 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 29: VA day-long cultural event and short film festival for the deaf and aphasic was organized today by the Disability Initiatives Unit and Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu in collaboration with NGO partner The Association of Deaf and Aphasic (ADAJ), Jammu. More than 150 children and youth having hearing impairment from different parts of India including Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kerala, Punjab, West Bengal participated in this cultural fiesta held at Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium of the University. Folk dance, magic show, quiz session, fashion show, short drama and short documentary screening were held under this festival. Arun Manhas (JKAS), Managing Director, J&K Agro Industries Development Corporation was the chief guest for the festival. Speaking on the occasion he remarked that empathy towards the divyang community is much needed, if we have to truly embrace them. He further mentioned that there is provision in NEP for creating inclusive classrooms and schools for the benefit of the differently abled children. He emphasized on the need to involve the disabled community to realize the goal of national development. He also lauded the efforts of the University in highlighting the cause of the disabled by hosting a unique cultural festival.
Pardeep Dutta, Senior Journalist and J&K Bureau Head, Times Now was the guest of honor. He shared personal anecdotes to highlight that disability has to be dealt with a positive mindset. He also emphasized that it is the so-called normal individuals who have failed to keep pace with the needs of the differently abled and that they as a community are far more progressive than us.
Deepak Gupta, President Traders Federation, Ware House Jammu and executive member Red Cross, Jammu province was the other guest of honour. While, Prof. Jasbir Singh, Head, Department of Philosophy and Dr. Anil Gupta, Associate Dean, Students Welfare, Jammu University were the special guest for the event.
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Sarika Manhas, Coordinator, Disability Initiatives, University of Jammu. She in her address mentioned that the University of Jammu under the visionary leadership of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai is committed towards not limiting learning experiences only to classroom teaching but rather envisions to provide experiential opportunities to its students and scholars. She added that today's event is a reflection of the same resolve, as here there is an opportunity to interact, discover, collaborate and learn. She also mentioned that multifarious initiatives are being undertaken by the University to provide an inclusive and equitable environment for all irrespective of their disability status. She appreciated the role of Prof. Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, JU, Kamal Nain Bhan and Madhu Bhan, founder members of ADAJ, Devendra Singh Rana, Chairman IDFP, New Delhi, Sukanya Bhan, Project Coordinator and sign language interpreter, and Ranjeet Kalra, Member J&K Sports Council for conceptualizing the festival and support in its effective execution.
India Deaf Film Production; Office of the CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine board; Department of Tourism, J&K UT Government; and Red Cross Jammudistrict provided the much-needed sponsorship for the event. Arif Paul, Madan Lal. Suresh Gupta, Yashpal Sharma from the office of DSW, JU provided technical and hall management support. |
