Will Power vs Wheel Power - An Inspirable, First-Mr WheelChair of India

Actual e-Copy can track from : Dainik Jagran ( Pg No 23 ) , Delhi - Special Sunday Edition

700 'saved' from fire in 3 minutes in Dubai

Dubai Prosecution conducted a fire drill and evacuated about 700 people including employees, visitors, detainees and security staff in just 3 minutes.

 

The drill also covered rescuing a person injured in a fire, presumably started in a cafeteria on the premises.

Three people trapped in toilets and a person with special needs were rescued.

Jasim Abdul Rahman, head of Emergency Unit at Dubai Prosecution, said that the drill was aimed at training employees and visitors on safest ways to combat a fire in the shortest possible time without injuries.

The drill was conducted in cooperation with Dubai Civil Defence.

“We did not receive any notice from the supervisors of the drill. Dubai Prosecution is also keen on updating its employees’ skills by giving them guidelines and training," he added.

Source : Emirates247 , 23rd Dec 2015 

Aids and appliances distributed to Children With Special Need

With an objective to connect children with special needs (CWSNs) with the main education system, East Siang Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) under the supervision of DC cum DPD Isha Khosla distributed aids and appliances and other special gifts among CWSNs in a function held at the Bharat Scouts and Guide Hall, here today. DDSE cum DPO Obuk Panor, IE Coordinator SC Sharma and officials of SSA District Mission were present on the occasion.

Witnessing the drawing, solo song and dance competitions organized for the children with special need on the occasion, DPD Khosla appreciated all for their extraordinary quality. “Every single child is gifted and talented in a particular field” she said adding with guidance of parents and teachers the   children with special need  can excel in various fields.  Many differently abled persons have already established themselves and many of them even cracked UPSC, added Khosla.  

While sharing the aim of the project, the DC informed that SSA ensures that every child with special needs is provided meaningful and quality education. She gave away aids and appliances like wheelchair, crutches, hearing aids etc and prizes and certificates to the achievers.

DDSE Obuk Panor exhorted the parents to encourage their children to attend schools regularly and to take part in co-curricular activities according to their choice and ability. The devices were given with an aim to bring CWSN to the school, educate and connect them with normal children, Panor added.

IE Coordinator SC Sharma also highlighted various development achieved so far and demonstrated the assistive devices to the users. Among others, DTO (S&G) T Padung and AK Sinha, teacher also spoke on the occasion.

It is worth mentioning here that  earlier on October 18, a one-day multi specialty free medical assessment camp was conducted in the Pasighat General Hospital Audio-Visual Hall to extend free medical  treatment and required assistance to the CWSN in continuation of administration’s endeavor to bring them to the main stream society. DIPRO.



Source : Arunachal Times , 23rd Dec 2015 

Uttarakhand to set up welfare council for physically challenged - Dehradun

Uttarakhand government has announced to set up a welfare council and a welfare fund for the physically challenged besides increasing posts for them in non-governmental bodies.”

Our government has decided to set up a welfare council and a welfare fund for the handicapped.

It has also been decided to increase posts for them in non-governmental bodies.

Other ways to provide them employment are also being explored,” Chief Minister Harish Rawat said at a conference here yesterday.

The CM noted that the provisions for the same will be made in the next budget.

Asking them to be mentally tough, Rawat emphasized that there were many instances wherein people suffering from physical disabilities had excelled in life by the sheer power of their will.

Source : Niti Central , 26th Dec 2015 

PM on Mann ki Baat: Let's use 'divyaang' instead of 'viklang' for physically challenged people

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his radio address, said the government will unveil a blueprint for start-ups in the country on January 16.

15th - Mann ki Baaat :

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the nation on 15th episode of his radio programme - Mann ki Baat.

PM Modi, during his radio address, appealed people to use the word 'divyaang' instead of 'viklaang' while referring to a person with physical disabilities.

"In our country, let us use the word 'divyaang' instead 'viklaang' (physically challenged). These people are gifted with extra ability," the PM said.

PM Modi said the government will unveil a blueprint for start-ups in the country on January 16. "On the 15th August, from the ramparts of Red Fort, I had said India will become a start-up destination.  On January 16, we are coming out with an action plan on start-ups," Modi said, adding," "Startup India, Stand up India programme will connect bright minds in colleges all across India. India's youth have the capability to propel India's growth." Envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,  the start-up initiative will provide bank loans for entrepreneurs. During his Independence Day speech Modi had appealed each of nation's 1.25 lakh bank branches to encourage at least one Dalit or tribal entrepreneur and at least one woman entrepreneur in setting up their own business. Source : India Today , 27th Dec 2015

Qatar Chamber Signs Agreement on Employing People with Disabilities

HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Chamber, said that the signing of the agreement comes out of the role of the Chamber in the field of social responsibility, and its commitment to supporting all efforts to take advantage of the potential capabilities of people with special needs, as positive energy.He explained that this segment if properly exploit their potential and take advantage of them, they are momentum and support the human energy within the community, the energies that represent the most prominent and most important element in the economic system and advancing racial capital and natural resources, as the most important by the realized development component.

He pointed out that people with special needs an important segment of society, and to deal with them needs to specialized people take the initiative employing this category and their integration in the society, adding that "we will organize meetings between the Chamber and Committee volunteer to employ people with disabilities and the private companies at the beginning of next year to discuss ways to integrate this segment ".For his part, praised Mr. Khalid bin Said Al Shuaibi, head volunteer Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities, the response of Qatar rapid and effective room with members of the Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, indicating that people with special needs, representing a large segment in Qatar, whether they are citizens or residents who represent a vital part of the community and any initiative or contribution to employment is a response to the religion of the State of Qatar and an additional step towards the integration of this segment in the Qatari society. He expressed the hope that this agreement will be the nucleus of a good initiative in the recruitment of people with special needs "where the Convention represents the beginning of a partnership with the room and cover the task of recruiting and training and rehabilitation of people with special needs," stressing that this agreement represents a big leap for people with special needs because it will facilitate the task of employment in the big companies.Shuaibi said that "there are a number of people with special needs are waiting to get a job", pointing out that the main objective of the special needs of employment do not get as much money as it is to try to integrate more in the community.He pointed out that the volunteer committee began its activity in 2008, and it seeks to employ people with disabilities in the public and private institutions, at the Amiri decree required the government sector employs 2% of people with disabilities.

 For his part, Mr. Saleh Hamad Al Sharqi Acting Director General Chamber of Qatar, that the latter will provide training to all training activities to serve all the needs of the users free of department, it will be agreement on all training a ctivities needed by the Associates of the Commission to be configured and rehabilitation of people with special business needs, as will be organized bilateral meetings between the Chamber and national companies to urge the latter to employ this category of society.Eastern and pointed to the existence of contacts with a number of companies on the employment of people with special needs, "With this agreement, we will enter the implementation phase of the project, and will reach out with the companies in this regard."And about the readiness of corporate headquarters for the reception staff with special needs and the allocation of parking them and facilitate access to buildings, the east said that it is natural that the any company to accept employment of this segment of society by creating its own building and provide them with all necessary for their arrival facilities to their place of work.He pointed out that Qatar Chamber took the initiative to accept a second employee with special needs, which reflects its commitment to support this segment of society, to be hiring more from this category in the future.

Note : Above is the automatic translated version of Arabic

 Source : Qatar  News Agency , 26th Dec 2015 

DISTRIBUTION OF ASSISTIVE AIDS AND APPLIANCES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ORGANIZED AT SHAKURPUR

Distribution of Assistive Aids and Appliances for Persons with Disabilities organized at Shakurpur to Mark Birth Anniversary of Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee

                  Central government has recognized persons with disabilities as an integral part of human resources and is committed towards rehabilitating and positively equipping Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the country. In a continuing endeavor to achieve the above objective and to commemorate   the birth anniversary of Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, a Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) Camp (ADIP)for free-of-cost distribution of assistive aids and appliances was held at the Community Centre at Sandesh Vihar in New Delhi, on Friday. The ADIP Camp, which is part of a series of hugely successful nationwide ADIP Camps, was organized by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Kanpur, working under Department Of Empowerment Of Persons With Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

                        The event with a large gathering was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government Of India. The function was presided over by Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Science and Technology & Earth Science.

 While addressing the gathering during the distribution camp today Union minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot said last year we distributed devices to 1.5 lakhs PwD beneficiaries under ADIP and other schemes and this year we have set a target of 2 lakhs beneficiaries for ourselves. He said existing Braille presses will be modernized and 10 new Braille presses will be established soon. He further added this year India have done very well in sports competition organized for Persons with Disabilities. These positive examples are source of inspiration for us also.

On the occasion, Union Minister Shri Harsh Vardhan, Ministry for Science and Technology & Earth Science expressed his happiness over this MoSJE initiative and said  the distribution camp for beneficiaries was a fitting tribute to the idea of inclusiveness held high and dear by Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, on his birth anniversary. He further added it will be ensured that every PwD in this constituency will get such aid or assistive device. Physical disability is not an obstacle in life and if you have will power then you can overcome it. I urge people to come forward for eyes donation, it will bring light in another person’s life.

While addressing the gathering Shri Lov Verma, Secretary, DEPwD told about achievers with disabilities. He said department is committed to leave no stone unturned for helping persons with disabilities. On the occasion Shri Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Joint Secretary, DEPwD welcomed both the ministers, senior officials and Persons with Disabilities present at the venue. He said many more such camps will be organized in upcoming days.

A total of 1006 PwDs with different kind of disabilities were provided with 1822 free-of-cost aids and assistive devices by ALIMCO worth more than Rs .1.35 crore under the ADIP(Assistance to Disabled Person) scheme of Government of India in this camp. These beneficiaries were pre-identified during the assessment camps conducted in Delhi on 18th , 19th Nov & 12th Dec, 2015 at Shakurpur, Majnu Ka Tila and Gulabaig respectively.

 High quality contemporary Aids and Assistive devices were distributed to differently abled in the camp manufactured by ALIMCO, which includes 63-Motorized Tricycles, 93-Tricycles, 30-Wheelchairs, 124-Crutches Axilla,  08-Walking Stick and a Rolator for Orthopedically Impaired person, 774 Smart Cane for and 631 Tablet for visually impaired, 60 Behind-the-ear hearing aid machines for  Hearing Impaired persons , 01- MSIED Kit (Multi Sensory Inclusive Educational Kit) for children with special needs along with  Prosthetics and Orthotics rehab.

Senior officials from central government ministries and departments, officials from ALIMCO, were also present on the occasion.

Source : Ten News - NCR , 25th Dec 2015 

Improved palanquins for Vaishno Devi pilgrims soon

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) will soon introduce an improved palanquin with superior design for the infirm, physically challenged and aged Vaishno Devi pilgrims.

The new palanquin will have less weight and help the palkiwallahs easily carry pilgrims while trekking uphill to the shrine.

The Shrine Board said the improved palanquin was being developed with the technical assistance of the Industrial Design Centre (IDC), IIT Mumbai, under the overall supervision of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister.

At a recent meeting of the Shrine Board, Governor NN Vohra, who is also the chairman of the Board, reviewed the progress of the project.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shrine Board Ajit Kumar Sahu informed the meeting that the prototype of the palanquin had already been developed by the IDC, Mumbai, and the trial and testing was in progress.

The Governor has asked the CEO to get the new design early cleared.

Many pilgrims who are overweight or not fit to walk long distances take the services of ponies and palanquins to the cave shrine.

Apart from this, the Shrine Board with the assistance of the district police will soon take necessary action to ensure verification of all persons living or working in any establishment along the track. A photo identity card will be provided to each person to ensure foolproof security of the shrine.

Meanwhile, the Governor has expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of progress in the acquisition of land for the new helipad at Katra. He asked the Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, to complete the land acquisition process for construction of the new helipad at the identified alternate site. The Governor has also directed the CEO to review the problems of the persons rehabilitated in Sira Colony near Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University.

Source : Tribune News Service , 26th Dec 2015 

In this Haryana village hit by caste violence, sport bridges the gap

Wrestlers during a training session at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International wrestling academy, Mirchpur in Hisar district

The village has come to be linked to that horrific incident five years ago when a 70-year-old Dalit and his physically-challenged daughter were burnt alive. Now, sport is healing the wounds of this Haryana village scarred by caste violence.

Gun-toting paramilitary personnel can be seen guarding village posts round the clock --- a reminder of the infamy the village was engulfed in when more than a dozen Dalit houses were torched by a group from the Jat community on April 21, 2010.

Today, the village is redeeming itself through wrestling. The rural sport has rekindled the flame of brotherhood between the communities and turned the village’s negative image around.

The Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Wrestling Academy that came into existence two years after the incident has managed to bridge the gap between the communities. In the last three-and-a-half years, the academy has produced around 30 national players, including 10 medallists and six internationals. The centre houses 80 wrestlers from different communities.

Racing Ahead

Impressed by the results and training facilities, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has taken the centre under its wings and is providing diet and kit to 20 of its trainees.

Wrestlers train at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International wrestling academy, Mirchpur in Hisar district. 

“The incident tarnished the image of the village to an extent it is impossible to avoid reference to it whenever the name of the village comes up. But with our wrestlers making an impression on the national and international stage, the village is getting a positive name,” says former national-level wrestler Ajay Dhanda, who played a key role in the establishment of the akhara.

Overwhelmed by the events of April 21, Dhanda decided to take the sports route to bridge the communal divide. “It seemed that we were left with nothing good to show after the episode. It used to disturb me, and then a thought crossed my mind that we should do something to restore brotherhood and improve the image of the village,” recalls Dhanda.

CRPF personnel guarding the post in village Mirchpur, Hisar.

“Around 100 youth from the village were sent to Tihar Jail after the episode, and it was a matter of time before they returned and became a negative influence. Sport is the best way to keep the young generation away from drugs and crime.”

In 2012, like-minded people opened the wrestling academy and also made provision for a hostel. “Today, our centre is spoken of highly whenever the name of Mirchpur comes up,” says Dhanda, who left his job in Haryana Police to coach kids.

“We have come a long way from where we were five years back,” says the coach alluding to the violence, which saw 18 Dalit houses torched. As many as 97 youth from the Jat community were put behind bars. Later, 82 of them were let off for want of evidence.

“We have youth from Jat and Dalit families staying and training together. Things have improved and sport is playing a vital role,” says Ramphal, one of the six coaches, who is from the Dalit community.

For 22-year-old Virender Singh, whose cousin spent one-and-a-half-years in Tihar, the incident is behind him and “there is no ill-feeling among families”. “We hope in future we will be recognised as a village of world-class wrestlers,” he says.

Today, kids from other villages, and places as far as Rajasthan, are enrolling at the centre, which has become sought after in the region. “Earlier, my parents were hesitant about sending me to the Mirchpur akhara. But once they visited the centre, their perception changed,” said Vishal of Dhanoli Village in Jind district.

This year, Hardeep, a trainee at the centre who won the Commonwealth Championships bronze last year, was in the India team for the World Championships in Las Vegas.

“We not only teach the art of wrestling, but also give importance to education and character building. It is compulsory for trainees to attend school,” says Dhanda, who is building a new wrestling hall and hostel on his own land.

Next year, when Aamir Khan’s movie Dangal, based on the life of Mahavir Singh, father of wrestlers Geeta and Babita Phogat, is released, the Mirchpur akhara will have its presence on the big screen as well. Two of the trainees will feature in the film and three coaches from the centre will be seen as match referees. Ajay, one of the coaches, trained the girls playing the roles of Geeta and Babita.



Source : Hindustan Times , 27th Dec 2015 

'Help Desk' inaugurated at Vadodara rail station for commuters

A 'Help Desk', which will provide necessary information to commuters, was today inaugurated by BJP MP Ranjanaben Patel at the railway station here. 

The desk, set up by Vadodara Division of the Western Railway, will be manned by prominent citizens, students and city-based NGO's on a voluntary basis and through it necessary information will be provided to the commuters. 

Railway officials claim that this is the first kind of a help desk started in the country. 

"This is perhaps the only smart city model, where in senior citizens, NGOs and students have come forward to help fellow travellers. Those who know the city, show the city - a true Public Private Partnership model," Bhat said. 

"Facilities available at the station like free drinking water, escalators, waiting rooms, ramp for physically challenged, would now be shown by senior citizens to the commuters," said Ashutosh Gangal, Divisional Railway Manager, Vadodara Division. 

"Information regarding prominent places of tourist attraction will be given at this desk with help of pictures," he added. 

City Mayor Bharat Danger and other senior officials were present on the occasion.

Source : Business Standard , 26th Dec 2015 

Discounted bus fares introduced for students

To cut the students’ travel expenses and ease their travel by bus to schools, colleges and universities, the traffic police have approached the transport department to amend the rules regulating discounted fares. The obsolete part of the Motor Vehicles Rule (MVR) 1969 needs amendment in order to make it more realistic and implementable.

A letter has been sent by traffic police DIG Amir Sheikh to the transport secretary for the amendment in the rule, which also includes special persons in the list. The letter, written by Sheikh, read that in order to facilitate the physically challenged persons and to revise the obsolete rate of fare for students travelling in state carriages, there is a need to make amendment in the existing rule 79 of the MVR1969.

Education facilities: Students, teachers protest merger plan

According to the old rule, 25 paisas were supposed to be charged from the students. The amendments include the charges for a distance less than 20 miles fixed at Rs5 for students irrespective of any university, college or school and special persons with any kind of disability. The amendment also says that if the distance travelled is more than 20 miles, the fare from the students will be charged half of the normal fare the buses charge from other passengers.

The concession for the students is for anytime of the day irrespective of the schools, college or university timings and days. The letter also reads that students should also not be asked to leave the seat because they are paying less than the others.

The rule is applicable on all buses and mini-buses but not on coaches, confirmed transport secretary Taha Farooqui. He said that the need for amending the fares for students was felt as the previous rates were very low. He added that for special persons, the amendment was proposed in view of some applications received.

PM’s school visit

“How can they force us to give these concessions without taking us in confidence,” complained Karachi Transport Ittehad general secretary Mehmood Afridi. He was also of the view that Sheikh is not the authority to give such orders while it is Farooqui’s department. “We have written a letter to the traffic DIG and have told him that nothing can be done without discussing with us first,” he said, citing examples of the traffic police’s previous failed campaigns.

A student only has to show her/his institute’s identity card to avail the discounted rates in the buses. A majority of the university students are unaware of the discount. “I did not know that we can show our card and be charged less in the bus,” said a student, demanding that they should paste these rules on the gates of the buses so that all the students can avail this discount.

Expanding horizons: New facility for advanced studies opens at UET

“Since I know that I have a facility to avail when travelling in public buses, I try to avail it as much as I can,” said a student of a government college. She also told The Express Tribune that it costs her around Rs100 daily as she has to change two buses to make it to her home in Manzoor Colony.

“I never show my identity card to avail the discount but many girls do,” said Karachi University second-year student Sumaiya Talib, who also takes two buses to reach home. She shared that sometimes bus conductors get irritated when a lot of girls show cards and ask them to charge half of the rate they normally charge.

Another student from KU’s applied chemistry department, Bilal Khan, said that this change in fare will help those students who only travel in the university’s buses because they charge less. Meanwhile, the traffic DIG said he was unable to comment as he was in Islamabad.



Source : The Express Tribune , 22nd Dec 2015 

Children with leprosy to perform ‘Kathak’ - West Bengal

A government auditorium in Durgapur will host a Kathak performance in January, where sixty children, all victims of leprosy, along with 50 others who are physically challenged, will perform Kathak dance under the supervision of 'Kathak' Gurus from Delhi, Rajasthan and Kolkata.

Kathak Dharohar, a Delhi based cultural society known for its contribution to the classical dance form, is engaged in grooming the children of Manipur Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre in Purulia by giving them the required expertise in Kathak. The children are now being taken for a 10 day special training that is being arranged at 'Chhatna Yuva Awas' in the foothills of Susunia rise in Bankura. The physically challenged participants hail from Bankura, Susunia and Chhatna. 

“They have resorted to this to get recognition from mainstream society,” said Sadananda Biswas, General Secretary, Kathak Dharohar. Biswas had visited Purulia in 2007 and in 2013 to take part in the ‘Jai Chandi’ Tourism Festival where he learnt about the children who had been sent to the rehabilitation centre by their families. The Manipur centre which is spread over 19.43 acres, accommodates 212 families; of them 457 individuals are leprosy-affected and 325 of the affected have become completely disabled. It has 87 children above 10 years of age. 

“We have picked 60 children aged between 10 to 15 years and have continued to groom them," Biswas said. He added, “It’s a matter of great pride that they are set to perform in the city, in the presence of ‘Kathak’ Gurus.” The ‘United Religious Initiative,’ a global grassroot inter-faith network headquartered in San Francisco, USA,has also joined hands. Biswadeb Chakraborty, India country head of URI told The Statesman, “Since they have taken up the mission to reach out to the children estranged from society, we felt it necessary to share the task.”



Source : The Statesman, 23rd Dec 2015 

State body builders win five medals - Imphal

State body-builders won five medals in the recently held 8th Satish Sugars Classic 2015 - All India Invitational Classic Body Building Competition for senior men, women and physically challenged held at Belagavi, Karnataka.

The competition was organised by the Indian Body Builders Federation (IBBF). In the competition, Th Sarita Devi clinched a gold medal in the women's open category while Y Momota Devi and K Rebita Devi bagged a silver and a bronze medal respectively.

Y Borun settled a silver medal in the 80 kg group. He also won the best poser title.

M Rubi bagged a bronze medal in 75 kg category.


Source : The Sangai Express, 21st Dec 2015 

More than 10,000 fines issued for parking in handicapped spots - Dubai

Dubai Traffic Police issued 10,265 fines for drivers occupying parking spots reserved for physically challenged people between January and November of this year.

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Ten-day awareness campaign about handicapped parking launched on Monday
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Colonel Jamal Al Bannai, Deputy Director of Dubai Traffic Police, said there is an increase in incidents of people misusing handicapped parking spots, which carries a fine of Dh1,000 and four black points.

In 2014, there were 9,409 fines all year, which was also an increase from 8,317 from 2013.

The numbers were revealed at the launch of a 10-day traffic awareness campaign, which will raise awareness of this issue. The campaign is held under the motto, “Stand by their Side … Not in their Spot.

The campaign will include awareness messages on social media, brochures, radio (in Arabic, English and Hindi) and awareness lectures.

Col Al Bannai said parking in a handicapped spot while one is not handicapped is not only against the traffic law, but a violation of the rights of people with disabilities.

“There are very few handicapped parking spots available compared to regular parking — they form maybe 1 per cent of all parking spots — and still people park in them even if there is regular parking available,” he said.

Another issue, he said, is handicapped people who do not have a handicapped parking permit, which is also considered a violation.

Col Dr Jasem Khalil Mirza, Director of the Security Awareness department at the General Directorate of Community Services at Dubai Police, said the famous Arabic radio show the “Direct Line” has been receiving many complaints about this issue.

“That is why we thought this would be a good time to launch this campaign, which will be our last awareness campaign of the year,” he said.

Dubai Police had earlier installed one of the monitoring devices they created to catch people who park in handicapped parking spots at the Dubai Mall.

“We are still working with shopping centres to install the rest,” he said.

Fines recorded by the device since its installation were not immediately available.



Source: Gulf News Transport, 21st Dec 2015 

Kajal Aggarwal is Acting as physically challenged person - Mumbai

Kajal Aggarwal Once again gets back to Bollywood after two successful hits and now she will be seen as Physically Challenged Person in Do Lafzon Ki Kahani starring Randeep Hooda in the main role.

Kajal Aggarwal means ‘Glamour doll’ and ‘Skin show’. That is how bad she is treated in South Indian film industry. At least, Tamil movies can be an exception. But in most of the Telugu movies, she is used worse than a glam doll. The actress recently acted in Hindi movie ‘Do Lafzon Ki Kahani’.

Deepak Tijori directed the project. Randeep Hooda did male lead and Kajal Aggarwal shares screen space with him. The movie also features Dhiraj Shetty, Anil George, Yuri Suri and Mamik in supporting roles. The trailer released recently and it got more praises. It showed Kajal aggarwal as Visually impaired person.

The technical team features Ankit Tiwari for music and Ballu Saluja for editing. Mohana Krishna cranked the camera. Kajal Aggarwal who is happy with the response said,

“After Ajay Devgn’s ‘Singham’ and Akshay Kumar’s ‘Special 26’, I am making a come back to Bollywood town. I am happy that I have impressed with the two minute and fifty-two second trailer itself. I did lots of ground work to do a role of visually impaired person.”

Source : Ind read , 21st Dec 2015  

CM opens District Handicap Sports Meet - Nagpur

 “Physical handicap should not become an impediment in one’s quest for achieving greater heights. In fact, the physically challenged should accept the reality and strive hard to cross newer milestones and create records on the strength of their self-confidence,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after inaugurating Nagpur District Handicap Sports Competition here on Monday.

The Sports Competition is being held at the grounds of Ishwar Deshmukh Physical Education College. Other dignitaries present on the occasion include Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Social Justice Minister Rajkumar Badole, Zilla Parishad President Nishatai Savarkar, Mayor Pravin Datke, MLAs Dr Milind Mane, Sudhakar Kohale and others.

“Human organs could go dysfunctional due to natural or artificial reasons. In this situation, a person gets depressed. But he or she should get jolted. Instead the physically challenged should fight to defeat the adverse situation with their inner strength and self-confidence,” appealed Fadnavis and added that his Government is implementing several schemes to bring the handicapped persons into mainstream. “In the coming days, all needful will be done for education of physically challenged persons.

The handicapped persons do not need sympathy but respect. Arnuma Sinha, a young girl, lost her both legs in a railway accident but climbed the Himalayas with aplomb. The handicap did not become hurdle for her in her quest to be atop the mountain. You should also achieve success with the same zeal,” exhorted the Chief Minister to participating physically challenged persons at the sports meet.

At the outset, the Chief Minister hoisted the competition flag and lighted the torch to mark opening of the event. He accepted the salute from sportspersons during their march past. A health camp in memory of late Prabhakar Datke was also inaugurated by Fadnavis on the occasion.










Source : Nagpur Today , 21st Dec 2015 

'Disability not an obstacle if you have a goal' - Vishakhapatnam

Helen Keller, who was visually challenged, said that the only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision. Kumara Somasekhar, a lecturer from Vizag, has proved that he has vision even though he lost his sight. He has two PhDs in history and law from Andhra University. The 48-year-old gold medalist is currently working as a lecturer in the department of history at Dr VS Krishna Government Degree College (autonomous). Somasekhar, who missed the opportunity of being a group I officer despite qualifying in all subjects due to his disability, speaks to V Kamalakara Rao of TOI about the dark side of life including the obstacles and discrimination he faced in his personal, educational and professional spheres.

Q) How did you lose your sight?

I was born in Kakinada in East Godavari district. My father hailed from Srikakulam. I was not visually impaired by birth, but I became partially blind when sticks of a broom stuck my eyes during Dasara celebrations when I was three. By the time I was six, I lost sight in both the eyes. Doctors said I will never be able to see again.

Q) How did you succeed in studies?

My schooling was done in the Government High School for the Blind, Darul Shifa, Hyderabad. I completed my intermediate and degree from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. I used to depend on the Braille script till class X and then on audio gadgets. Of course, this led to a hearing problem due to excessive use of headphones for studies.

Q) What about the academic life in Andhra University (AU)?

I joined AU to pursue my Masters in History from where I got my PhD too. Later, I pursued my Masters in Law in the same university where I won a gold medal in 2000. This part, I also got a PhD in law. Simultaneously, I prepared for competitive exams and the national eligibility test (NET).

Q) What about your professional skills?

I would have been a high rank officer now had the state government not rejected me in the group-I exams. The government rejected my candidature even though I qualified in the exams including prelims and mains in 1995. In May 2004, the government offered me the post of a lecturer in the direct recruitment for Government Degree College at Narsannapeta in Srikakulam district. In October 2014, I was transferred to Dr VS Krishna Degree College in the city where I am teaching history. In 1988, I qualified for the IGNOU lecturership through an all India entrance test. Of the 743 candidates, only 43 qualified that year. Out of that 43, I was the only one from united Andhra Pradesh.

Q) Is 'disability' an obstacle?

Disability matters physically. It is not an obstacle if we have a strong passion for the goal we set. Of course, the disabled can't do all the things that other people can, but they can do it differently. I faced many hurdles including financial problems and social discrimination in the past 45 years as a blind man, but in my heart I never feel disability.

Q) How supportive are the staff and students in the college?

The college staff and students are very supportive. My department lecturers, including Narayana, Nagamani, Ramesh Babu and Ramalakshmi, are very co-operative. Some of the students are also very attached to me. I have to thank all these people for making me feel at home.

Source : TOI,21st Dec 2015