A Day on Social Inclusion
On 21st February’19, Safecity attended an event hosted by PVR Nest and Indus Action, celebrating “A Day On Social Inclusion” at Connaught Place, New Delhi.
The event began as the Senior Vice President of PVR, Ms Deepa Menon, welcomed everyone and introduced the speakers of the day. A short video premiere was played about Project Eklavya, which aims to assist underprivileged children in gaining access to high-quality private schools through the Right to Education Act. Dr. Satya Pal Singh, HRD Minister of State and the event’s Chief Guest, couldn’t be physically present. Thus, his video-message was shown, in which he mentioned the Bright Spots Report 2018. The Bright Spots Report 2018 shows the Status of social inclusion through RTE Section 12(1)(c).
Next, Ms Shilpa Raj, who is currently pursuing her M.Phil in Child and Adolescence Psychology from Amity University, shared her stirring life story. The story focused on how she had received help through Shanti Bhava’s Project and thus was able to get quality education. She mentioned that all the project expected in return was that the students who were helped would further the cause and help other children and bring a multiplicative effect.
The event proceeded with a Panel Discussion involving three experts from diverse backgrounds. While one of them had an expertise over how children could be helped individually by people, the other was a government official who believed there are certain things only the government can do. The discussion was rich, enlightening, and highlighted amazingly varying perspectives even though the ultimate purpose remained same.
Lastly, Sanjana Kapoor from Mumbai, who runs Junoon Theatre, spoke about her childhood in Goa and her own experience of inclusion. She believes that art and sports are the best equalizers and that it’s time the 75% students in private schools start showing their confidence and understanding, instead of being repelled by the 25% who come from underprivileged areas. Another point put forward by her was that every school which implements provision of 25% inclusive seats should also have an active committee addressing issues regarding the same.
Overall, the entire event was educational, inspirational and emotional- bringing people with highly different experiences together for even a short period of time can be really fruitful.
