‘Disability is not a limitation, it’s part of human diversity’

Like every year, this year was no different. The vibrant campus of Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC), Dwarka in Delhi was buzzing with enthusiasm as students and faculty members gathered to celebrate the much awaited two-day International We Care Film Festival that was themed on ‘Issue of Disability’. 

Organised in collaboration with Brotherhood, an internationally recognised NGO, UNESCO, and UN Information Centre, this festival is celebrated every year to create awareness about disability issues through the medium of films. The endeavour is to remove the myths, misconceptions, prejudices and stereotypes about disabled people among society while acknowledging their special abilities. 

Paying homage to the Founder Chairman of Apeejay Education Dr Stya Paul, an eminent industrialist, educationist, and philanthropist, who has inspired many through his resilience and determination to overcome any barriers, the 14th edition commenced on an auspicious note with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. This was followed by singing of the national anthem with a video of the national anthem in sign language, featuring Amitabh Bachchan and children with disabilities, playing simultaneously on the screen. The concept of the national anthem in sign language was the brainchild of Mr. Satish Kapoor, Founding President – Brotherhood and Festival Director, who was present at the occasion. 

In his address to the audience, Mr. Kapoor enthusiastically highlighted the importance of organising this globally recognised film festival, which is celebrating its 14th edition.

The Chief Guest for the first day of the International We Care Film Festival was Mr. R. Shridharan Ramakrishnan, Editor International TV9. Other dignitaries present during the inaugural ceremony were Prof Sajal Mukherjee, Director, AIMC, Dr Etinder Pal, Deputy Director, Apeejay School of Management (ASM), Dr. R P Hooda, Emeritus Professor, ASM, Dr Usha Ravi, Deputy Registrar cum Program Manager, ASM, Mr. Nagender Shandliya, AGM, Finance and Accounts, Apeejay Education as well as Balwant Singh, AGM-Admin (Corporate Office) at Apeejay Education.

Welcoming the esteemed guests and members of the Ashish Foundation, Prof Sajal Mukherjee in his address said, “The objective of this film festival is to sensitise people towards the specially-abled people,” while emphasising, “If you have the determination you can achieve anything and everything in the world.”

Following this, he gladly welcomed the enthusiastic participation of students from various other universities and institutes like Bharati Vidyapeeth, SGT University, JIMS Rohini, Kasturi Ram College, to name a few.

Mr. Ramakrishnan addressed the audience by highlighting, “There are 1.5 billion persons with disabilities across the world.” He questioned the budding media professionals on how one can do their bit as a journalist to contribute to this cause. He said, “The fancy buildings are designed keeping specially abled in mind. But the larger challenge is the unfortunate stigma which is around disability; the reaction of pity. What they need most is to be recognised as normal people. I don’t think they want to stand out to make them look different. What they need is empathy and integration in what they do. They want to be a part of normal life. So integrate them into the mainstream.”

He further emphasised, “What we can do as a journalist is start using inclusive language. Play a crucial role in creating a more equitable society. Disability is not a limitation, it’s part of human diversity. Let’s break down this barrier and we can be the brand ambassadors for this cause.”

Reiterating a similar enthusiasm, the 2nd day of the International We Care Film Festival saw participation of school students from across Delhi. RJ Simran took the spotlight as the chief guest on day 2 and created a vibrant interactive atmosphere as she encouraged the audience to be “a lion in life”.

As part of the festival, many award-winning Indian and international films like Fighting in the Wheels, Fish & I, Respiration, Speechless, to name a few, were screened. 

Taking this two-day festival to another level, specially-abled children from Ashish Foundation showcased a mesmerising fashion show while winning the hearts of the audience who gave the participants a standing applause. 

Another awe-struck moment was an astounding performance by a rising star with neurodiversity Devansh Chandra – a singer with autism  spectrum disorder who has won 20 national awards.   

The key coordinators of this event were PG Diploma students of Corporate Communication and Event Management of AIMC, who organsied the two-day festival under the able guidance of Associate Professor Naveen Gautam and Assistant Professors Prof. Mudita Raj, Prof. Ankit Kumar Malyan as well as Prof. Sukriti Arora.

Sharing her thoughts on organising this two-day event, Srishti Gupta of PGDM expressed, “Our experience has been really good. All arrangements and decoration were done by PGDM students and all of them have been very creative. It took us a week to do all the preparation and so far, this has been the best event in college. The issue is so important and we need to be discussing more as a society.”

Garvisha Oberoi, a CCEM student at AIMC shared, “I have been part of events before. But this was a new exposure because the topic is quite sensitive. But the college is showing this as a celebration and not a moment of dullness. And that is what I love about this event. Everyone is doing their best.”

Another CCEM student Dipika highlighted, “This is probably the first big event that I got in AIMC and as an event student it was a good exposure – right from organising to decorating – everything was done by us. And such exposures give me the confidence that I may pick my career in the event industry as I like the buzz and the chaos of it.”

  

The two-day festival also showcased a photography and painting exhibition on the same theme. Alongside, local food vendors added to the festive atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for attendees. The two-day event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony.