Talent prevails everywhere and in everyone and people with disabilities are no exception.
Shri Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Founder, Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust, Bengaluru.
To encourage people with disabilities prove their mettle in various fields, Samarthanam was founded in the year 1997 to support them at every level. Its diverse initiatives have been creating a huge impact on people with disabilities making them independent. Education is one of the primary focus areas of Samarthanam, creating a superior learning environment for children from various backgrounds and paving way for their bright future. Alongside, the skilling initiative of Samarthanam provides livelihood training to youth with disability using latest technology and hence making their every effort easy. Not to leave sports behind, Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) is fulfilling the dreams of many aspiring blind cricket players, providing an international stage for displaying their cricketing talent. The cultural troupe of Samarthanam, consisting of artists with disabilities, is making a heavy impact on the world of art with its beautiful performances in classical dance and singing. While close to 60,000 people have received support from Samarthanam, the organization aims to touch the lives of 100,000 people with disabilities by year 2020.
The Indian Congress for People with Disabilities is an extraordinary initiative which establishes a connect between public and people with disabilities. The first Congress organized in Coimbatore witnessed activities involving general public, volunteers and the disabled, dissolving the barriers between them and moved towards the making of an inclusive society. The idea that persons with disabilities have the potential to lead and establish their stance was highly regarded and approved by the participants.
Samarthanam strongly believes in establishing an inclusive society and greatly appreciates the effort laid by the organizers in implementing the Indian Congress which aims to change the society’s attitude towards people with disabilities.
We, at Samarthanam are extremely delighted to host the Second Indian Congress for Persons with Disabilities, between 29th April and 1st May 2019 at Samarthanam premises. We are honoured to be a part of the initiative and convey to public on the needs of people with disabilities and their potential to thrive in any working sector.