Physically challenged people demand equal status at WSF

A contingent of the physically challenged had been protesting against WSF to make it barrier-free for the physically challenged, writes Purwa Khandelwal.

The atmosphere at the WSF is quite vibrant but all are not happy.

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A 300 to 400 contingent of the physically challenged for the past two days had been raising slogans against the WSF. Their demand was to make the WSF barrier-free for the physically challenged.

They also said that they had not been given proper room to hold discussion.

"We are objecting at two level. One, at programme level. The physically challenged people have not been given the same status and dignity or else such shoddy place would not have been given to us for holding our discussion," said Javed Abidi from National centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People.

"We are also protesting at logistics level. Most of the places are completely inaccessible for us, including the toilets," he added.

"This is when we have been in touch with the WSF people for the past six months. I myself have been here for the past three months," Javed said.

Keeping his demands forth, he said, "All states are being represented here. Nearly 300-400 participants are here at the movement. There are many foreigners as well."

Balaji, a delegate from Tamil Nadu, said, "We want to get equal opportunity like others, in jobs, society and education. We should be treated the way normal people are treated," said

"We are also fighting for accessibility at public places," he said.

Children's voices: Apart from globalisation and anti-war statements and activities from adults, the WSF on Sunday will also witness a 50 feet long canvass from the children.

The canvass, which will be exhibiting globalisation, child rights, peace, dowry and terrorism, is being painted by 15 children from an organisation called Basolin based in Nagpur.

"We are excited that even we have got a chance to represent children in WSF," said Sumit, a 13-year-old kid.

Talking about the painting, Pritish, 13, said, "These are actually three canvasses and we will attach them as one painting tomorrow. We discussed our topics back in Nagpur and if anything goes wrong then we can adjust it."

"After all through this activity we are showing how we should co-operate," he added.

"I think children should be a part of every activity, because in the long run we learn," Akash, 14, said.