AGRA CONVENTION 2014

Blind Stars Beyond Facebook Bridging The Gap

7th to 9th November, 2014

The first day began with the registration of the delegates by the volunteers. The poster entries for the “Drishti Creative Contest” were at display at the entrance of the venue. A formal opening ceremony was held in the presence of the Vice Chancellor of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Prof. Muzammil, Mrs. Sangeeta Bhatnagar, Member of Parliament D.P. Tripathi, Member Trustee Antardrishti Mr. Anil Chaudhary, Director of Institute of Social Sciences Dr. Diwakar Khare, Dr. Mukul Srivastava and Mohd. Khalid.

D. P. Tripathi, who is partially visually impaired himself, shed some light on how such an event could change the perception of the society towards the visually impaired. Recalling his own struggles as a visually impaired student who was denied the right to study, he spoke about how he overcame all the odds and emerged as a brilliant student, bagging various awards and gold medals.
The Vice Chancellor of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Prof. Muzammil had some words of wisdom for the delegates and the students of the Institute alike. He pointed out that the university was the most appropriate place for this convention to take place as this is where imaginations and spirits are set free and have the liberty to soar high. He noted that a university stands for Humanism, tolerance and adventure of ideas that no physical disability could be a hindrance to.
Khalid, the founding member of the group “Blind Stars” shed some light on the ideology behind such an initiative. He pointed out that people with disabilities are not a liability to the nation. They could as well be an asset if given a chance. All they need is an environment that promotes their growth and they could reach their full potential and contribute to nation building.
Sangeeta Bhatnagar, Chairperson of Akansha Samiti, put forward the proposal of aligning the standards of India?s infrastructure for the visually impaired, to the standards of International Association for the Prevention of Blindness? Vision 2020.