150 deaf children participate
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 30: A day-long cultural event and short film festival for the deaf was organized by The Association of Deaf and Aphasic today in collaboration with the Disability Initiatives Unit and Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu supported by Red Cross Jammu.
More than 150 deaf children and youth from different parts of India including Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kerala, Punjab and 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.
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Sarika Manhas, Coordinator, Disability Initiatives, University of Jammu and the event was hosted and interpreted by Sukanya Bhan daughter of the founders of the Association of deaf and aphasic, Jammu Kamal Nain Bhan (general secretary) and Madhu Bhan (President).
The Bhan couple (deaf themselves) founded this association in 2019 and got it registered under the Societies Act. In a span of three years, they have hosted over 10 events and highlight events have been in collaboration with UNESCO, Red Cross Jammu District, Social Welfare Department, etc
The vision behind opening this association has been to empower the deaf community and create an inclusive society for persons with disabilities. Around 60-70 people are a part of this association.
Arun Manhas, 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 them..
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 and Yashpal Sharma from the office of DSW, JU provided technical and hall management support.
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