State disability activist receives Ashoka Samman

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 6

Jalandhar-based disability activist Amarjit Singh Anand has received the Ashoka Award during the 15th Bihar Samman Samaroh.

Anand was chosen to be honoured for his activities done to support and promote the activites for the uplift of people from the disability sector of the district as well as the state. He was chosen as one of the awardees for the “samman samaroh”, which took place at the Skada Centre, Son Bhawan, Patna, on August 28.

Bihar Handicapped Sports Academy, Paralympic Committee of Bihar, Special Olympic Bihar, Bihar Netraheen Khel Sangh, Bihar Deaf Sports Association, Bihar Handicapped Students Association, Indian Sports Federation of Autism, shall be at the helm of affairs for the event held in Patna.

A state disability activist, Anand represents the Punjab Down Syndrome Association and is Board Member of Asia Pacific Down Syndrome Association, Singapore.

He has also been pivotal in forming Down Syndrome Association (Parents Groups) and works for special needs advocacy, education, employment, adult self advocacy groups and social inclusion.

Talking to The Tribune, Anand said, “While one of my friends received the award for me, it is indeed a great honour. While it is a great opportunity, it also humbles me since the cause of the handicapped and disabled still lies largely riddled with red tape, lack of awareness and under-represented in Punjab and the country. A lot of efforts need to be made to bring these children and their issues to the mainstream and we are looking to step up the efforts regarding that.” Anand also recently participated in the 12th World Down Syndrome Congress which was hosted by Indian counter part of International Down Syndrome Association by Down syndrome Federation India at Chennai.

Speaking about the event he said, “The resolutions at the event included rights of PWIDD educational equality, employment opportunities, establishing special support and knowledge centers across the country, better healthcare facilities, introduction of a comprehensive health policy, opening and maintaining of bank accounts and introduction of a medical passport.”

The resolutions of the Congress were handed over to the Indian Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawaar Chand Gehlot at the closing ceremony.

Notably, Anand was among more than 525 delegates including 100 persons with Down Syndrome from more than 40 countries including Australia, the US, Germany, France, South Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, who participated in the Congress.