Sruti Mohapatra from Swabhiman was the keynote speaker for the session. Source: SAI International Education Group
SAI International Education Group organised a daylong event in collaboration with Swabhiman – State Disability Information and Research Centre — on December 15 to mark the International Day for People with Disabilities observed every year on December 3.
The executive founder of Swabhiman, Odisha, Sruti Mohapatra, addressed the students of SAI International School and SAI International Residential School on the importance of celebrating diversity and embracing the differences while socialising and interacting with people with disability.
Mohapatra, who has worked for years to fight all kinds of discrimination in the society, spoke about the importance of equity and equality among people.
The day started with a welcome address by the principal of Secondary SAI International School, Prakash Sahoo, who emphasised on creating a society that is inclusive, empathetic and compassionate.
The session aimed at understanding disability, busting the myths around it and presenting facts related to disability in India and the world. The participating students also learnt sign languages and interacted with specially abled children.
Speaking on the occasion, Silpi Sahoo, chairperson, SAI International Education Group, said, “Disability of mind is worse than disability of body. Training the mind at a young age to stay positive will make the world a better place to live.”
Addressing the gathering, Mohapatra remembered the chairman of SAI International Group, Bijaya Kumar Sahoo. “Dr Sahoo not only started a school but also initiated a process of making SAI International students the agents of change for an inclusive, accessible and diverse society,” she said.