Delhi University's Kirori Mal College Introduces 'Project Samaavesh' to Empower Visually Impaired Students

Delhi University's Kirori Mal College (KMC) introduced Project Samaavesh, a program that seeks to promote inclusiveness and empowerment for visually impaired students in the National Capital Region (NCR).

 

One of the most important aspects of the project is the Samaavesh Eyeway Helpdesk, which will be established on the KMC campus next week. The helpdesk will cater to all visually impaired students within the NCR, regardless of whether or not they are studying at DU.

 

"The intent of the project is to bring about inclusion. One of the large-scale objectives is counselling, but we also intend to impart technological knowledge, improve personality development, and enhance employability," said Prof. Someshwar Sati, English department faculty of KMC and coordinator of the Centre for Disability Research and Training (CDRT).

 

The project, which was worked on in association with the Score Foundation, also evidences KMC's aim to popularize disability studies as a subject, an effort first taken up by the CDRT in September 2021.

 

Principal Dinesh Khattar stressed at the first session that diversity needs to be "a lived experience" on campus and in the classroom. Students have hailed Project Samaavesh as a major step in creating safe environments, eradicating prejudices, and offering inclusive care for those with impairments. The move was also hailed as a progressive step for higher education by Rajesh Aggarwal, secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

 

The launch of Samaavesh is timely when access to higher education is being more sharply focused. By merging counselling, technology, and skill development, KMC's program may be used as a model for inclusive higher education at Indian universities.