‘Society must be sensitised on disability issues,’ opine experts, academicians

Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) in Dwarka was buzzing with enthusiasm on a winter morning as students and faculty members gathered to celebrate the much awaited two-day International We Care Film Festival. Themed on ‘Issue of Disability’,  the annual fest is organised in collaboration with Brotherhood, an internationally recognised NGO, UNESCO, and UN Information Centre. 

This annual festival endeavours to throw the spotlight on the heroism and struggle of specially-abled people around the globe, and to acknowledge their special abilities. Through this festival, AIMC honours the courage and tenacity of millions of specially-abled people around the globe. It aspires to throw the spotlight on the heroism and struggle of differently-abled people, and acknowledge their special abilities. 

The 13th edition of this annual film festival commenced on an auspicious note with the lighting of the lamp to evoke the blessings of the Almighty. This was followed by singing of the national anthem along 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, he highlighted the importance of organising this globally recognised film festival with an aim to create awareness about disability issues through the medium of films. “It is to foster integration in society by spreading the message of ability,” he added.

In addition, the other dignitaries present during the inaugural ceremony included Dr. Hemlata, Deputy Director, National Centre for Disability Studies, IGNOU, Ms Reena Charles, Educationist and Social Activities, Ek Ehsaas Foundation (EEF), Prof. Sanjay Ahirwal, Dean, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Apeejay Stya University, Prof. Ashok Ogra, Founder Director and Advisor of AIMC, Prof Sajal Mukherjee, Director, AIMC, Dr. Alka Munjal, Director of ASM, Dr. R P Hooda, Emeritus Professor, ASM, Dr Etinder Pal, Deputy Director, ASM, and Mr. Nagender Shandliya is AGM, Finance and Accounts, Apeejay Education. 

The key coordinators of this event are PG Diploma students of Corporate Communication and Event Management of AIMC under the able guidance of Dr Pijush Dutta, Professor and Programme Director, Naveen Gautam, Associate Professor, Prof. Mudita Raj and Prof. Ankit Kumar Malyan of AIMC.

Welcoming the esteemed guests and members of the Ashish Foundation, Prof Sajal Mukherjee in his address said, “We as a Mass Communication Institute are proud to have initiated and continued the conversation on ‘the issue of disability’ for the last 13 years. Our aim is to spread awareness and sensitise young impressionable minds through the medium of films and various discussions related to this theme.” He was glad to witness the enthusiastic participation of students from various other universities and institutes such as Bharati Vidyapeeth, SGT University, JIMS Rohini, Maharaja Agrasen College, Apeejay Stya University, Apeejay School of Management along with AIMC.   

Further, the Guest of Honour, Dr. Hemlata in her speech expressed her joy to collaborate with Apeejay Education. She narrated about her meeting with Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia, Co-promoter and President, Apeejay Stya & Svran Group, and how they brainstormed innovative ways to practice disability inclusion in every school and higher ed institute of Apeejay Education. Dr. Hemlata emphasised, “It’s imperative to bring disability inclusion to the mainstream. People with disabilities are part of the society.  But there are hardly any chapters in the book that teach students about disability and their contribution to this society. Thus, to practice inclusion, it’s really important to sensitise each individual of this society. It’s important to empathise with people with disabilities and look at them as an individual first.”

Reiterating a similar message like Dr. Hemlata, Prof. Sanjay Ahirwal mentioned, “We need to sensitise society and learn how to be more humane. As a society, we sometimes fail to acknowledge the presence of these specially-abled people among us. That’s sad.” He also referred to the beautiful movies such as Koshish and Taare Zameen Par that focus on different issues of disability. 

Prof. Ashok Ogra also added, “At AIMC, we nurture young minds and talent. International We Care Film Festival is also one such initiative that gives students an opportunity to interact with national and international award-winning films and develop empathy towards the differently abled.” 

As part of the festival, many award-winning Indian and international films like Here, Fish & I, Butterfly Circus, Cutting the Pain, Dark, to name a few, were screened. 

Adding glamour to this two-day festival, specially-abled children from Ashish Foundation showcased a mesmerising fashion show that won the hearts of the audience, who gave a standing applause. 

The festival also showcases a photography and painting exhibition on the same theme.