A group of Indian Association of Muscular Dystrophy (IAMD) interacted with the officials of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni on Sunday and shared their inspiring stories of courage.

The visit was part of IAMD’s comprehensive and residential rehabilitation program for people afflicted with Muscular Dystrophy in which physiotherapy, meditation, counselling of parents and patients, outings, picnic are carried out. Around 60 people including 22 patients from different age groups from different parts of the country and three patients from Saudi Arabia took part in the event. The visit to UHF was called ‘picnic with a difference’.

Dr Parvinder Kaushal, UHF Vice-Chancellor, welcomed the group by presenting roses to all the members. While addressing the gathering Dr Kaushal lauded the efforts of the Association in creating awareness about Muscular Dystrophy. He said that the association was doing a commendable job in bringing about a positive change in the lives of the families and people suffering from the neuromuscular genetic disorder. Dr Kaushal also appreciated the efforts of the families. He said that institutions need to assume more responsibilities in making higher education more accessible to everyone, particularly for people with disabilities. He said that UHF will make efforts to make more areas accessible to people with disabilities so that everyone can admire the beauty of the campus.

Vipul Goyal, General Secretary of IAMD stressed on the need to create more awareness about the disease. While sharing the activities conducted by the association, Goyal said that the timely intervention and therapy and counselling can maintain the status quo in the disorder. He shared inspiring stories of several individuals suffering from disorder who through therapy and counselling have gone to shine in different fields. During the interaction, Harkirat, one of the members of the group from Punjab gave a recitation of his poem, which was widely appreciated by all. The visit concluded with the Association members singing their ‘Prerna’ song.

Besides Dr PK Mahajan, Dean College of Forestry, Naresh Bhatia, Principal Farm Manager, Dr Anil Kumar, Physiotherapist, IAMD members Sangeeta Goyal and Nagar Mal Goyal also attended the event. The association has been working since 1992 to provide relief, rehabilitation to the people afflicted with Muscular Dystrophy in India and to create public awareness. IAMD headquarters is located at Solan, Himachal Pradesh.