Sponsored by ICSSR, a 2-Day National Seminar on Challenges & Opportunities for Differently Abled People in India and their inclusiveness in the mainstream of Society, commenced at KIIT School of Management on 5th March, 2020.
Odisha Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik, in a message conveyed that it is the society which is responsible for the transformation towards inclusiveness, and not solely the role of Acts and Laws alone.
The Chief Guest on the occasion was Mrs. Shallu Jindal who is the Co-Chairperson, JSPL Foundation, renowned author & writer, celebrated Kuchipudi dancer, a noted social entrepreneur and great advocate of India’s indigenous art and culture. Mrs. Jindal raised the issue about how the rule of the majority pervades into all fields of public planning, and contemplated if the views of the majority should be considered as a measure of a vibrant democracy.
Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, Founder, Swabhiman delivered the Keynote Address. She highlighted how leaving behind people with disabilities is a deterrent to building a strong economy. She explored the legal, economic and social barriers to inclusiveness of specially abled persons.
At the outset, the Welcome Address was placed by Prof. S.K. Mahapatra, Director, KSOM followed by context setting of the seminar by Prof. S.N. Mishra, Dean, KSOM. The Inaugural Address was given by Prof. Hrushikesha Mohanty, Vice Chancellor of KIIT DU.
The Inauguration Ceremony came to a close with the Vote of Thanks proposed by Prof. Barsha Mohanty, co-organizer of the seminar. The seminar proceedings was also released, and the technical sessions followed next.