Sashakt Campaign To Overcome ‘Disabilities’ Through Knowledge & Inclusion

Bhubaneswar: Jagannath Temple in Puri will abuzz with crowd teeming with enthusiasm of a different kind on Wednesday morning. They are the ‘Sashakt Doots’ out on a mission to generate buzz about disability, diversity and inclusion, as a part of a year-and-a-half campaign.

About one million people in the world suffer from some form of physical and mental disabilities and have to overcome challenges every day. One of them is encountering other people lacking knowledge related to disabilities.

Sashakt, organized by Odisha State Disability Network (OSDN), a group of over 250 NGOs, parents and individuals, aims to create awareness among the disabled community about existing facilities, resources and the new laws; and simultaneously educate public on inclusion through exhibitions, film shows, live interactions with PwDs and a collection of statements made by the disabled from all over Odisha. These include letters, poems, diaries, pictures, photos and cartoons, in every language, including Braille and signs.

Chairperson, Sashakt State Coordination Committee, Sruti Mohapatra said all residents of Odisha have a lot to offer to our society, including those with disabilities who are often left behind. “During Sashakt Campaign (May 9, 2018 – November 30 2019), and in the years ahead, we will focus on inclusion and help everyone in our state lead a more self-determined independent life,” she added.

The campaign will conclude in Nayagarh on June 13 after covering 30 districts. On June 20, the first-phase closing will be done in Bhubaneswar and the plan is to reach out to one million people by November 30, 2019. Students from various colleges like BJB, KIIT, NIFT, Symbiosis and TISS too have chipped in by creating logo, designs and website. They are also addressing media and taking care of publicity and documentation.

City-based organization, Swabhiman, also initiated by Sruti Mohapatra, is a part of this campaign along with 130 NGOs with support from 10 networks, SSEPD Department of Government of Odisha and Rotary District 3260.

Swabhiman is a state-level organization working towards empowering persons with disabilities through information, knowledge advocacy, capacity building, research and training since the last 16 years.