SAMBA: Department of Education of Government Degree College Vijaypur today organised an expert lecture on "Empowering Inclusion: Promoting Education, Rights & Welfare of Persons with Disabilities."

A large number of students, teaching faculty and non-teaching staff of the college attended the lecture.

The event, held under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Ashu Vashisht, Principal of the college, commenced with the welcome address by Dr. Gunjeet Mahiwal, Lecturer, Department of Education. She introduced the speaker and highlighted that Disability is one of the important issues in contemporary society because stigmatization of people with disabilities contributes to the formation of biases and prejudices which put them into the disadvantageous position where they feel themselves inferior to others.

The speaker of the event Monika, a social activist and Vice President JIGER Institute of Humanity Welfare Organization (NGO), was honoured by the Principal, Dr. Ashu Vashisht.

In a thought provoking talk, the speaker said that Inclusive Education is a learning approach that aims to provide equitable access and support to all students, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances. "It promotes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, creating safe and welcoming learning environments that value and celebrate individual differences," she said. She further added that Inclusive education goals seek to enhance student success and promote positive social outcomes while reducing stigma and discrimination. This approach enables students to develop their academic, social, and emotional skills, empowering them to become confident, independent learners who can thrive in diverse communities.

The lecture was followed by a question-answer session where the speaker responded to queries of the participants. The program was organized by Dr. Gunjeet Mahiwal, Lecturer, Department of Education and co-coordinated by Prof Mamta Gupta (HOD Commerce), Dr. Anoop Kumar Bhagat (HOD Sociology), Dr. Manoj Heer (HOD Dogri) and Dr. Naseem Chowdhary (HOD English) and Prof. Meetu Sharma (HOD Geography).

The formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Gunjeet Mahiwal. NO: PR/DDI/J/5651//