Celebration of International Week of The Deaf 2018

International Week of the Deaf ( IWDeaf) 2018

Science City Visit:

As a part of “International Week of the Deaf” celebration, Anwesha Kolkata organized an educational trip on 25^th September 2018 in association with Pratidhwani West Bengal and Deaf Child Worldwide (DCW) for the children and their parents at Science City.

Around 50 persons including deaf children, their parents, teachers and volunteers were part of the programme. It was a wonderful experience for our children and they enjoyed a lot. They were amazed to see the place and spent almost half a day during the visit at Science City.

The children boarded the toy train with their parents with full enthusiasm and got an opportunity to look at the many interactive exhibits on science in an open air “Science Park.” After that, they entered in a small theatre which shows a 3D film of 15 minutes duration on evolution of animals especially the extinct species. It was indeed fun for them moving through dim light with real life effects. The Dynamotion and Earth Exploration Hall were truly meant as edutainment centres for our young visitors.

We appreciate the support extended by the authority of Science City and are thankful to Pratidhwani WB, DCW and our well-wishers who helped us conduct the trip successfully.

Anweshan 2018

Anwesha Kolkata celebrated its 13^th annual awareness programme "Anweshan 2018” on 29th September 2018 at at Madhusudan Mancha, Dhakuria Kolkata with support from Commissioner Disabilities, Govt. of West Bengal, Indian Oil and Kolkata Police. Through panel discussion, cultural programme and leaflet distribution to the audiences the campaign issues such as early detection of hearing impairment (during early childhood), protection of  fundamental rights, equal employment opportunity etc were addressed. Around 450 people actively participated in the programme and encouraged us to present a good show.

The programme commenced with the welcome speech by Ms. Anindita Chakroborty, member of  Anwesha Kolkata along with dance by little kids with deafness at 10.00 A.M sharp. The dazzling display of dance by children with perfect steps to the tune and rhythm kept the audience glued to the seats. Sri Kalyan Mukhopadhyay IPS & Dy. Commissioner Police (South East Division), Sri Debashish Kumar, MMIC, Parks & Garden, Sri Tarun Majumder, Padmasree filmmaker, Sri Supriya Kumar, Expert in Disability field, Smt. Snigdha Sarkar, President, Anwesha Kolkata, Smt. Soma Ghosh, Secretary, Anwesha Kolkata and youngest child Srinaya lighted the auspicious lamp and inaugurated the programme. Our children cordially greeted the guests with flower bouquets and gifts.

Smt. Susmita Das, Vice President, Anwesha Kolkata gave a brief presentation on Anwesha’s activities before the audience. Post her presentation, Smt. Snigdha Sarkar paid tribute to Late Sumanta Sen Roy fondly known as Mananda who inspired us in every sphere of work. Mr. Achyut Mukherjee (Academic excellence in ISC Exam 2018) and Mr. Antik Kumar Dewanji ( Nritya Bisharad in Kathak Dance) – both of them were called upon and felicitated on stage by Smt.Soma Ghosh, Secretary and Smt. Sutapa Samanta, Special Educator. One mother- Smt. Ruma Pati received the best parent award based on overall performance throughout the year.

A panel discussion on the importance of Early Intervention was conducted. The panel members were:

• Dr. M.N.Bhattacharya, ENT Specialist, Peerless Hospital,
• Sri Supriya Kumar, Expert on Deafness issues and
• Sri. Nilanjan Pal, Audiologist & Asst. Professor, College of Education, PKK.

The session was beautifully moderated by Smt. Sarkar and it was quite insightful & interesting. Post the panel discussion, a souvenir was released. Then, the children from Anwesha put up an excellent show by presenting a skit on “Maa”. It revealed the struggles and suffering that every mother goes through in bringing up her child with deafness living in a society that lacks sensitivity towards their need and potential. It was a visual delight. Mr. Antik Kumar Dewanji performed a Kathak dance and got instant praise from the audiences. At the next part of the programme, four deaf young achievers were conferred "Nakshatra Samman". The awardees were

• Mr. Sayantan Sengupta(Photography)
• Ms. Oli Mishra(Arts)
• Ms. Debopriya Ghosh(Employment)
• Ms. Mithi Chakroborty (Academics)

After a little pause, the audiences were mesmerized to see the splendid performance of BONDHU members. “Ei Samai Ei Samaj” – a skit presented under the direction of theatre personalities Sri Plaban Basu and members of Rangashilpi. The young adults beautifully portrayed the various issues of concern in our society. The audiences enthusiastically lauded their performance. The finishing moment of their play involving the entire audience was really praiseworthy.

Last but not the least, Ms. Soma Ghosh, Secretary, Anwesha Kolkata offered vote of thanks and acknowledged the contribution of all in making the programme a success including thanking all sponsors and supporters. 

Acknowledgment of our activities on IWDeaf  in the following newspapers/TV channel:

Media Publication link:

1. Aajkal Newspaper: http://www.eaajkaal.in/epaperd…/…/496034b9-315cd93f-a2621c68

2. Satwata Bangla TV Channel: https://youtu.be/EABaw7YG5XI

3. Bartaman Newspaper: http://bartamanpatrika.com/detailNews.php?cID=42&nID=131075