Thiruvananthapuram: The three-day International Conference on Comprehensive Education for Children with Special Needs, organised by the Thiruvananthapuram-based Different Art Centre (DAC), and Adelphi University, New York, concluded on Friday.
The conference, held with the support of the State Department of Social Justice and the Department of Empowerment of persons with Disabilities, Government of India, witnessed a series of workshops, lectures and plenary sessions that sought to explore effective measures towards a smoother transition of these kids into adulthood. More than 500 delegates, including experts, professors, trainers, parents and others from 20 countries participated. This is the first time that such a global conference has been organised in the country.
Presiding over the valedictory function of the conference, renowned filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan said that he is over awed every time he comes to Different Art Centre and sees the children. Adding that the Different Art Centre strives to empower everyone, he stated that this institution will soon rise to global standards. The work done at DAC is way beyond comparison. It is joyous to see all the children expressing love and happiness when they see Gopinath Muthukad, who heads the institution. Adoor, who is also the patron of the institution, termed it a magic that is seldom achieved quickly.
Kadakampally Surendran, MLA, said that with the help of the Union and State Governments, the Different Art Centre would be able to organise more such beautiful events, including international conferences, in the coming years. This institution is a model not just for the country, but also for the world. The MLA, who is also the chairman of the organising committee of the conference, said that Kerala is proud of having been able to host a conference of such magnitude.
Kadakampally Surendran also presented the prizes to the winners of the poster exhibition held as part of the conference. Smriti Rajesh, Sahara from Sophia University, Japan, and the Scientia team from Different Art Centre won the prizes.
Gopinath Muthukad, Executive Director of Different Art Centre welcomed the gathering. Adelphi University professors Dr. Stephen Mark Shore, and Dr. Pavan Antony also participated in the valedictory function. Minnu, Corporate Relations Manager, Different Art Centre proposed a vote of thanks.
