The Hon’ble Shri. Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India inaugurated the program by lighting ceremonial lamp and delivered the inaugural address and served as the chief guest of the conference. Shri. Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India, and Dr. Smt. Sudesh Dhankar, Second lady of India felicitated by Dr. Nachiketa Rout, Director, NIEPMD.

The conference brought together over 100 participants, including 40 deafblind individuals, to discuss employment opportunities, accessibility, and self-advocacy. Inaugurated by Hon’ble Shri. Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India, the event focused on breaking barriers faced by the deafblind community and creating an inclusive society. Shri. Dhankar also planted tree saplings as a symbol of “Mother Earth” and distributed assistive devices to persons with disabilities.

The event emphasized ‘information accessibility,’ particularly on online platforms, and highlighted government schemes like ADIP and NIRAMAYA that support people with disabilities. Shri. Zamir Dhale, Founder of SEDB, delivered the welcome speech, advocating for better education and employment opportunities for the deafblind.

This conference provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas, learn about government initiatives, and build connections to advocate for their rights, creating a more accessible and inclusive world for people with disabilities.

The camp was inaugurated by Dr. Nachiketa Rout, Director of NIEPMD, in the presence of key officials including Shri P. Kamaraj, Deputy Registrar (Offg), and Dr. Amarnath, HoD of Medical Science. Specialists like Dr. Rashima, Head of Vision Enhancement Clinic, and Ms. Tharakeswari, Senior Optometrist, led the screening with support from professionals and students.

The initiative benefitted over 150 individuals, including students from the model school, DAIL, and CDEIC, underscoring a commitment to enhancing vision care for children with disabilities.

To commemorate the occasion, Dr. Nachiketa Rout, Director, NIEPMD, administered the Preamble of the Constitution as a pledge to the students, staff, and PwDs (Divyangjans). Divyangjan children honoured the leaders who contributed to the adoption of the ‘Constitution of India’ by wearing their masks and HRD students briefed about the leaders as a dedication to remember their achievements.

The camp included specialists – dermatologists, orthopaedics, paediatricians, phlebotomists, dentists, neurologists, mental health professionals and ENT doctors. Following the examination, free kits were distributed to sanitary workers and free medicines were provided to housekeeping staff, persons with disabilities, staff, faculties and students based on their ailments. Around 700 people, benefitted from the awareness camp. 

Honouring the significance, the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) staged a captivating program on July 15, where about 50 persons with disabilities and their parents across the state participated. The chief guest of the event was Dr. Suresh Sundaram – HOD of Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD). Dr. P. D. Madan Kumar – HoD of Ragas Dental College, was the guest of honour. 

Commendably, a special session about developing life skills, well-being skills, mental health skills and physical activities through sports and games for adults with disabilities was conducted by Dr.P.David Paul – Training Officer at RGNIYD, Santhosh – Head of Empowerment, and Dr. Jothi Arumugam – Master Coach at Myholism.

The day serves to recognise the contribution of every student in achieving the graduates’ success and an opportunity to express gratitude to their family, friends, and mentors who have supported them throughout their academic journey.

The chief guest Justice S. Baskaran – Retired Judge of the High Court of Madras, guest of honour Inspector General Donny Michael – Commander of the Coast Guard Region (East), and the special guest Dr P.Ganesan – Controller of Examinations (Tamilnadu Teacher Education University) inaugurated the event in the presence of NIEPMD officials: Dr Nachiketa Rout – Director, Dr A.Amarnath, Deputy Registrar (Offg.) and other officials.

During the inaugural address, Justice Baskaran emphasised the vital role of inclusive education that helps students gain confidence and make a difference in society. 

Inspector General Donny Michael highlighted the significance of resilience and dedication and extended his heartfelt appreciation to the young achievers. Dr Ganesan commended the academic rigour and innovative teaching methods at NIEPMD.

Following the inaugural ceremony, certificates were distributed to the students. About 340 students from the Department of Allied Health Sciences and Special Education pledged to be honest in their duties and use their knowledge to serve the country and humanity.

To commemorate the occasion, NIEPMD organised various programs from Apr.2 to 5, which was inaugurated by Dr. Nachiketa Rout – Director of NIEPMD in the presence of Dr A.Amarnath – Deputy Registrar (offg), Dr B.S.Santhosh Kanna – Lecturer (Physiotherapy) and Kurinji Selvan – Lecturer (Occupational Therapy), P. Kamaraj – Lecturer (Special Education) and B.Leelavathi – Lecturer (Deaf Blind Unit). A series of events including cultural programs such as dance, singing, fancy dress, play-based quiz, therapeutic activities for individuals with autism to inculcate creativity and to develop their social skills, painting competition for parents of individuals with Autism to engage them as a group in an efficient way and an occupation based end product activity for people with disabilities showcased by HRD students. The parents of autistic individuals also put up stalls selling food. 

A panel discussion for parents was conducted to encourage effective interaction between Parents of People with Disabilities and Professionals. A webinar on ‘Autism and its management’ was conducted for parents of people with disabilities, students and professionals to share knowledge about Autism and its associated challenges. Around 250 people participated in the celebration.

The festivities commenced with a remarkable March Past led by the special trainees of the school, Department of Adult Independent Living (DAIL), Services & Program wing, HRD students and security guards, showcasing the indomitable spirit of adults with multiple disabilities. The tricolour flag was then unfurled by Dr Nachiketa.

The cultural program, skillfully presented by special children was on the theme ‘India – Mother of Democracy’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’. A prize distribution ceremony was also held for the various competitions held for the special students.

This day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairment, advocating for their rights and societal integration.

To mark the occasion, NIEPMD organised various programs in collaboration with the St. Louis School for the Deaf and Blind at Adyar. Dr Innaci Raj – Principal of the school inaugurated the event and felicitated B.Leelavathi – Principal of Model School for Persons with Multiple Disabilities, NIEPMD. 

The event also included a Braille writing and reading competition to empower individuals with visual impairment, slogan competition, fun games, poster competition for HRD students and children with special needs, to enhance their level of creativity. 

Around 100 participants, including individuals with visual impairment, persons with disabilities, HRD students, faculties and staff members were present during the occasion. These activities encouraged an inclusive and accommodating environment for all.

The staff of NIEPMD and parents of persons with disabilities actively participated in this program. The program included essential screening tests for breast cancer and uterine cancer, such as mammogram and pap smear, conducted at the awareness camp. Dr.Nachiketa Rout – Director, inaugurated the camp, which was also attended by Dr.A.Amarnath – Deputy Registrar (Offg), Dr.S.Karthikeyan – Associate Professor (Clinical Psychology), Dr.Abinaya – Senior Consultant (CSR) and advocate, Dr.K.K.Dhanavendan, apart from special teachers of NIEPMD and officials of SRMC.