World Disability Day

 

It is ingrained in the Indic consciousness to accept all people. This also applies to those with special needs. With time and influence of the Western philosophy, this consciousness was tarred and a sudden feeling of fear and disgust was born in our minds for our specially-abled people. Times are changing and people are rising from the slumber of ignorance and institutions such as Asha Niketan are changing our thought process.

In pursuit of raising awareness, Asha Niketan orchestrated a rally today. World Disability Day presents an opportune moment to grant individuals with special needs a platform to voice their perspectives, emphasizing the importance of treating them with dignity rather than pity. Both St. Patrick’s Higher Secondary School and St. Vincent’s High and Technical School have consistently shown their support for such endeavors. Consequently, we, the students, together with our teachers, assembled, brandishing banners, placards, and signs adorned with affirming messages for individuals with disabilities.

 Our march commenced at Asansol Club, each participant brimming with enthusiasm, united by a shared objective. The affability that shone on the faces of the disabled was enough motivation for us to tread the path. People stopped to take a look at our placards. A few of them clicked photos. This reaction of the citizens was the validation we desired. The students ensured that the environment remained joyous and not tedious by chanting “Hip Hip, Hurray!” and various other chants. We noticed a few media personnel following us and covering this initiative which added to our joy as now this rally would reach the masses. The role played by Asansol Police cannot go unnoticed as they managed the traffic in such a way that the rally could progress smoothly while at the same time ensuring the convenience of transport vehicles.

 

The rally came to a halt in BNR and we were served refreshments. The authorities of Asha Niketan leveraged our excitement to finally end the rally with a few speeches that reminded the onlookers about the agenda of the rally. To call the rally a success would be an understatement! Previously, I had visited Asha Niketan and that visit itself was life-changing. Being able to do something to aid their efforts seems spiritually fulfilling.

I feel that the specially-abled do not desire sympathy. They just want to be treated like any other human being with respect. I’ll leave the readers with a simple example of how a ‘disabled man’ helped many ‘able’ people reach fulfilment in their lives.

 

With a name that translates to "eight deformities," Maharishi Ashtavakra is regarded as one of the greatest saints in Gyan philosophy. His speech to Raja Janak is collected as the Ashtavakra Gita, regarded by many as the best work of literature weaving the path of emancipation. This Maharishi was not an omnipotent being but a physically crippled man whose works hold perfect relevance even in modern times. "Should this historical figure be considered specially abled due to his immense knowledge, or should he just be considered 'disabled' because of his physical state?" is the question I pose.

-Pratyush Ray Mishra

 Class 9