Can a hearing and speech impaired artist inspire change on Constitution Day?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Apoorv Om is a hearing and speech impaired artist who showcases incredible talent.
- He presented his artwork to CJI Surya Kant on Constitution Day.
- Apoorv secured an impressive rank in IIT-JEE despite his disabilities.
- He emphasizes empowerment for individuals with disabilities through art.
- India's laws support the rights of persons with disabilities, promoting inclusion.
New Delhi, Nov 26 (NationPress) In a world where many individuals confine themselves to a limited set of skills, the remarkably talented artist Apoorv Om shatters these conventions. On Constitution Day, this hearing and speech impaired artist gifted a painting he created to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, demonstrating that disability does not equate to a lack of talent, passion, or capability.
Apoorv's impressive artwork has been previously showcased at prestigious venues including the International Court of Justice and UNESCO, among others.
In an interview with IANS, Apoorv's father, Vikas Chandra, shared, “His name is Apoorv Om. Despite being unable to speak or hear since birth, he achieved All India Rank 77 in the IIT-JEE. He was invited to the International Court of Justice in 2016, visited the UN Headquarters in New York, and participated in exhibitions in Paris where he also met the UN President. He was honored with the National Youth Award in 2017 and recognized as a Role Model of India by the President. He faced numerous challenges, understood them deeply, and overcame them in his own distinctive manner.”
He continued, “Apoorv became the first deaf person to be awarded the National Youth Award in 2019. His journey is entirely self-made. He did not emulate anyone; rather, he pursued his strengths, not his limitations.”
Reflecting on the meeting with the CJI, Chandra remarked, “The CJI inquired about Apoorv's aspirations. I conveyed that he wishes to create and showcase portraits of all 34 sitting judges to communicate his message: India should serve as a global example by empowering individuals with disabilities.”
Apoorv aspires to demonstrate that individuals with disabilities possess immense potential and resilience. He envisions that his art will pave the way for more hearing and speech impaired individuals to engage in the legal field and pursue careers as lawyers. Additionally, he provides training to Delhi Police, defense personnel, CISF, and the Indian Coast Guard.
India is actively safeguarding its specially-abled citizens through the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act), which replaced the earlier legislation from 1995. This act aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, aiming to combat discrimination, ensure equal opportunities in education and employment, and promote comprehensive participation in society. Other essential laws include the National Trust Act, 1999 (for specific disabilities) and the Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992.