JOIN US'Minds that lack concern are also challenged'
Principal district and sessions court judge H P Sandesh on Tuesday said those who don’t have a zeal to serve the needy can also be classified as ‘specially-abled’.
He was speaking after inaugurating a one-day state-level seminar on ‘Right to Education for Specially Abled Children’ at Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) here. The department of studies in education and research had organised the seminar as part of World Disabled Day.
The judge said: “Those with abnormal birth are called specially- abled. However, those who lack concern towards helping those in distress can also be included under the same category. In the present society, the number of honest people is declining owing to failure on the part of society, again in identifying such noble souls. As a result, honest persons prefer to remain in oblivion rather than coming forward.” “We should identify and honour them to encourage for the welfare of the society”, the judge said.
The judge cited examples of ‘Father of the nation’ Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, and Subhash Chandra Bose who have left indelible mark behind them. Though Swami Vivekananda had a short life, his teachings still remain alive. Similarly, the ideals and principles of Bose and Gandhi still remain strong even decades after their death.
Indumati Rao from CBR Network, Bangalore, who read the speech of Smriti Swaroop a retired professor in special education from New Delhi in the latter’s absence said despite a law, not many universities are committed towards doing their mite for the welfare of the ‘challenged community’.
However, KSOU stands distinctively apart for offering DEd in special education. The varsity has taken up the task of preparing an army of teachers for the community that demands special attention. Another matter of pride here is that the course is being offered in Kannada medium.
Former mayor Vasu said there are many institutions — both government and private — catering to the needs of specially-abled persons. He lamented that however we have restricted ourselves to the occasions. It’s only during either Republic Day or Independence Day that we remember Gandhi. Similarly, our pulse for society beats only on select occasions, said Vasu.
Vice-chancellor of KSOU K S Rangappa, deans T D Devegowda (studies) and Vikramraje Urs (academics) and chairperson, department of studies in education and research, N Lakshmi were present.