Modern School Barakhamba Road in collaboration with Modern Institute for Education hosted a thought-provoking seminar titled 'Inclusion: Empowering Diverse Abilities Through Sports' on Saturday, 13th April, 2024. Mr. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa of India graced the event as the Chief Guest. He received a rousing welcome from Dr. Vijay Datta, Principal of Modern School Barakhamba, Mrs. Anuradha Pratap Singh, Honorary President, Board of Trustees, Mrs. Mira Pradeep Singh, Honorary Treasurer, Board of Trustees, Modern School, Mrs. Ambika Pant, Honorary Secretary, Board of Trustee, Mrs. Abha Sadana, Director, Modern Institute for Education, and an illustrious audience of over 100 guests, including many sportspersons training under 'Sportability'.
It is to be noted here that this was the first-ever high-profile televised gathering on inclusivity in sports and education for the specially-abled. It is a significant step towards empowering athletes and inspiring schools nationwide to open up their facilities.
The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Vijay Datta, Principal of Modern School Barakhamba who shared a compelling presentation outlining the Sportability-the program run by the school where the sports space has been provided to para athletes to play and practice-initiative's positive impact stating
In his address, Mr. Amitabh Kant praised his alma mater Modern School for opening up its physical infrastructure and sports facilities for Persons with Disabilities. He also spoke highly of the noble initiative 'Sportability' for aiming at social inclusion through sports.
In his keynote address Dr. Satyapal Singh, Chief Coach of Target Olympic Sports Academy and the youngest Dronacharya Awardee highlighted the success of the para-athletes on the international stage, mentioning
During the seminar, the booklet ‘Sportability: Inclusion: Breaking Barriers through Sports was released by the chief guest Mr. Amitabh Kant; the guest of honour Dr. Satyapal Singh; Secretary, Board of Trustees Modern School, Ms. Ambika Pant, and Director, Modern Institute for Education, Ms. Abha Sadana.
The release of the booklet was followed by a panel discussion on ‘Sports as a Vehicle of Social Inclusion’, moderated by Mr. Rishabh Gulati, Editor-In-Chief, NewsX. Featuring a diverse group of panelists, that included Mr. Ankur Dhama, Arjuna Awardee; Commodore PK Garg, CEO of Target Olympic Podium Scheme; Dr. Anuradha Solanky, Sports Psychologist at Sports Authority of India;
It was an enlightening day as the para athletes Kashish Lakra and Arjun Award winner Praveen Kumar shared their journey of breaking barriers and making it happen.....
The seminar celebrated the achievements, initiatives, and contributions of corporate CSR initiatives, academies, foundations, NGOs, head of schools, coaches, teachers, and para athletes with trophies as tokens of appreciation.
The seminar culminated with vote of thanks by Ms. Abha Sadana, Director, Modern Institute for Education, who shared her elation over the impact of Sportability stating 'We are happy to see the impact the Sportability has had on our athletes'.
