Kochi celebrates World Autism Awareness Day with a Buddy Walk

Over 300 people took part in a Buddy Walk that was held to create awareness about autism ahead of World Autism Awareness Day in Kochi in Kerala.

The walk was organized by Rotary Cochin East in partnership with The National Trust and the Kerala government’s Social Justice Department.

Students with autism from different schools in Kochi took part, along with their parents and teachers. Also present were former minister K. V Thomas, actor Rajisha Vijayan, and the Kochi Sub Collector Suhas S. There were over 50 volunteers from the Rotary Club present as well to ensure that the walk went without any hitches.

It was wonderful to see so many students present. I want to thank all the parents and teachers who are present. As far as I am concerned, the children are the real super heroes! – Rajisha Vijayan, Malayalam film actor

The Buddy Walk began with a prayer sung by disabled students of the Sraddha Special School. The event was held a few days ahead of World Autism Awareness Day so that the summer vacations of the students would not be disturbed.

This is the first time that such a walk was held by the Rotary Club of Cochin East. Organizers hope to make such events a regular feature to create greater awareness about autism.

ALSO READ: Mumbai to Light It Up Blue in a big way on World Autism Awareness Day!

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