Pune NGO and Aviation Partner Create Unforgettable Valentine's Day Experience for Specially-Abled Children
In a remarkable demonstration of compassion and social inclusion, Pune witnessed a heartwarming event on Valentine's Day that brought smiles and tears of joy to dozens of young participants. The OYE Foundation, in collaboration with Mahalaxmi Aviation, organized a special helicopter ride for 35 specially-abled children, offering many of them their very first experience of flying through the skies above the city.
A Dream Takes Flight Over Pune
The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Simran Jethwani, founder and chairman of OYE Foundation, with crucial support from Nitin Gote and pilot Nitin Welde of Mahalaxmi Aviation. As the helicopter gently ascended into the air, the children waved excitedly from the windows, their faces pressed against the glass as they gazed down at the cityscape below. The familiar sights of roads, trees, vehicles, and people transformed into miniature versions of themselves, creating a magical perspective that left the young passengers in awe.
For some children, the experience brought expressions of pure amazement, while others became emotional, describing the six-minute aerial journey as a dream finally realized. The event created memorable moments not just for the young participants but also for their families and the dedicated volunteers who witnessed the transformative power of this simple yet profound gesture.
Beyond Celebration: A Message of Dignity and Opportunity
Dr. Simran Jethwani explained that the initiative aimed to create an experience the children would cherish for a lifetime. "Our goal extends far beyond mere celebration," she emphasized. "We want to send a powerful message that persons with disabilities deserve not sympathy but genuine opportunities, dignity, and encouragement. Their radiant smiles told us everything we needed to know — every bit of effort was absolutely worth it."
Nitin Gote of Mahalaxmi Aviation expressed his team's immediate enthusiasm when approached about the initiative. "It is deeply satisfying to witness the pure joy on their faces," he noted. "Small efforts like this helicopter ride can spread a strong and lasting message of inclusivity throughout our society. We were honored to contribute to such a meaningful experience."
Lasting Impact and Future Aspirations
The young participants expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers for providing this unique opportunity, describing the aerial view as "beautiful and completely unforgettable." Many shared that they had never imagined experiencing flight in such an intimate and thrilling manner.
Organizers from both OYE Foundation and Mahalaxmi Aviation confirmed their commitment to conducting more such initiatives in the future. They emphasized that simple acts of kindness, when thoughtfully executed, possess the power to inspire entire communities and uplift lives in meaningful ways. This Valentine's Day event in Pune serves as a shining example of how corporate and social organizations can collaborate to create experiences that transcend physical limitations and celebrate the human spirit.
