Kolkata, 5th October 2024: NIP NGO, an Education and Cultural Centre for the Blind and other Differently Abled individuals, in collaboration with the Forum for Durgotsab, Saini International School, and Rotary Club District 3291, has initiated awards for Puja committees dedicated to making their Pandals accessible for Senior Citizens and the Disabled. This year, 250 Durga Puja Committees will be participating in this commendable effort. In addition, a Braille Display Stand for the Visually Impaired has been launched for three Puja Pandals.
The event was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including Mr. Biswajit Chakraborty and Mr. Bobby Chakraborty, prominent Tollywood actors; Mr. Partha Ghosh, Chairman of the Forum for Durgotsab; Mr. Tapan Pattanayak, CEO of Saini Group; Mr. Sibabrata Roy, Past President of Rotary International District 3291; and Mr. Ashif Shah, Past President of the Rotary Club of Ballygunge, along with many other notable personalities.
In a statement to the media, Sri Debajyoti Roy, Secretary of NIP NGO, emphasized, “Creating an inclusive environment is not just our responsibility; it is a celebration of our collective humanity. With the introduction of the Braille Display Stand, we are taking significant steps to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can experience the joy and spirit of Durga Puja. This initiative showcases what we can achieve when we unite with empathy and purpose.”
Mr. Ashif Shah, Past President of the Rotary Club of Ballygunge, added, “As we enter this festive season, it is crucial to remember that true celebration is rooted in inclusivity. The Braille Display Stand signifies our dedication to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities of Durga Puja. Together, we can create an atmosphere where every individual, irrespective of their abilities, feels valued and celebrated. Let’s make this Puja a genuine reflection of unity and compassion.”
Sri Tapan Pattanayak, CEO of Saini Group, remarked, “Durga Puja is the most significant festival in West Bengal, celebrated with great enthusiasm. However, we often overlook those in our society who are differently abled or senior citizens. To facilitate their access, certain arrangements must be made in the Puja Pandals. We urge the Puja Committees to support us wholeheartedly in this mission.”
Background of NIP NGO: The National Institute of Professionals (NIP NGO) serves as an Education and Cultural Centre for the Blind and other Differently Abled individuals. NIP received the “STATE AWARD” on December 3, 2012, and has been organizing various awareness camps across Kolkata and other districts in West Bengal. Its mission is to assist the blind and differently abled in every possible way, including organizing events like the All Bengal Chess Competition and T-20 Cricket Tournament for the visually impaired.