earLY tIMES rEPORT
JAMMU, Dec 3: Department of Home Science, University of Jammu in collaboration with Jiger Institute of General Education and Rehabilitation, the Association of Deaf and Aphasic, and Kalpana Kala Kendra today organised a mega event to mark World Disability Day here on the University campus.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer was the Chief Guest, while Prof. Manoj Dhar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, presided over the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Langer mentioned that a Composite Regional Centre (CRC) is being set up in Jammu to aid the cause of persons with special needs. He said that a land measuring 38 kanal has been identified at Vijaypur for the project. He said that the centre will provide skill development training for all round development of differently abled persons.
He also underlined that Lieutenant Governor of J&K is very sensitive regarding these issues and directions have been issued from his office to the Deputy Commissioners for conducting Panchayat level survey to identify specially abled persons and their needs/issues so that the same could be resolved.
He also appreciated the students, who presented a scintillating cultural programme during the event.
In his presidential remarks, VC Jammu University, Prof.Manoj Dhar reiterated the resolve of the University to make it fully accessible for the PwDs. He also underlined the various initiatives taken by the University in this direction. He also appreciated the collaborating NGOs and the Department of Home Science for their continuous drive for fighting for the rights of the disabled community. He announced that an Equal Opportunities Cell shall be set up at the Department of Home Science, to give impetus to making the University disabled friendly. Prof. Samridhi Arora (HOD) Department of Home Science in her introductory address highlighted that the department works for the cause of marginalized and weaker sections of the society especially the persons with disabilities. She offered that certain specific facilities and services available in the department meant for the welfare of disabled can be availed free of cost.
Earlier, Dr Sarika Manhas, Associate Professor, Deptt of Home Science, in her welcome address, mentioned that every year 3rd of December is celebrated to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well being of persons with disabilities. She mentioned that University of Jammu is committed to true community inclusion based upon personal connections, common interests, shared values, and upon ongoing interactions on a regular basis in natural settings, and today’s event is a reflection of this resolve.
Jiger President, Sandhya Dhar highlighted the problems faced by disabled in various sectors of society especially in the context of COVID. The theme of this year’s Disability Day is "Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world’’. She mentioned that there is a need for handholding so that the disabled are included in the mainstream of society. On the occasion a felicitation program was conducted for the persons who are role models for the society.
Those felicitated were Archana Devi (orthopedic disability 70%) teacher JRC home for handicapped, Tilak Raj (spinal cord injury 100%) from Rajouri, Jagjit Singh (spinal cord injury 80%) from Poonch employee of police department, Purshotam (spinal cord injury 100%) from Udhampur Social activist & running NGO, Shiv Kumar (spinal cord injury 100%) from Doda, Shivani Misri (visual impairment) B.A LLB, Pardeep Kumar (spinal cord injury 100%) from Jammu, Kalvin Bhatti (paralysis 80%) social worker and recipient of Gandhi Global Family, Irfan Mir (visual impairment 100% by birth) from Pulwama, mountaineer.
Raman Gupta, Managing Director PANS & POTS Co- A Corona warrior & Philanthropist and other Corona warriors were felicitated during the program. Arjun Kumar, Sumeet Bhat who served the society during the peak period of the corona pandemic were also honoured. Others who graced the occasion were Rahul Sahai, Chairman, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Special Secretary to VC, Vijay Puri, Academic Director, Shemford Futuristic School, Dr. Suminder Singh, MD of IDPS School, Jammu, Dr. Atul Hans, Director of IRDS School, Sukanaya Bhan, sign language interpreter presented a formal vote of thanks. Vinish Malik, research scholar, Deptt of Home Science and Kusum Tickoo conducted the proceedings of the event.
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