Be it showcasing silambam skills or dancing, quite a few events were held in three Chennai Metro Rail stations to raise awareness about Down Syndrome on Sunday morning. 

Rekha Ramachandran, co-founder of Down Syndrome Federation of India, said there is quite an impact when the awareness programs are held in mass rapid transit system spaces like Chennai Metro Rail stations or Chennai airport that will be used by children with Down Syndrome. 

“On Down Syndrome Day, the Chennai airport was lit up, but lighting it up doesn’t mean people are aware of what it is for. So, the children held placards and walked in the terminal. There was a huge crowd on that day and the event was successful,” she said.

In the three Metro Rail stations—Alandur, Chennai airport and Chennai Central—where the awareness program was held, children danced, did silambam and many parents narrated their experiences and battles. “Many commuters were keen to know and waited to listen. The aim of the awareness program is children with Down Syndrome love to be in public spaces and use the transport systems. And, people should know this is not a disease and it is a condition. We just want the society to be a little more supportive,” she added.