Article: Antarchakshu, an event with a difference

Diversity

Antarchakshu, an event with a difference

Antarchakshu- The eye within 2016, an event organized by the Xavier’s Resource Centre for Visually Challenged, seeks to create awareness while equipping HR professionals with many decision making tools.
Antarchakshu, an event with a difference

“It is not about doing different things, but doing things differently” 

Stemming from the belief that human potential is not solely defined by physical impairments, Antarchakshu- The eye within 2016, is an awareness and sensitization event on lives of persons with blindness and low vision. With a strong focus on experiential learning the event is targeted to reach people from all walks of life. Experiential learning is used to put away the myths that surround the people living visual impairments. The event which takes place on the 25th and the 26th of February this year, is also a great opportunity for HR professionals to experience and learn new training techniques in order to build decision making skills under strenuous situation. 

What is the event all about?  

The event is a one and a half hour long where techniques like experiential learning, sensory substitution and de briefing sessions are used to create a holistic experience for the participant. Each participant is meant to go through series of tasks blindfolded, each with a defined purpose, which slowly but steadily reveal the participants’ ability to cope with situations. This would be followed by a showcase of the latest technologies in place for people with visual impairment to access resources that most people take for granted. The final session involves a debrief session where participants have free flowing interaction with volunteer trainers to understand more about how to actually make things inclusive for them. The session is dedicated to clarify the myths that most people have when it comes to physical impairment. 

This is a great initiative but what has it got do with HR? 

Most such initiatives around raising awareness on visual impairment are put under the blanket of CSR and dealt from a very tokenistic approach of hitting the right numbers. Antarchakshu hopes to actually make a difference by creating awareness in a format which is more in tune with the organisational development and learning role of the HR departments. Using a multi faceted approach, the activities are meant to explore the potential of human life and its ability to overcome barriers. With no costs involved the event seeks to equip HR professionals with powerful tools on out-of- the box thinking and tackling challenges. The theme of the event is Accessibility & Inclusion which aims at creating an accessible world. It will give organisations the skills to drive inclusion, diversity and accessibility agendas in your workplace.

With the support from both private players like Microsoft, Tech Mahindra foundation, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and over 200 volunteers, Antarchakshu aims to create a great learning experience for all the participants. Other sponsors include NASSCOM Foundation (Knowledge partner), Saksham Trust (NGO partner), Sightsavers, Tata Capital and the Dhun Pestonji Parakh Trust.  

  • Where: Epicentre at Apparel House, Sector-44, Institutional Area Gurgaon
  • Date: 25th and the 26th of February 2016.
  • Time: 11 am to 7 pm
  • Registration can be done through the following link https://goo.gl/r9WpYd
Read full story

Topics: Diversity

Did you find this story helpful?

Author

QUICK POLL

How do you envision AI transforming your work?