<strong>On the Sidelines of the Republic Day Launch of Season Nine of HistoryTV18’s Popular Series <em>OMG! Yeh Mera India, </em>the Cast and Crew Spend a Day with Specially-Abled Children at ADAPT</strong>

Factual entertainment leader History TV18 and India's foremost special needs education NGO, ADAPT, came together for a day of positivity and inclusivity to celebrate the 50-year legacy of the institution, dedicated to specially-abled children. The event was conducted on the sidelines of the channel’s flagship show – OMG! Yeh Mera India - which will be premiering its latest season on Republic Day (Thursday, 26^th January at 8 PM). The event echoed the channel’s ethos of shining a light on ordinary Indians doing extraordinary things, often against great odds. It was a fitting tribute to the efforts of ADAPT, a non-profit organization that has been making a difference in the lives of specially-abled children and youth, since its inception.

The event was attended by television host and OMG! Yeh Mera India presenter, Krushna Abhishek;

MD of AETN18 and CEO – Broadcast, Network18, Avinash Kaul; Padma Shri awardee ADAPT founder, Dr. Mithu Alur, as well as para-athlete Kamal Kant Nayak, who also features on the 9^th season of the show.

Speaking about the day’s activities Avinash Kaul remarked,"At HistoryTV18, we choose to focus on little known true stories with that extra something that elevates entertainment above the ordinary. Stories of incredible Indians, modern marvels or ancient wonders. Every story is eventually about characters – the everyday people, striving for and achieving the extraordinary, making history along the way. We are happy to be here at ADAPT, an organization that has made real-world impact with its stellar work in creating an inclusive society and creating opportunities for the differently abled. While we draw strength from success stories of institutions like ADAPT and the people they serve, we also hope to inspire by using our platform to showcase true potential, possibility and the power of pursuing one’s passion. Over the last seven years, OMG! Yeh Mera India has featured numerous stories of real-life heroes who chose to pursue their dreams and work to make a positive impact on society at large. These include inspirational stories of specially-abled persons achieving the seemingly impossible.”

ADAPT, which recently celebrated its 50th year, has been providing crucial educational, paramedical, vocational and community services. The institution has touched millions of lives globally through its services and disability rights advocacy. It has been a powerful voice in the fight for the rights and needs of the differently abled, also helping to shape policy in the country. Dr. Mithu Alur commented on the initiative "We are delighted to partner with HistoryTV18 on this occasion. As the leading advocate for specially-abled children and youth across the nation, it is our goal to empower them through education and vocational training and thus propagate Inclusive employment and establishment of the social model. We want to change the narrative around disability and make sure that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential."

The event also featured an interview with Malini Chib – Dr. Alur’s daughter, who inspired her mother’s pioneering work in the field. Malini was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child. Despite her challenges, Malini actively advocates for the cause as a disability rights activist and author. Also participating in the event was Odisha based para-athlete Kamal Kant Nayak, who shared his inspiring life story.  Despite suffering a debilitating spinal cord injury in 2014, he overcame great hurdles to achieve his goals. Today Kamala Kant mentors and champions the needs of those paralyzed and suffering from spinal cord injury. He is also captain of the Odisha Wheelchair Basketball Team.

The students of ADAPT delighted everyone with their well-choreographed performances on several patriotic songs, winning the hearts of the audience. They were joined on stage by Krushna Abhishek, longtime host of India’s leading factual entertainment series, who performed in inimitable style to the catchy title track of OMG! Yeh Mera India. The song Hum Honge Kamyab propagating the message of hope and perseverance, celebrating the power of unity and togetherness also had everyone joining in. In high spirits, Krushna commented, “It’s a great feeling to share this stage with such talented children. I am inspired by these interactions and learned so much from these everyday heroes who keep pushing ahead, in spite of their challenges and overcome great odds with a smile.”

It was a day of joy, sharing, and inclusion and left everyone with cherished memories.