Events and Functions

Commemorating the dedication of Bhagat Puran Singh

Reliving the philanthropic legacy bequeathed by its founder, Bhagat Puran Singh, the All-India Pingalwara Charitable Society (AIPCS) organized a host of activities to mark his 14th death anniversary falling on August 5. During the two-day function, AIPCS also vowed to keep the heritage alive by promoting rights of disabled persons.

Apart from hosting a seminar, a medical camp and a blood donation camp for the benefit of the destitute, the programme showcased the abilities of mentally challenged children, who had been discarded by their own kin for being "incapable".

A monograph on "Parenting children with mental retardation" written by Dr Madhumita Puri and translated into Punjabi by Wing Commander RP Singh was released. This is the first such publication for parents available in the entire state.

The programme began with a "shabad" recited by mentally challenged children, the programme moved towards exhibiting their various skills including, singing and dancing, all remarkably presented despite their disability.

"These children have proved that overcoming handicap is not impossible once a person is determined to do so. They are as good as other children, with the only difference being that they need extra patience and gentle handling to make them understand and perform things," said Dr Inderjit Kaur, President, AIPCS.

The highlights of the event were the inspiring addresses by two resource persons including Dinesh Gupta, chairman, Friends Organization, New Delhi and Vinod Kumar Mishra, from Sahibabad both afflicted with severe physical disabilities.

Gupta, suffering from cerebral palsy, stressed on education, vocational training, computer education, creation, awareness generation and medical care for the disabled in his speech "Independent living for persons with disabilities". Mishra, during his presentation on "Literature and Disability" stressed that there was no limit to learning and education of the disabled.

A 40-minute film, Khamoshian, dealing with the struggle of a hearing-impaired girl, to win back her estranged husband was also screened on this occasion. Besides this, the Pingalwara took a trip down its memory lane through a 20-minute long film titled "Itni shakti hame dena data". J.K. Mehta from Parwaar National Foundation of Parents Association stressed the need for attitude change towards persons with disabilities.

In her discourse on "Towards independent living and on inclusive society," chairperson of National Trust for Persons with Autism, Poonam Natrajan stated that all human beings possessed strengths and weaknesses and should be given opportunities to develop their potential to its fullest.

Source: Disabled's skills showcased at meet to remember Bhagat Puran. Indian Express, Chandigarh, 4 August 2006.

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Providing wheelchairs to the disabled

Electricity and Rural Industrial Minister Arcot N. Veerasamy distributed 534 wheelchairs to physically disabled persons and Chennai Corporation hospitals on Sunday, August 6 at Kendriya Vidyalaya premises at Choolaimedu.

The wheelchairs worth Rs. 10 lakh were given on behalf of World Bible School to 117 corporation hospitals and the remaining to physically disabled persons.

Mr. Veerasamy said that it was every person's responsibility to help the physically challenged. The government would take measures to support the differently abled. Paul Ranganathan, director of World Bible School, said that there were plans to present wheelchairs in other cities as well.

The wheelchairs were sponsored by organizations from the U.S. including Free Wheel Chair Mission.

Chennai Corporation deputy mayor, R. Thiagarajan, Chennai Corporation Commissioner, M.P. Vijayakumar and leader of opposition party C.V. Malaiyan were also present on the occasion.

Source: Arcot Veewasamy distributes wheelchairs. The Hindu, Chennai, 7 August 2006.

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Paving their way towards a brighter future

"There is need for deaf people to work to define their further,' said National Association of the Deaf (NAD) president Arun C Rao at the state-level function held at Gandhi Bhawan in Bhopal. The function was attended by 600 deaf persons from all over Madhya Pradesh.

The association vice-president Zorin Singha and Secretary AS Narayanan were also present on the occasion. Joint Secretary Saju Stephen had also invited the deaf community leaders and NAD representative from Rewa, Satna, Jabalpur, Sagar, Itarsi, Hoshangabad, Jhansi, Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain Bilaspur, Bhilai and Raisen.

Rao said that the government would only be moved by affirmative and cohesive action. Citing the news of four IAS merit holders who are deaf, Rao said that by serious effort all things are within our reach. Narayanan explained the history of deaf welfare in India.

He said that he has been appointed to the Planning Commission special advisory steering committee for backward classes, which includes disabled persons. He further requested deaf members to participate actively in NAD programmes and stressed the importance of a united struggle towards the rights of deaf people.

Zorin Singha spoke of the future and a society where all disabled people could have access to all facilities and would be able to pursue their ambitions. Stephen proposed a vote of thanks. Purohit was able to interpret the proceeding into Hindi for the benefit to the parents and hearing visitors. The function was conducted in sign language, the natural language of the deaf.

Source: 'Deaf must define their further' Central Chronicle. Bhopal, 1 August 2006.

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