‘’Navigating Success: Highlights from the 8th National Deaf Conference”
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I am delighted to share an exciting update on the enriching experience of the SEDB team during their attendance at the 8th National Deaf Conference (NDC) 2024. Mr. Pradip Sinha, Hon. Chairman of SEDB, Ms. Varsha Pattem, Joint Secretary of SEDB (deafblind), Mr. Murugesh Pattem (deaf with low vision), along with Ms. Florita Ferndes and Ms. Deepali Kaluram Zende, both deafblind board members of SEDB, Mr. Badal Valram Nagadhare, and Mr. Bhausaheb Jadhav, Treasurer of SEDB, all played significant roles, actively managing the stall under the SEDB banner, showcasing creatively designed woolen bags. Mr. Sadik Pathan, a Co-founder of SEDB, contributed to the esteemed team.
Throughout the event, Mr. Amit Samal, a professional ISL interpreter with remarkable tactile sign language skills, worked tirelessly alongside me. NDC 2024, organized by NAD in collaboration with WBFDS, provided a platform despite the lack of awareness on deafblindness accessibility. I took the initiative to handle responsibilities for the SEDB work.
On the 25th, at Yuva Kendra, Moulali, Sealdah, Kolkata, we attended the program venue before the registration session, welcoming approximately 600 deaf participants from across India. Notable figures such as Mr. Narayanan, the President of NAD, Ms. Sanju Mathew, the General Secretary, and Mr. Rahul Jain, the Vice President, were present at the dias. The chief guest, Kanti Ganguly, Minister for Sports, Youth Welfare, and Sundarbans Development, Government of West Bengal, and MLA since 2001-2011, added prestige to the event.
On the 26th and 27th of January 2024, we actively participated in the exhibitions/stalls at DHONO DHANYO, where numerous deaf speakers delivered excellent presentations. Notable keynote presenters, including Mr. TKM. Sandeep, Mr. Sibajl Panda, Mr. Rajesh Ketkar, Ms. Sarah Sunny, Dr. Alim Chandani, Mr. AqllChinoy, and Mr. Hari Kumar, enriched the conference with their insights.
I had the honor of presenting on behalf of Mr. Zamir and SEDB within a 30-minute slot. Deaf individuals like Ms. Reena Jain, Mr. Ravneet Kaur, and Mr. Josephine, who is also Deaf-low vision, learned about mobile accessibility, mobility cane, braille, and tactile sign language from my presentation. Sunil received awards for outstanding achievements in education, technology accessibility, advocacy, and financial support for job opportunities.
The event featured engaging interactions and questions that enhanced awareness about deafblindness. Stalls from ten organizations were actively participated in by Pradip, Varsha, Florita, and others. All deaf women gained insights into accessible methods, such as tactile sign language. Mr. Rahul Agarwal, a deafblind SEDB member from Kolkata, expressed a desire to learn tactile sign language and the use of a refreshable Braille Display device.
On the 28th of January 2024, Deepali and Badal enjoyed visiting Kolkata along with a deaf group. On the 29th, Varsha, Murugesh, Florita, Bhausaheb, and I visited Pradip’s house in Kolkata, creating wonderful, memorable, and exciting experiences. Pradip and I ensured their safe journey back to Mumbai by train, and I later traveled alone from Kolkata by flight to Chennai.
The entire experience stands as a successful endeavor for the dedicated SEDB team members.
Thank you for your support.
Kind Regards,
Lion Sunil Abbas
General Secretary, SEDB India
sunil@sedbindia.org
www.sedbindia.org
+919884467550
