Programme held to mark the World Disability Day
Aligarh: Dr Urmila Devi (Additional Secretary, UGC and Alumna, Department of Sanskrit, AMU) called upon people from all sections of society to work for the betterment of differently-abled persons and provide them with all possible resources and opportunities to progress on the basis of equitable standards of means and support. She was addressing at an online programme organized by the Disability Unit, Aligarh Muslim University, marking the ‘World Disability Day’.
Dr Devi said that the government is providing every kind of support to persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. She also highlighted various schemes offered by the UGC for differently abled students.
AMU Vice Chancellor Professor Tariq Mansoor, who addressed the programme as the chief guest, highlighted the significance of World Disability Day and appreciated the efforts of Disability Unit and its volunteers for providing help and support to physically challenged students.
The guest of honour, Professor Zaheeruddin, Pro-Vice Chancellor, said that the World Disability Day was proclaimed by United Nations’ General Assembly in 1992. It aims at promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life. It also seeks to spread awareness for them regarding opportunities to progress and partake in the development of the country.
Earlier, welcoming the participants, Prof Khalid Bin Yusuf Khan (Coordinator, Disability Unit) expressed gratitude to the university administration for extending cooperation and granting funds for the procurement of equipments for differently-abled students. He said the Unit is providing such students with all necessary information regarding employment opportunities with the help of counselors and placement officers. He said that a roaster register of teaching and non teaching reserved positions is maintained by the Unit.
Professor Khan thanked the Director, UGC HRDC, Professor AR Kidwai for providing technical support in organizing the programme.
Professor SM Javed Akhtar, Finance Officer and Professor Naima Khatoon, Principal, Women’s College, Dr Farrukh Hafeez (Deputy Coordinator, Disability Unit) and Dr Riaz Ahmed (Counselor cum Placements Officer, Disability Unit) attended the programme along with a number of teachers and students from different faculties.
Student volunteer Aafia Rizvi moderated the programme while Dr Syed Faiz Zaidi proposed a vote of thanks.