By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 23 Oct: On Wednesday, the Community Radio Station of the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD), 91.2 NIVH Hello Doon, hosted a one-day workshop, titled “Samvaad”. The event saw participation from representatives of various media formats, who gathered to enhance awareness and sensitivity towards persons with disabilities.
The workshop was graced by the Chief Guest, Yogesh Bhatt, State Information Commissioner. Highlighting the purpose of the Samvaad programme, Dr Surendra Dhalwal, Director Incharge, emphasised the crucial role of the media in shaping public opinion and raising awareness. He stated, “It is imperative for the media to be both aware and sensitive towards persons with disabilities and their rights.”
The workshop included discussions on various topics. Dr Pankaj Kumar, Assistant Professor at NIEPVD, provided an in-depth explanation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act. Students from the Radio Jockey course at the institute also presented a short play based on the subject. Additionally, a film showcasing various schemes of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India, aimed at education, employment, and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, was screened. The film was written and enacted by the students of the Radio Jockey course.
Kamal Prajapati, an officer of the Indian Information Service who is visually impaired, shared his personal experiences working in the media sector. Other highlights of the workshop included discussions on Antarchakshu (a simulation exercise) and Disability Etiquette, aimed at increasing sensitivity towards persons with disabilities.
A total of 19 media representatives from print, TV, radio, and digital platforms participated in the event. The programme producer, Chetna Gola, extended her gratitude to all the media representatives and urged greater collaboration among various media formats to raise awareness on disability-related issues. Faculty members from different media institutes in Dehradun, along with students of mass communication, also took part in the workshop.
