Features

The Several Colours of Act Seven

It happened in 1996, in a small gathering. All of them were introducing themselves. Then came up a pretty girl with a beautiful name' “Netravati” (meaning, a girl with eyes). Her revelations were mind numbing. Her face drenched in tears, but obliged to introduce herself, she opened up, telling the gathering that she was the only girl in her family with eyes. All other members were born blind. The hall fell silent. Who else could understand the agony of the blind but her?
 
When asked about her ambitions, she said, “Sir, I want to become an ophthalmologist to serve the blind. There should not be a single blind person in the world as I know with my mind-fold, how life is with the blind fold.”
 
Thus Act Seven was initiated, inspired by the sheer determination and confidence of the girl with eyes who could see and feel darkness in the lives of 'the blind.' All credit is owed to Yem. R. Rajaji, the founder and Chairman of the organization.
 
Over the past few years, the needs and rights of the especially abled people have become increasingly recognised and communities are increasingly becoming more responsive to the needs of the especially abled people. It is indeed a unique and praiseworthy effort on the part of Act Seven International to have conceived, conceptualized and created such a platform for the first time in India (may be in the world), for the 'exceptionals' in the seven disciplines of the disability to be a part of the mainstream of the Cultural fields that are otherwise not fully explored nor in their reach.
 
Act Seven is built on the foundations of its belief, which goes as  'Art is the form of transformation of the inidual and culture is the form of transformation of the society.
 
There is a need to create widespread awareness among the people about promoting self-confidence among disabled people so that they could strive for self-respect. Given a chance, the disabled could achieve laurels in any discipline with great zeal and enthusiasm. 
 
At a time when the patronage for the traditional Art & Culture is on the decline, it is no doubt a Herculean task of Act Seven International to sustain the impetus in the realm of the special children, transcending to the global stage. Notwithstanding the barriers faced, the determination, devotion, and dedication of Act Seven International in the cause of the exceptionals is commendable.
 
Act Seven International is a voluntary charitable organization. It has been doing a great job in the field of art & culture in association with the Byrraju Foundation. It is all set to begin its global operations in the near future in the field of art and culture. 
 
It is heartening that Act Seven International is celebrating its Eleventh Anniversary and a special publication “The Sound of Silence”, highlighting the Art and Cultural activities of special children during the last eleven years is getting released on this occasion.
 
Act seven International is credited with rendering services to mentally challenged, autistic, hearing impaired, physically challenged, visually impaired, slow learners and all other disabled with a penchant for art and culture.  
 
The Flags International Club
 
Act Seven International is also promoting a flagship permanent programme “The Flags International Club” to evolve and execute the unique concepts to serve the disabled people of the global village. All the exceptionally talented members of the global village with a penchant for art and culture are also the life members in the club through “The Flags International Exceptional Chamber.”
 
The Flags International Club shall evolve, execute and promote the concepts of Act Seven International to serve the 650 million exceptionals of 192 member states of the United Nations Organisation. Act Seven is proposing an International Art and Cultural Festival, “Symbol of Oneness” by inviting exceptional cultural ambassadors from almost all the nations. The Flags International Club will be launched during this occasion.
 
The team of Act Seven was inspired by the former President of India, the great philosopher and guide, Mr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
 
It is a common belief and also an accepted fact that that a person with a certain disability with respect of faculty is compensated or gifted by God almighty in some other faculty. Thus such a person becomes exceptionally talented in any given field. If only the right encouragement is given, the potential of the hidden talent may be tapped.
 
Act seven international explores, unearths and encourages the latent talents of exceptionals who are mentally challenged, autistic, hearing impaired or other disabled with a penchant for art and culture. Since 1997, Act Seven has conducted many art and cultural festivals and events at the national level with the rural and urban artists of our nation.