A two day self development workshop focusing on self improvement and personal development concluded today at University of Jammu. This workshop was organized as part of the Disability welfare initiatives of the University. 30 differently abled post graduate students, and research scholars pursuing Ph.D and M.Phil degree courses in the various departments /centers of Jammu University, along with those belonging to other Universities of Jammu such as Cluster University, Central University and Parade College (Autonomous) participated in the workshop. Prof. Rajnikant, Dean Research Studies, Jammu University was the chief guest at the valedictory ceremony. While speaking on the occasion he mentioned that higher education institutes need to be role models for creating accessible environment for students with disabilities. He lauded the efforts of Coordinator, Disability Initiatives for organizing numerous relevant activities for the differently abled student fraternity. He further suggested that similar activities should be carried out regularly on the campus, so that some tangible contribution can be made to the lives of PwDs. He also emphasized on the need of having synergistic interlinkages among all stakeholders of the society so that a better social ecology can be created.

 Ms. Sandhya Dhar, Nari Shakti Awardee and President of JIGER Ngo was the Chief Guest on the inaugural event. She recalled her journey as a wheelchair bound student who faced difficulty in accessing even the basic facilities. She stated that lack of empathy for the disabled leads to their marginalization and discrimination.She expressed satisfaction over the University’s efforts directed towards the welfare of the disabled students. The workshop was conceptualized and organized by the Coordinator, Disability Initiatives, Jammu University Dr. Sarika Manhas. In her address she mentioned that the University is making earnest endeavor to provide equal opportunities to all its students especially to those with disabilities. While tracing the activities under the initiative she mentioned that efforts are being made to create accessible and inclusive ecosystem at the University. She exhorted that student community should become disability rights advocates and should be change agents. Ms. Swati Basotra, founder Ttalkeasytakeeasy and former Consultant training and placement, IIT Jammu was the resource person for the workshop. Through her interactive and interesting hands on activities spread over two days she infused a sense of ‘Self’ in the participants. She emphasized that the differently abled need to focus on their wholesome self rather thanon their limitations. The participants during the course of the workshop also shared their personal experiences, and the challenges encountered.

A team of research scholars from the Department of Home Science, Jammu University namely, Ms. Insha, Ms. Meghna, Ms. Syeeda, Ms. Pooja, and Ms. Mamtaalso attended the workshop. The workshop was ably conducted by Ms. Vinish Malik and Dr. Arpana Langeh