Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and incredible support I received during the St. Louis Deaf Association Alumni (SLDAA) conference held in Bhubaneshwar’ Odisha from November 25th to 26th, 2023.
It was an honor to attend the conference as a special guest, and I was deeply moved by the generosity of spirit exhibited by everyone involved. My time at St. Louis School for the Deaf and Blind holds a special place in my heart, and being able to reconnect with my schoolmates and contribute to SLDAA was a truly meaningful experience.
I am grateful for the opportunity to donate Rs. 10,000 to SLDAA, a small token of appreciation for the invaluable lessons and friendships I gained during my time at St. Louis. The conference provided a platform for important discussions, and I was pleased to witness the enthusiasm and interest in learning tactile sign language among the attendees.
The General Board Meeting on the 25th, led by President Mr. John Kennedy, General Secretary Mr. Srinivasan, Joint Secretary Mr. Dhural, Treasurer Mr. Saji Mathew and Organized Secretary Mr. Niranjan Joshi, was enlightening. I appreciate the thoughtful discussions and the eagerness to embrace tactile sign language as a means of communication.
I was particularly heartened by the support of my friend Amit Samal. who, like me, understands the challenges faced by deafblind individuals. His presence and assistance during the conference made a significant difference in facilitating communication.
The presentations on the 26th were enlightening, especially Mr. Sorvojyoti’s insights and Mr. Subaji’s plans for the Hakky Hands School for the Deaf. Amit Samal’s quiz added a fun element to the event, showcasing the diverse talents within the community.
Meeting Mr. Shakti, a deaf-low vision individual, was inspiring. His journey towards independence, coupled with his interest in accessibility tools like the iPhone’s magnifier, exemplifies the resilience of individuals facing challenges. It was heartwarming to witness his ability to book a ride and travel independently.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Social Justice’ Mr. Nk Mohanty’s Sr advocate odisha high court Cuttack for gracing the event as our Chief Guest and acknowledging the efforts of lecturers and winners. His interest in knowing of the SEDB and the promise of further support is truly appreciated.
The sightseeing on the 27th was a delightful experience, and Mr. Saji Mathew’s adept tactile signing made it possible for me to appreciate the beauty of Konark and the Buddha statues. The thoughtful gift of two frames from Mr. Abdul Easim Khan will serve as cherished mementos of this memorable occasion.
As I reflect on the conference, I am filled with gratitude for the hospitality, camaraderie, and the shared commitment to making the world more inclusive for deafblind individuals. I am confident that the SEDB will continue to thrive as a strong and proactive organization, thanks to the dedication of individuals like Mr. Zamir Dhale.
Once again, thank you to the SLDAA members for their warmth and support. I look forward to future collaborations and the growth of awareness and understanding for deafblind individuals in India.
Warm regards,
Lion Sunil Abbas
General Secretary
Society for the Empowerment of the Deaf-Blind(SEDB)
www.sedbindia.org
