DUBAI // An Indian businessman cut a cake with children from the Rashid Centre for the Disabled and presented a cheque for Dh76,000 to celebrate his 76th birthday on Thursday.
This is the sixth year Mohan Valrani has donated an amount linked to his age to mark his birthday.
Describing the students as his children, he promised to continue to support the centre.
“I am very pleased to celebrate with Rashid Centre for the Disabled students and consider them as my children,” said Mr Valrani, executive vice chairman of the Al Shirawi Group, an industrial conglomerate, and founder of The Arcadia Preparatory School.
He also planted a small tree in the centre’s garden.
“I am proud of being with them, I love their strong ability and facing challenges of all the difficulties of disability.”
The students have celebrated his birthday every year with dances, songs and paintings.
Mariam Othman, chief executive of the centre, thanked him for his annual contribution. She said such initiatives assisted in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities and training them to prepare for integration with society.
Mr Valrani said he hopes his contributions will be an example for others in the community to do the same.
Cementing his commitment to the centre, he said his sons shared his bond with the children and would support the students after his death.
The Al Shirawi Group has interests in oil and gas, engineering services, logistics, manufacturing, electronics and printing.
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