Srinagar, Dec 3:  On World Disability Day Saturday , Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Talat Ahmad said he was committed to make varsity environment “disabled friendly” and further strengthen the Special Cell for physically challenged  already established at the campus.
 Prof Talat was speaking at the valedictory function of  the daylong event observed in connection with the day. 
 A seminar Creating Barrier Free Higher Educational Institutions and  a  poster and painting competition  on theme   Means of Accessibility, A Way of Empowerment  were held during the day.
 Students from various Degree Colleges and Teaching Departments of KU participated in the programme.
 The VC said that KU shall soon be plying a special bus for the physically challenged to provide special assistance to them for their mobility within the campus. 
 “I am happy to see how these young children braving all odds and facing the challenges of the world with all bravery and courage,” said VC while pointing towards a group of physically challenged students present on the occasion.  
 “On the occasion, VC from his personal account made a contribution of Rs 5000 to the Zebun Nisa Institute of Inclusive Education, Bijbihara, Anantnag who  are catering to the needs of many a physically challenged students,” the KU PRO said in a handout. 
 Earlier while inaugurating the event Registrar KU Prof Syed Fayyaz said the aim of today’s program was not to celebrate but rather to sensitize the masses about the challenges that the physically challenged and differently abled  people face. 
 Earlier welcoming the guests, the Dean Students Welfare, Prof Neelofar Khan briefed the audience about the functioning of the Special Cell. 
 Speaking on the occasion Shaheel Ahmad Coordinator  Special Cell said that international Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992.
 Associate Dean Students Welfare Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Darzi  and Assistant Dean Student’s Welfare Showkat Shafi also spoke on the ocassion. Danish Abdullah, Liaison Officer and Shahid Ali Khan Cultural Officer conducted the proceedings of the seminar.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 3 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 3 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST