Kanpur, 13 January, 2025: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) observed the Annual Day of the institute’s Cell for Differently Abled Persons (CDAP) on January 11, 2024, celebrating initiatives and achievements aimed at empowering differently-abled individuals. The event served as an inspiring platform, particularly for visually impaired individuals, and featured a range of impactful activities, motivational stories, and cultural performances.

The event commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur; Shri Vishwa Ranjan, Registrar of IIT Kanpur; Prof. Anubha Goel, Coordinator of CDAP, and the Chief Guest, Mr. Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, an internationally acclaimed para swimmer. He is currently ranked number 1 by the World Para Swimming (WPS) in men's 100 m butterfly (S5 category) and men's 50 m breaststroke (SB4 category) as on 2 February 2024.

In his keynote address, Prof. Manindra Agrawal emphasized the transformational role of the CDAP in nurturing an inclusive and supportive environment at IIT Kanpur. He shared his vision for further enhancing the cell’s initiatives and reiterated the institute’s commitment to empowering differently-abled individuals. Following this, Shri. Vishwa Ranjan reflected on his experiences at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities, Dehradun, and commended the ongoing efforts of the CDAP in driving impactful initiatives.

The highlight of the event was the inspirational story shared by Chief Guest Mr. Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh. He recounted his journey of overcoming challenges after being paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 24 due to a spinal tumor. Despite these adversities, he achieved a world ranking in swimming, becoming a beacon of resilience and determination. Mr. Aalam also introduced the innovative modified wheelchair initiated by Dr. Naveen Gautam (Alumni, IIT Kanpur M.tech, Manufacturing Science) , designed to assist people with locomotive disabilities, further inspiring the audience with his efforts toward inclusivity.

A key feature of the event was the distribution of scholarships to five visually impaired students from IIT Kanpur. These scholarships, valued at ₹25,000 each, were generously provided by the Chennai-based Help the Blind Foundation (HTBF). Representing HTBF, Trustee Mrs. Deepa Krishnamurthy and members, including Dr. Raka Ray Mandal and Prof. B.P. Mandal, joined the event virtually to share details about their scholarship initiative aimed at supporting deserving students. The scholarships were presented to the recipients by Mr. Mohammad Shams Aalam and Prof. Siddharth Panda, Member of CDAP.

Another significant segment of the event was a presentation by Mr. Srijan Mishra, In-charge of the Deaf and Envision School, Saket Nagar. He discussed the objectives of his school’s establishment and introduced the audience to Indian Sign Language, highlighting the importance of accessible communication for individuals with hearing impairments.

The program was graced by the presence of key members of the CDAP, including Prof. Ashutosh Modi, Prof. Veena Bansal, Prof. Bushra Ateeq (DoIR), Prof. Mukesh Sharma, and Prof. Abhas Singh, along with Mr. Keerti Raj, Assistant Registrar of IITK and other senior faculty members and officials of IIT Kanpur.

The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Anubha Goel, who expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Chief Guest, and all the participants for their contributions in making the event a memorable and impactful success.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.