Panaji (Goa) 18-year-old Aishwarya Rane along with her friends have began an unique initiative under her non government organization to empower intellectually and physically challenged children in the State.

Aishwarya who has become one of the oldest girl to run NGO in the State after she formed ‘Wings of Hope’ held a special event on Friday evening the proceeds of which were given to the treatment of children with physical disabilities.

Joining the cause renowned Fado singer Sonia Shirsat and Kingfisher Voice of Goa winner Rapper Sabino Dias also joined the event which generated the funds that were given to NGO working with the special children.

“The event has generated Rs17 lakhs, of which 12Lakhs will be given to The Childcare foundation for the benefit of the children who cannot afford surgeries, and the balance 5 lakhs will be utilsed to purchase buses for the benefit of the students of Sanjay centre for Special Education,” said Aishwarya.

“I stared Wings of Hope foundation with my friends with the aim of ensuring equal opportunities for children with intellectual and physical disabilities in society,” she said.

The teenage girl said we have to accept that each one of us is different and it is this lack of sameness which makes the world a beautiful place.

During the event, the performance of the students from Sanjay Centre for special education, Taught to Teach music school and Sharada Mandir in Panaji was held.

Aishwarya also released her book ‘River of Emotions’ at the hands of well known orthopedic surgeon Ashok Johari.

Speaking on the occasion, Shirsat said that she was pleased to be associated with this initiative.

She said that this is an excellent initiate taken by a young girl with passion for children who are intellectually and physically challenged. She has agreed to extend all her support to the foundation and the children too.