Univ for disabled to get Central tag
Enthusiastic teachers, innovative
teaching methods and keen students at JRHU offer life lessons for the more
privileged
Chitrakoot, UP: There is nothing
unusual about a teacher standing in front of a classroom delivering a lecture
to eager students. But Manish Kumar's classroom is slightly different. This
visually impaired teacher stands with great pride, in his class of students,
who are visually and physically challenged Located in Chitrakoot, the Jagadguru
Rambhadracharya Handicapped University, (JRHU), is a university specifically
for the differently abled. It is a living embodiment of just what the
less-abled can do if given a chance. In fact, the ‘can do' attitude of the
staff here has impressed the government, and the HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar
is considering granting it the tag of Central University soon. Kumar is a good
example of this ‘can do' attitude. He is just 28, but his work gives hope to
his students that they too can become a ‘somebody', someday. His unique
teaching method is something that the sighted or ‘normal' teachers could
possibly learn from various teaching methods. I am a visually disabled person,
I cannot write on the blackboard. So, I make use of the projector to teach a
particular concept that needs detailing. I also use audio mediums to connect
with the visually disabled,” he says.
Kumar
is not alone. Many other teachers (some of whom are challenged) come to work
daily. Students here are just as keen, some come from far-flung villages in UP,
and even neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, to learn. According to the school staff,
currently there are 1,500 students learning from a choice of 15 courses offered
at the university. Apart from the regular B.Ed, some of the courses include a
degree in Social Work, Music, Fine Arts, and other special training courses.
Teachers say that those who have hearing disabilities opt for courses in Fine
Arts and Computers, while the visually disabled choose courses like Music. The
B.Ed is, of course, common to all students.
How
different is it to teach the physically challenged as compared to ‘normal'
students? Gopal Mishra, a professor who teaches Music at the university says,
“When you teach students with a disability you have to be extra-sensitive to
understand their feelings. You need to be completely involved with them. In my
case, when I teach visually disabled students, they can only hear me, so if my
tone changes, they assume I am getting angry with them.” Most of the students
live on-campus. There are two hostels - one for boys and one for girls. Despite
their individual challenges, thestudents find solace in helping each other.
Botla Yadav, a 19-year-old physically challenged student shares, “I am from
Badhoni village in UP, and I am pursuing my BA here. I have made good friends
in the hostel and they help me in moving around the campus”.
Basic facilities like tri-cycles, hearing aids, and other amenities are
provided to the students free of cost. “We can expect better things if the
university gets Central University status,” says Mishra.
And
Mishra's wish just might be coming true soon. A team of University Grants
Commission (UGC) officials visited the university early in November to review
the facilities for granting Central University status to the institution. Commenting
on the visit, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said, “A team of UGC officials
visited the campus and have given me a positive feedback on the university. I
am also positive that we can grant it the status of Central University soon.”
Source | Daily News Analysis | 22 November 2016
Regards
Pralhad
Jadhav
Senior
Manager @ Library
Khaitan & Co
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