Samarthanam Making Waves at Bangalore University

By-  G Ravi

Disability is an unavoidable and universal part of human diversity. A shift in perspective has taken place on how to consider the person with disabilities - from an object of charity and burden to a subject of law . This constitutes a novel approach which is   based on the respect of all human beings. This shift implies that four core values of Human rights are especially relevant in the context of disability:
Dignity: respect of physical and moral integrity of the person...
Autonomy: capacity for self-directed action, decision and behaviour…
Equality: prohibition of discrimination…
Solidarity: collaboration, support…
Everybody has the same rights and should have the same access to their rights. To institutionalise this the international community decided to reaffirm the dignity and worth of every person with disability. It also provided different countries with an effective legal tool to end the injustice, discrimination and violation of rights. That tool is the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The CRPD identifies areas where adaptations need to be made so that people with disability can exercise their rights and areas where the protection of these rights must be reinforced. It also establishes universal minimum standards that applies to everyone and provides the basis for a coherent framework for action.
The purpose of the convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
The Eight General Principles Enumerated in the Convention are:
Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one's own choices, and independence of persons
Non-discrimination
Full and effective participation and inclusion in society
Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity
Equality of opportunity
Accessibility
Equality between men and women
Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities.
Along with the people with disability approximately 314 million people worldwide live with low vision and blindness. Without effective, major intervention, the number of blind people worldwide has been projected to increase to 76 million by 2020.  The WBU is the only organisation entitled to speak on behalf of blind and partially sighted persons of the world, representing 180 million blind and visually impaired persons from about 600 different organisations in 158 countries.
The underlying idea of the World Blind Union is that everyone, including the blind and partially sighted, is born equal and entitled to personal dignity and fundamental human rights. These rights should be given fully and without restriction regardless of disability, race, colour, gender, language, religion, political opinion, national or social origin, birth or other status. Furthermore, no restriction of any kind should be made on the basis of the political, judicial or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs.
On the basis of these fundamental rights, the WBU has the following purposes and goals:
to promote prevention and treatment of blindness,
to advance the well-being of blind and partially sighted people all over the world, particularly in developing countries,
to take actions against the high prevalence of poverty among people who are blind or partially sighted,
to develop close contacts and co-operation between the WBU and the UN and its Agencies to make sure that the needs of blind and partially sighted people are put on their agendas,
to discuss literacy issues and the training of blind and partially sighted children and adults with the UNESCO and the WHO and ensure that children and adults who are blind or partially sighted are given the right to education and rehabilitation,
to strengthen the self-awareness of blind and partially sighted people and develop our personality, self-respect and sense of responsibility,
to provide an international forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the field of blindness.

Mr. G Ravi Manager Communications, made this presentation on the UNCRPD, the WBU  at NSS Bhavan ,Bangalore University at the NSS Programme Officers meet on 14 August, 2009. The meeting was attended by over 120 Programme Officers .He  was accompanied to the meeting by cultural artists Bhanumati, Shyla and Ganga, whose performance was also very much appreciated.
He followed up this presentation with another which spoke about the diverse volunteering opportunities at Samarthanam.   He also spoke extensively about the Walkathon 2009, and distributed the souvenir of Walkathon 2008. Prof. Keerthinarayan NSS Programme Co-ordinator, Bangalore University also spoke to the program officers of all colleges urging them to provide a forum in their colleges for the above mentioned activities. Inspired by the presentation teachers from over 46 college have asked Mr. Ravi to visit their collages and make presentation to their students about UNCRPD , volunteering at Samrthanam and address  their students about Walkathon 2009.