Can and able: Towards a world that empowers all

Renowned disability activist Helen Keller had once said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision”. It is thus, our solemn duty as human beings to help create a society that possesses the moral fibre to look beyond the obvious.

Acting upon this saying, Apeejay Svran Global School conducted a special virtual assembly on December 3 to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, commonly known as World Disability Day. The assembly was organised by students of class 9 to create awareness on the numerous challenges faced by differently abled people and the changes one can make to help create an egalitarian environment.

The assembly began with the recitation of the Gayatri mantra by Shriram Sharma. Harjas Kaur read out the prayer for the day. The school pledge was recited by Varun Bamba. Divyanshi Bhardwaj presented the thought for the day and Daksh Kaushik read the news headlines. The compere for the assembly was Sagar Lohia.

The assembly aimed at reinforcing inclusivity as an essential life skill amongst students. The students were encouraged to always reflect on the moral implications of their actions in various situations of daily life and be sensitive to the needs of all around.

Jia Zutshi gave a thought provoking video presentation covering the life stories of several differently abled people who went on to scale great heights in life. Her presentation reaffirmed the fact that differently abled people share the right to a life of dignity like any other citizen of the world.

Speaking about the presentation she said, “Differently abled people are often described as those who lack in the normal functioning of physical and mental processes. In my presentation, I have shown the life stories of several differently abled personalities who went on to achieve great heights in life. The most important story, I feel, was of Deepa Malik, the first Indian female athlete to win a medal in the 2016 Rio Paralympic games. I also shared the life stories of Helen Keller and Stephen Hawking. We have a chapter on Helen Keller in our syllabus as well. It feels very inspiring to read about her life.” She added, “The general assumption upon hearing about someone who is differently abled is that they might not be able to live a normal life. But then one sees the great accomplishments done by them. So, we must understand that disability doesn’t make them any less than us. An optimistic attitude and strong will power makes all the difference. Everybody should take inspiration from them.”

Speaking about the event, Principal, Mrs Deepika Arora recalled the stellar contributions of Founder-Chairman Dr Stya Paul in both man making as well as nation building. He overcame physical challenges and went on to inspire thousands of people to do their best and stay determined in the face of all difficulties.  

“Disability is not a state of inability. There have been many personalities whose lives have been an example to the world that disability is not a limitation in the path of success. We observed World Disability Day at our school to spread a spirit of inclusion amongst all students and staff and also to salute the spirit and determination of the differently abled and learn from their lives, to help create a better world for all.”

-Ms Deepika Arora, Principal, Apeejay Svran Global School