Latest news with #SamarthanamTrustfortheDisabled
NDTV
27-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
Disability Needs To Be Part Of Curriculum At The School Level, Say Experts
Despite policy promises and growing awareness, the gap between the idea of inclusive education and its ground reality remains wide in India. Educationists at NDTV Conclave underscored the urgency of creating learning environments that not only accommodate but actively support every child, regardless of ability or learning style. "An inclusive school is not one that simply admits children with diverse needs - it is one that embeds diversity, acceptance, and thoughtful planning right into its blueprint," said Neelanjana Das Majumdar, Head of Additional Learning Support at Pathways School, Noida. Highlighting the school's approach, she added, "When children come in, we assess their strengths and identify areas we can nurture. It's about creating a learner profile that supports their growth, not just testing them on fixed parameters." Das Majumdar also emphasised the importance of early intervention - often overlooked. "We have children coming in as early as three months. We focus on developmental milestones that are frequently neglected in early years. Our classrooms centre on sensory play, collaborative play, independent play - not marksheets or grades. Parents come with expectations rooted in grades, but we focus on nurturing, not evaluating." For Nipun Malhotra, disability rights activist and founder of the Nipman Foundation, the path to inclusivity was filled with personal struggles. Born with a disability, Mr Malhotra recalled the early years of rejection and isolation in mainstream schools. "My mother made it her mission to give me an inclusive life," he said. "There were people who suggested homeschooling or special schools, but her logic was clear - if I don't face the real world in school, how will I manage life after that?" After multiple rejections, Mr Malhotra was finally admitted to a school in Mumbai when he was in Class 4. "Even then, there were two types of teachers - those who treated me with sympathy, which isolated me from peers, and others who ignored me entirely. That damaged my confidence deeply. My only friend during school was my mother. It was only in college that I made my first real friend." GK Mahantesh, founder of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, painted a broader picture of systemic exclusion in Indian schools. "Most institutions are inaccessible - physically, pedagogically, and in terms of communication. Teachers aren't trained, special educators are few, and parents are often unaware of opportunities," he said. He said Samarthanam Trust works with over 500 government schools, 1,000 colleges, and 100 universities to build accessibility through infrastructure, awareness and engagement. "We encourage simple modifications - reasonable accommodations - and try to get school heads to engage with the issue directly. At Samarthanam, we've built step-free campuses, promoted cricket for the blind, and used music and dance to push conversations on inclusion." The panellists agreed that inclusion is not a favour or a charity - it is a fundamental shift in perspective. True inclusion is when systems evolve to meet every child where they are - not expect them to fit in.
Hans India
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
Hyundai Motor India Foundation Announces Second Edition of Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket 2025
Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) today announced the second edition of Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket - an International Bilateral Blind Men's Cricket Series under its corporate initiative - Samarth by Hyundai. The event is organized in partnership with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and Cricket Association for the Blind in India to raise awareness and enable people with disabilities in India. The International Bilateral cricket series exemplifies Hyundai's vision of building a more inclusive society. It not only offers a platform for international exposure but also marks a critical step in fostering physical and social development among visually impaired youth across India. Commenting on the second edition of Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket, Mr. Puneet Anand, AVP & Vertical Head - Corporate Affairs, Corporate Communication & Social, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, 'At Hyundai Motor India, we are committed to the holistic growth of India and aspire to build a more empathetic society through our social initiatives. In India, the love for cricket knows no bounds. It is more than just a sport; it is an emotion. Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket is a part of our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and empowerment through sports. The second edition of Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket will give the athletes a platform to showcase their talent while encouraging many more with their unbreakable spirit. We truly believe mobility and opportunity should be for everyone, and are honored to be a part of this movement. We wish each player the best and look forward to witnessing their talent unfold, both on and off the field.' Speaking on the announcement, the Chairman of CABI and Founding Trustee for Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, Dr. Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar said, 'There's a poetic resonance in the names - Samarth and Samarthanam, both rooted in the idea of strength and capability. This partnership goes beyond cricket; it's about building a world where ability triumphs over disability. With Hyundai's Samarth initiative joining hands with Samarthanam's long-standing vision, this championship emerges not just as a tournament, but as a global tribute to the spirit of inclusion, excellence, and possibility.' Commenting on the new season of bilateral cricket series, Captain of India Men's Blind Cricket Team, Mr. Durga Rao Tompaki said, 'Facing a world-class team like South Africa gives our players especially the newcomers, a rare chance to grow, compete, and prove their caliber. Backed by Hyundai, CABI, and Samarthanam, we're ready to make every match count.' In the first edition of Samarth Championship for Blind Cricket, the Indian Men's Blind Cricket team emerged as winners against Sri Lanka Men's Blind Cricket team. The second edition will feature the India Men's Blind Cricket Team facing the South Africa Men's Blind Cricket Team, scheduled to take place at Sai Krishnan Cricket Stadium, Muddenahalli, Bengaluru between May 12-17, 2025.
