“Coimbatore has a lot of people from whom we can draw inspiration. It is a great thing that after they fall in life, they get up again and help others. Swarga Foundation is doing a fantastic job in helping people,” said Coimbatore Commissioner Dr K Vijay Karthikeyan, at the launch of the ‘I’m Special’ 2017 calendar, featuring 12 differently-abled achievers, by the Swarga Foundation at Residency Towers, Coimbatore, yesterday.

The event also saw the launch of Sarathi, a disability-friendly mobility van. Talking about the van Anand Selvaraj, project head said, “A person sitting in a wheel chair has limited opportunities to go out and explore things. We have brought several facilities in this van, including a comfortable toilet and seats that can be converted into a bed.”

Tamil film actor Lakshmi Ramakrishnan congratulated the differently abled achievers at the event. Moved by their spunk, she said, “We should see people in the right light. Sympathy is not the solution. Confidence and a heart to help is always an inspiration.”

Swarga Foundation’s managing trustee Swanalathaa J shared her experience about coming up in society despite a challenge in life. “It is not just about rising above challenges ourselves, but also helping others rise up,” she said.

Dr P R Krishnakumar, Chancellor of Coimbatore’s Avinashilingam University for Women and M Krishnan, managing director of Sri Krishna Sweets, were also present for the event.