post news network, Bhubaneswar, June 27: Numerous differently abled people from different age groups Saturday enthralled the audience present at the Convention Hall of the Utkal University, where a talent hunt programme, especially for the physically challenged people was organised jointly by several organisations working for the welfare of differently abled.
The event, which aimed at providing a platform to the numerous talented differently abled persons, was jointly organised by the Institute of Social Work and Research, Directorate of Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for the Handicapped (VRCH), The Sight Savers, Orissa Power Transmission Corporation Limited and Open Learning Systems.
Organisers said the main purpose behind the event was to bring different stakeholders on one platform. Ram Kishore Sharma, assistant director of VRCH said, “The main purpose behind organising this event was to bring all stakeholders on a common platform. We have invited politicians, bureaucrats, officials, college administrations and others to let them see the vast talent among the differently abled persons. This will help different categories of people to understand these young men and women in a better way and help them take their future course of actions accordingly.”
The colourful event, which started at 10am went till late into the evening and was interspersed with numerous dance, song and debate programmes. A number of physically challenged people performed on several songs and dance numbers and wooed the packed audience at the Convention Hall.
Ashok Das, vice chancellor of the Utkal University who felicitated many differently abled children for their performances said, “The tremendous performances given by these people show their firm dedication towards their goal. I was stunned by many of their performances. It displays their sense of courage in undertaking some of the painstaking and arduous tasks. I believe if people learn to accept challenges as these people have, they can succeed in their lives.”
Manjulata Panda, a visually impaired PhD (Political Science) student of the Utkal University, presented technology news for the physically challenged. Through several news items pertaining to the technological interventions, Panda highlighted the recent technologies available for the differently abled. These, when used, would certainly make their lives much better. In her news she talked about the screen reading software, the innovative mobile applications and the smart watches among others.
Chinmay Dhal, a visually impaired student, who rose to fame after securing 100 marks out of 100 in Mathematics at his high school examination spoke in detail about Helen Keller, an American author, political activist and lecturer, who fought against disability to fulfil her dreams. He said, “I was highly inspired by the work of Helen Keller. She always inspired me to keep going ahead despite challenges. Every person should take inspiration from the lady.”
Numerous people from the fields of politics, bureaucracy and academics joined the event to boost the confidence of the participants. Among those present were the Rajya Sabha MP Baishnab Parida, Junagarh MLA Dibya Shankar Mishra, Padmapur MLA Pradip Purohit, IAS officer Saswat Mishra, former state finance minister Panchanan Kanungo, state commissioner for persons with disabilities, Minati Behera.
