Now, physically challenged can watch plays at Punjab Naatshala

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 11

Leading by example, Punjab Naatshala has made its building accessible to physically challenged. In a first as far as cultural spaces in the city are concerned, Naatshala has constructed a ramp leading to the entrance of its auditorium so that the people with physical disabilities can come easily to watch plays.

While discussing a minor, but significant change, Punjab Naatshala patron Jatinder Brar said it was high time that buildings in the city were made accessible to the physically challenged.

He said, “Apart from the ramp, we have also arranged for a wheelchair to carry audience members, who are physically challenged, to the auditorium. We have reserved seats for them. A person has been assigned to aide them while they watch a play.”

He added that mostly physically disabled people could not go out to watch plays or cultural events due to lack of facilities for them. “To boost self confidence among them and to let them enjoy the cultural spaces as much as other people, it is important to give them access to such places first,” he said.

The upcoming show of Pakistani play “Hussain – The Weaver” to be staged on Saturday would be the first to have physically challenged audience among others, he added.

“We will also have special arrangements for them as they will be treated as our guests,” he said.

Punjab Naatshala had adopted green and clean energy by installing solar power units and creating a power bank recently. Brar was instrumental in bringing major technical changes to the building in order to make it a key cultural space for anyone, who loves art.