International Day of Persons with Disabilities
My advice to the other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you from doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with” - Stephen Hawking
Every individual has a right to exercise and reap the benefits of human rights for the development of their intrinsic qualities and aptitude to connect with their metaphysical needs. Therefore it becomes immensely significant to acknowledge the rights of those who face adversity in life due to their disabilities.
On every 3rd of December, the United Nations commemorates “International Day of Persons with Disabilities( IDPD). United Nations aims to establish and secure the rights of disabled persons to inseminate inclusion and promote equality. Along with the United Nations, the World Health Organisation also actively participates and organizes an event at its headquarters in Geneva.
The government of India has taken various measures and campaigns such as the “Accessible India Campaign” which made transport, infrastructure, tourist and public spaces differently-abled friendly. Every major organization and country recognizes the rights of the disabled in society. Lords University is also equally committed in its endeavor to promote awareness about the rights of disabled people and hence celebrates the day with full vigor and responsibility.
International Day of Persons with Disability: Celebrations at the Lords University.
On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Lords University’s “School of Rehabilitation Sciences” organized an event to advocate for the rights and well-being of disabled persons. We have a population of 121 crore in India, out of which 2.68% people are disabled. This comes out to be around 2.1% of the total population.
However our Head of the Department of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Mr Suresh Sharma believes that “disability is not a disease or a curse, these students need to be motivated to gain confidence in society”.He inspired students through compelling narratives of personal experiences where he has actively assisted many disabled students to live free from the mental constraints of disability and live their lives independently.
In this prestigious event, Our chief guest was Mr Dheeraj Sharma, Associate Professor of the Agriculture Department, and Mr Naresh Kalra, Head of the Pharmacy Department.
Both of them demonstrated exemplary fortitude to students by sharing their stories of courage and achievements with the students. Mr. Naresh Kalra said “ My father supported me throughout my life, he taught me how to be self-dependent and my entire education was out of my town. I am proud to announce that I have always been number one in every annual teachers' credit system. He also urged students of the Lord University to do something for disabled people, only then this day and celebration will be fruitful”
The event commenced with a substantial speech on the significance of the celebration of this day. The Persons with Disability (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights, and Full Participation)Act 1955 was enforced on 7 Feb 1996. The act was monumental in its laws which provided for rehabilitation and promotion of social aspects such as employment, education, and reservation. It also enabled society to encourage vocational training and manpower development.
Further, the students gave a musical performance. The music captivated the audience and the harmonial sounds could be heard in all corners of the hall. A group dance performance was also presented by the students which evoked a range of emotions, it was visually esthetic and demonstrated our culture beautifully.
Lord's University students then had a performance by a fellow student who, despite her disability gave a graceful performance. Her performance radiated strength, and resilience and gave a powerful message that affirmed “Disability is not synonymous with inability”.
Subsequent to the event, students staged a brief play delivering a profound message that parents play a pivotal role in empowering their children to transcend social stigma and it is only through education that they can grow and lead a better life. Lords University also believes in the same philosophy and thus we have a Special Education Department, which is in alignment with the goals of Sustainable Development Goals(SDG - 4 ).
We as a society need to overcome the inequalities in the society. Lords University does not wait for a particular day or an event but conducts confidence-building exercises for disabled students and their parents throughout the year. Several campaigns are organized by the Special Educational Department where they create awareness amongst everyone towards the sensitivity of the issue and urge their active participation in the process. We as a society need to be responsible and not have any attitudinal barriers towards people recognized as “disabled”.