Nina Foundation Spinal Injury Day, 25th June, 2010.

Nina Foundation along with its Academic Partner,WeSchool of Management hosted the second Nina Foundation Spinal Injury Day, 25th June, 2010.

Nina Foundation had the privilege of hosting very prominent personalities from the fields of medicine and cinema
Dr. H. S. Chhabra, Medical Director, ISIC, was the Chief Guest while the ever youthful, National Award winner
Ms. Dimple Kapadia was the Celebrity Guest for the evening. Dr. Chhabra was accompanied by Nekram Upadhay, Rehabilitation Specialist, ISIC. The host for the day was Ravi IYaar, who entertained the audience and kept their attention glued through the entire event by mimicking the likes of Ram Dev Baba to the Shenshah of Bollywood
Mr. Amitabh Bachchan.

The proceedings for the evening began with the a formal introduction of the evening, Ms. Kapadia was felicitated
by the oldest member of Nina Foundation, Shri N. D. Dharap. Ms. Kapadia expressed her wonder and absolute surprise that she was struck  by the will and determination of all the members with spinal injury of  Nina Foundation. The next to be felicitated was Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director, We School of Management, by Dr Parinaz Humranwala, trustee.  Dr. Salunkhe with his kind words, appreciated the work Nina Fondation was doing and wished the best for its future endevours. To boost the morale of all the guests, verses from Harivanshrai Bachchan's 'Koshish Karne Walo ki Haar Nahi Hoti' were recited by Sanika, Krrish and Rushil. They were presented chocolates by Dimpleji, to appreciate them; followed by  the loud thunder of applause they were showered with by the audience.
As the cause ambassadors of Nina Foundation Mehr and Arjun Rampal were out of the country, their message was read out by Ravi.

After the  formal introduction of the trustees, and   a brief introduction of Dr Nina Doshi,  the Nina Foundation film
was screened followed by  the screening of the 'Why SCI Day film'. This presentation gave out some mind numbing facts about SCIs in India and stressed the need for a World Class Rehab Center in Mumbai. Also as a part of the presentation, glimpses of last years event were also shown, which sent many of the members and guests in a nostalgic state. Especially the wheelchair dance.

It was appropriate time to introduce the Rockstar Awardee  for  2010, Ms. Arlene D'souza. She had been intoduced
so beautifully by Ms. Vidya Shenoy that her story was flashed in the mind’s eye. She is a survivor more so a fighter... Who has won the epic battle between life and death. Her journey could not be summed up in a few lines... a legend... A collage of photographs had been made and the rockstar film with lilting music was screened... As Arlene travelled through time. Ms. Kapadia presented  Arlene the Rockstar Trophy and a purse from Mr Nene, in memory of his late wife,  which stood as a mark of respect and recognition of her victory. As Arlene conveyed her heart felt gratitude,
one could feel the joy in her voice, and  see the happiness  her parents were experiencing. Her entire family who have stook rock solid through her journey applauded this moment. Arlene Rock on!!! Always.

Next was some games and sports. Hip Hoop Hurray!!! This is what the crowd began to roar. This was for our next winner awardee  Ms. Madhu Singh, who scored an amazing 5 on 6 hoops at the National Wheel Chair Games held
in Jan 2010. She was awarded a gold medal by Ms. Kapadia and a purse by Dr. Chhabra (himself a basketball enthusiast).

Nina Foundation has always focussed on holistic rehabilitation of all its members, so to let out the creativity of its members, an unique product line has been launched by Nina Foundation. The products consist of natural and eco friendly products which are apt for gifting purposes. They have been developed by members, friends and volunteers
of the nina foundation familiy. These products were unveiled by the friends of Nina Foundation led by Ms. Dimple Kapadiaji. The others who unveiled were volunteers vidya shenoy, padma patil, anu ganesh and vijaya.

These products were on display as well as sale at the venue Soon thereafter Dr. Ketna Mehta introduced the chief guest for the day Dr H S Chhabra. Besides giving his achievements and bio sketch also surprised the audience by inviting master sidhanth ganesh to strum the guitar with the ‘happy birthday’ tune. Dr chhabra celebrated his b’day
a day earlier on 24th june and all joined in wishing him.

Dr. Chhabra enlighened the audience about the facilities and activities of ISIC. Through case studies he stressed
the importance of Spinal Injury Management and the importance of Rehabilitation Centers. His presentation included
a short film about ISIC. He was also open to answering questions... This interaction helped clear doubts and queries about various topics relating to rehabilitation. Members and their families and guests  were extremely happy with
the information shared. Dr chhabra especially made a trip from delhi for nina foundation’s sci day.

Thank you so much.
The evening was summed up by a vote of thanks, which was given by Ms Neenu Kewlani.
The event was concluded with sumptuous dinner sponsored by our member Mr Nishant Khade.