Beyond Disability

By Netra Aqarnal CNN/IBN, "Disabled sufi dancers put up a show on wheelchairs" - IBN Live - New Delhi, India
Thursday, December 4, 2008

New Delhi: A group of physically handicapped sufi dancers performed sufi play on wheelchairs on the occasion of 'World Disability Day’ [December 3] in the Capital.

At first glance you'd think that the dancers are swaying to sufi mystic music. However, taking a closer look you will see that the wheelchairs that are twirling.

The sufi dance on wheelchairs enchanted a packed audience.

Kuchipudi Dancer Raja Radha Reddy says, “It was a pleasure seeing their performance. Not even once did I realise that these people were different from so called able people. I had tears in my eyes.”

“I am touched. It was a beautiful performance. A soul touching experience,” says Kathak Dancer Janaki Patrik.

The play was staged by 'Ability Unlimited' a brainchild of dancer choreographer Syed Sallaudin Pasha.

Artists in this group suffer from polio, dyslexia, cerebral palsy and autism. So far they have staged more than 100 productions across the world.

Founder of ‘Ability Unlimited’ Guru Syed Sallaudin Pasha says, “This theory heals them and gives them a new way of life.”

Twenty-year-old Manoj is among the seven crore [70.000.000] people in the country who suffer from a physical disability.

Manoj says, “I am proud to be a part of this organisation. I am confident now. I have big plans in life.”

Fighting against all odds, these performers have transformed their disability into a different ability.

[Visit Ability Unlimited India http://www.narthaki.com/info/prv08/prv180.html]

December 2, 2008 LTG Theatre, Copernicus Marg, at 6.30pm
SUFI ON WHEELS Duration: 60 minutes
Directed & Choreographed by Syed Sallauddin Pasha
A classic production - first of its kind in the world. Complete Mystic Sufism and Life of RUMI presented on wheels chairs. This divine and philosophical production changed the life of disabled people.

[Click on the title of the article to watch the video].