Hello all, I understand that the moderator has interveened into the continuing discussion, suggesting that it is drifting off-topic. I am also aware of the extreme caution that we exercise in this group while discussing specific NGOs. However, I would like to submit that at least two points raised by Akhilesh above pertains to disability rights advocacy in general, so am responding to them.
First, when the primary objective is to advocate equal rights an opportunities in a public institution such as a university, it becomes crucial to look into instances of descrimination and marginalisation of all concerned groups instead of only one. Thus it would be thoroughly insufficient to look into the harassment of the visually challenged only in Delhi University, while a genuine assessment of such instances would inevitably reveal that several vulnerable social groups get targetted and victimised. In such a scenario, i seriously doubt whether any advocacy group working for a particular disability can really strive towards building an inclusive space. On the contrary, advocacies aimed towards the empowerment of the persons with disabilities at large can greatly maximise the benifit earned for a particular disability group. For instance, a barrier-free space with ramps, lifts, accessible toilets etc. benifits not onnly the orthopedically challenged, but makes smoother the mobility of the visually challenged as well'; and a benifits of a digitised library system can potentially go beyond the interests of only the print-disabled. With the least intention to deny the significance of existing advocacy groups for the blind and other specific groups, I would like to maintain that a cross-disability advocacy group can in fact work as a coordinator between all other groups, build solidarity and strive towards a broad, meaningful disability assertion. Second, without caring to varify the alleged failure of a specific NGO and the supposed irresponsibility of one of its office holder above, I would like to question whether elevating one supposed instance of failure over several committed endeavours of an advocacy group, and a grossly generalised reduction of a supposed irresponsibility of one person and considering that one person as the manipulator over several active and committed members, canin any way lead to a strengthening of disability movement. Best, Viraj. On 12/9/12, akhilesh <akhil.akhi...@gmail.com> wrote: > Dear Vikas Ji, > > Thanks for replying. It was a slightly softer than what I expected > from you. Anyway, on a serious note, My comments were never ever > intended to offend any organization or person. These are my personal > views based on feedback of several years provided by beneficiaries of > your and some other NGOs. and should be taken in a positive spirit > only. > > Every section of disability has its own needs and demands. When I say > conflicting interests and rights, it refers to a condition where you > have to deal with a situation, when2 sections of PWDs come > face-to-face. This type of situation arises, or may arise, when one > complaints about the infringement of their rights due to the similar > benefits provided or accrued to another section of PWDs!!! > For an instance, After recent development in Delhi University EOC, > Visually-impaired friends are complaining of rude behavior, biased > attitude of authorities, and they’re feeling ignored!!! Can an NGO > working across disabilities, fight against it with same strength and > conviction like an NGO specially dedicated for visually-impaired? For > me, it can not. When I say single person it meant nothing except NGO > working across disabilities. > > When post reserved for visually-impaired for assistant professor of > Sanskrit in venketeshwara college was converted for orthopedically > challenged, and Sambhavana could not do anything, this is the best > example I can give of representation of conflicting interests by a > single person at the same timeand the same person. To your surprise, > the visually-impaired candidate was available at that time. I wish I > could have been an advocate and could have done something at that > time. > > Sir, > Full credit goes to your organization for benifiting many people. > However, it doesn’t mean that it has benifited all who approached it, > or nobody is upset and felt ignored due to carelessness of some office > holders of organization, (about which, detailed discussion would not > be appropriate here). > > When I’m aware about the past developments, how can I admit that I’m > not? As far as my presence in Sambhavana programs, meetings, and > Agitations is concerned, I’m aware that Mr. Sinha is closely working > with Sambhavana, so,I don’t feel the need of coming. Besides this, > above text says a lot of my absence. > > Finally, thanks for your kind invitation for my services to disable > community. I would be more than happy to assist you and your > organization where ever, and whenever my services are required. In > fact I’m the member of the group of committed young lawyers which > strives to provide the quality legal aid to the needy, poor , and > marginalized sections of the society. > > With thanks and regards, > Akhilesh. > > On 12/8/12, Vikas Gupta <vikas...@gmail.com> wrote: >> Dear Akhilesh, >> >> Let me start in the reverse order. Yes, you are absolutely right about >> the denial of proper opportunities for writing exams to some visually >> challenged students by Delhi University. I am of the view that >> responsible authorities should be booked for their failure to fulfill >> the rules. We have been trying to even file a petition in the court on >> this issue. It will be a matter of discussion in the meeting of >> disabled students, teachers, non-teaching staff of Delhi University >> and others rescheduled for Monday (10th December) at 10 a.m. We are >> thankful to some students of Sevakutir for agreeing to hold this >> meeting their when University has refused to provide venue for the >> same. We are waiting for their written response if it ever comes to >> know exact reasons of their refusal. However, since they never denied >> and only refused when things are getting worse and anger is growing, >> the real factor is apparent. I would request everyone to make it a >> point to attend this meeting and circulate the message as widely as >> possible. >> >> About other things that you (Akhilesh) have written, I have a lot to >> write, however, since I have to get back to my examination related >> work and since there are others as well to respond, I will be very >> brief (which is also true of your mail); and if required, will revert >> back later. You are free to hold any opinion and to propagate it. We >> are also free to buy your point or reject it. However, to the extent >> possible, I would like to engage with what you have written. You have >> written “I Strongly feel and believe that this is nothing but >> representing many conflicting interests and demands by a single >> person,at the same time, and on the same platform!! I'm not fully >> aware about the recent developments, but Sambhavana has been one of >> such organizations.” >> What are the conflicting interests you have not elaborated. >> >> What do you mean by “single person”? Do you dare to deny large number >> of people benefited by our efforts as well as those presently >> associated with us? Or that it is a denial of entire organizational >> apparatus? >> >> You have written that when an NGO works across multypal disabilities, >> Nothing concreet comes out” … “Sambhavana has been one of such >> organizations”. I think you are confusing the ill with the pill. The >> absence of cross disability solidarity is an ill rather than the >> efforts that intend to overcome this lacuna. Your mail implies that >> what has never happen will never happen ! In other words, if in the >> past, supposing disability specific organizations have delivered more >> than the cross disability organizations, (though it is not a universal >> pattern) then it will remain a pattern for ever. We do not know about >> future. However, two points can be made here. >> >> First, it is perhaps owing to this divided nature of our struggle that >> we have not emerged as a political group in India: a vote-bank as well >> as a pressure group of 15 to 20 percent of Indian population that the >> Government should be forced to take little more seriously. >> Second, your belief that such organizations do not achieve concrete or >> substantial results due to their contradictory pressures and that >> Sambhavana is also one of them is highly objectionable. If this is not >> a motivated, then surely an uninformed statement at least about >> Sambhavana. Please visit our website, though it has not been updated: >> my short answer. >> >> You have only admitted that you are not aware of the recent >> developments, however, it appears to me that you are not aware of even >> the past developments, or you are deliberately turning a blanket over >> them. (I do not want to list out those developments and some >> achievements otherwise it may tent amount to some kind of boasting.) >> Though you are a Delhi based advocate, (perhaps a budging one), I have >> not seen you ever coming to Sambhavana programs, meetings or >> agitations where at times 150 to 200 people have participated. >> Therefore, I can well understand the reasons responsible for your >> statement. >> >> However, it is never too late. Disabled community really need your >> services and contribution. Do come forward. >> In solidarity >> >> Vikas >> >> >> >> On 12/8/12, akhilesh <akhil.akhi...@gmail.com> wrote: >>> Hi to all, >>> >>> When an NGO works across multypal disabilities, Nothing concreet comes >>> out. >>> >>> I Strongly feel and believe that this is nothing but representing >>> many conflicting interests and demands by a single person,at the same >>> time, and on the same platform!! >>> >>> I'm not fully aware about the recent developments, but Sambhavana has >>> been one of such organizations. >>> >>> As far as these gooddy goody and nicy nicy Delhi University >>> anouncements are concerned, these are just projects and profits!!! the >>> more the projects the more the profits, and the huge the project the >>> huge the profits to the organizers. >>> >>> If Delhi university and VC is serious about the future of disabled >>> students, The Re-exams should be held for those who could not appear >>> for their exams due to carelessness and misthesence commited by Delhi >>> University officials, and responsible persons should be suspended with >>> an immediate effect. To my surprise, even The enquiry committee has >>> not been formed so far to look into the matter. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On 12/6/12, avinash shahi <shahi88avin...@gmail.com> wrote: >>>> Thank you Vikas sir for enlightening responses. >>>> >>>> Struggle waged by DU Disabled students and teachers has compeled >>>> Administration to facilitate conducive atmosphere for studying to some >>>> extent. >>>> And undoubtedly, DU disabled community deserves kudos. >>>> Further, I just wish to share, My initial giggling was not an >>>> affirmation of VC's announcement. >>>> But thought to post this interesting news with added sensation.... >>>> Afterall, we all should know what the almighty VC says on issues >>>> regarding our needs and aspirations. >>>> These press archives can be very instrumental for further reminder to >>>> VC for his paid earned accolades. >>>> And via this mail-threads, we also got to know, what student and >>>> teacher fraternity is doing to get our deserved due. >>>> On 12/5/12, Ganesh <ganesh83....@gmail.com> wrote: >>>>> That's very good thing for getting exposure for the students with >>>>> disabilities. >>>>> >>>>> ganesh >>>>> ----- Original Message ----- >>>>> From: "avinash shahi" <shahi88avin...@gmail.com> >>>>> To: "jnuvision" <jnuvis...@yahoogroups.com>; "accessindia" >>>>> <accessindia@accessindia.org.in>; "worldopinion" >>>>> <worldopin...@googlegroups.com> >>>>> Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2012 2:51 PM >>>>> Subject: [AI] Listen guys: DU announces foreign trip for students >>>>> withdisabilities >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Go guys go... Exams over! >>>>> I'm thinking to shift from JNU to DU.... >>>>> No way! >>>>> further all the best to all would be selected next year. >>>>> And do give your heart and soul to academics... >>>>> Now,lets see what suprimo say? >>>>> Around 100 Delhi University (DU) students with disabilities of will go >>>>> abroad next year, Vice-Chancellor Dinesh Singh said at the closing >>>>> ceremony of Badhte Kadam — a nationwide campaign to raise awareness >>>>> regarding disability — on the university campus on Tuesday. >>>>> >>>>> “It is a historic decision. For the first time, a university will take >>>>> students with disabilities on such a trip,” Officer on Special Duty of >>>>> DU Equal Opportunity Cell Bipin Kumar Tiwary said. >>>>> >>>>> Elaborating on the nature of the trip, he said, “It will be an >>>>> educational trip, through which students will be able to experience >>>>> the facilities available in foreign universities and make projects on >>>>> what they observe. They will return to Delhi University and see how >>>>> similar facilities can be provided here.” >>>>> >>>>> Singh said: “Such a campaign will awaken the nation. I can see some >>>>> school children here. In the future, I hope they join Delhi >>>>> University. We will provide them with all facilities possible.” >>>>> >>>>> In the past six months, DU has taken many steps with regard to >>>>> students with disabilities, such as exemption of tuition and hostel >>>>> fees and a reduction in mess charges. >>>>> >>>>> “Apart from the 3 per cent reservation in university hostels, we have >>>>> increased the number of seats for students with disabilities. They do >>>>> not have to pay tuition fees. Despite many attempts, some colleges are >>>>> not following the rules. However, we will ensure that these rules are >>>>> strictly adhered to,” Singh said. >>>>> >>>>> DU had earlier asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to provide these >>>>> students free Metro cards with centralised recharging and blocking >>>>> features. >>>>> >>>>> DU also plans to provide free netbooks with screen-reading software to >>>>> these students. >>>>> >>>>> “The netbooks have been bought and will be given to students in a few >>>>> days,” Singh said. >>>>> >>>>> DU students with disabilities had also visited the Wagah border and >>>>> stayed at Army camps as part of Gyananodyaya, an educational train >>>>> journey, in October. >>>>> >>>>> A first-year Political Science (Honours) student at Gargi College, >>>>> Gunjan Agarwal, said, “The best part of the trip was the manner in >>>>> which we were welcomed everywhere. I hope I get to be a part of the >>>>> foreign trip,” she said. >>>>> >>>>> The event included a silent rendering of the national anthem by school >>>>> students, a dance performance by children from NGO Muskaan, which >>>>> works for the differently abled, and a musical by DU students. >>>>> URL: >>>>> http://www.indianexpress.com/news/educational-du-announces-foreign-trip-for-students-with-disabilities/1040550/0 >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> -- >>>>> Avinash Shahi >>>>> MPhil Research Scholar >>>>> Centre for the Study of Law and Governance >>>>> Jawaharlal Nehru University >>>>> New Delhi India >>>>> >>>>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing >>>>> accessibility >>>>> of >>>>> mobile phones / Tabs on: >>>>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Search for old postings at: >>>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ >>>>> >>>>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>>>> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in >>>>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>>>> >>>>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>>>> please >>>>> >>>>> visit the list home page at >>>>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing >>>>> accessibility >>>>> of >>>>> mobile phones / Tabs on: >>>>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Search for old postings at: >>>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ >>>>> >>>>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>>>> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in >>>>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>>>> >>>>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>>>> please >>>>> visit the list home page at >>>>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Avinash Shahi >>>> MPhil Research Scholar >>>> Centre for the Study of Law and Governance >>>> Jawaharlal Nehru University >>>> New Delhi India >>>> >>>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility >>>> of >>>> mobile phones / Tabs on: >>>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>>> >>>> >>>> Search for old postings at: >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ >>>> >>>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>>> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in >>>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>>> >>>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>>> please >>>> visit the list home page at >>>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> -- >>> Akhilesh Dahiya, >>> Advocate. >>> Mobile: +91 9818798780 >>> Email: akhil.akhi...@gmail.com >>> New Delhi >>> >>> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility >>> of >>> mobile phones / Tabs on: >>> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>> >>> >>> Search for old postings at: >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ >>> >>> To unsubscribe send a message to >>> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in >>> with the subject unsubscribe. >>> >>> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >>> please >>> visit the list home page at >>> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >>> >>> >> >> >> -- >> Vikas Gupta >> Assistant Professor–University of Delhi; >> Joint Secretary–Sambhavana Organization; >> National Executive Member–All-India Forum for Right to Education >> (AIF-RTE); >> Associate Editor–'Reconstructing Education'; >> >> >> Permanent Office: Department of History, >> Faculty of Social Sciences, >> University of Delhi , >> Delhi 110007, India. >> >> Ph: +91-11-266659 (O.), +91-11-27662347 (R.) & +91-9818193875 (M.) >> Email: vikas...@gmail.com >> >> Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility >> of >> mobile phones / Tabs on: >> http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in >> >> >> Search for old postings at: >> http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ >> >> To unsubscribe send a message to >> accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in >> with the subject unsubscribe. >> >> To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, >> please >> visit the list home page at >> http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in >> >> > > > -- > Akhilesh Dahiya, > Advocate. > Mobile: +91 9818798780 > Email: akhil.akhi...@gmail.com > New Delhi > > Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of > mobile phones / Tabs on: > http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in > > > Search for old postings at: > http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ > > To unsubscribe send a message to > accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in > with the subject unsubscribe. > > To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please > visit the list home page at > http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in > > Register at the dedicated AccessIndia list for discussing accessibility of mobile phones / Tabs on: http://mail.accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/mobile.accessindia_accessindia.org.in Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/accessindia@accessindia.org.in/ To unsubscribe send a message to accessindia-requ...@accessindia.org.in with the subject unsubscribe. 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