of the Almighty residing in them.. He does, he does.. and in you too..

Love and happiness to all in equal measure -

Amitabh Bachchan