By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 3 Dec: The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) organised a cultural programme today to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The event commenced with a welcome song and Saraswati Vandana performed by visually impaired students of the institute’s Model School, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the Chief Guest, Akash Tyagi, Regional Head, HUDCO, and Guest of Honour RD Gupta, along with senior officials of the institute.
In his motivational address, the officiating Director of the Institute, Amit Sharma, acknowledged persons with disabilities as a source of inspiration for society. He emphasised that their remarkable talents and limitless potential empower them to overcome any challenge. Highlighting the institute’s achievements, he commended the students and reaffirmed NIEPVD’s commitment to fostering their empowerment and self-reliance.
The event featured diverse cultural performances showcasing the exceptional talents of visually impaired students. The students of the Model School presented patriotic songs, instilling a sense of national pride among the audience. The students from the departments of Special Education and Research, as well as Clinical Rehabilitation and Psychology and Vocational Training Centres, captivated the gathering with Garhwali and Rajasthani folk dances and Uttarakhandi folk songs. Noteworthy performances included a heartfelt rendition of the song “Dil Hai Chhota Sa” by Shubhashish and Shubhangi, and an emotionally resonant patriotic poem recited by Krish Pandey.
The captivating performances by children with special needs from the Early Intervention Centre touched the hearts of the audience. Additionally, the Radio Jockeys of the institute presented a group song on empowerment, and a piano performance by Colonel Vijay Kumar Bhasin added a distinguished touch to the programme. On this occasion, a book titled “Conference Report on Suicide Prevention”, authored by Dr SK Dhalwal, was also released.
The Chief Guest, Akash Tyagi, appreciated the dedication, talent, and efforts of all participants, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Surendra Dhalwal, followed by the distribution of awards to the participating students in recognition of their achievements. On this occasion, the institute’s most senior employee and guest of honour for the event, retired RD Gupta, was also honoured.
The event was ably anchored by visually impaired Radio Jockeys, Jennifer and Ankita, whose impactful and effective presentation ensured the success and inspiration of the programme.
The occasion witnessed the presence of assistant professors Dr SK Dhalwal, Dr Vinod Kain, Dr Pankaj Kumar, Dr Jasmer Singh, Dr Sunil Shirpurkar, Varun Kumar Yadav, Dr Charu Yadav, Shruti Jassal, Neetu Sahni, and Anjana Bhagat, along with other officials, staff, students, and trainees of the institute.
