Centre for Disability Law and Advocacy
Who are we
The National Law University Odisha Centre for Disability Law and Advocacy was established with the goal of encouraging and supporting initiatives of research and teaching in the field of law in order to work towards the implementation and execution of disability rights and social justice. The Centre is consisting of a vibrant community of teachers and students who are dedicated towards working in the field of Disability Law and Disability Rights. The Centre is committed to conducting research for the enhancement of the stakeholders and aims at creating awareness for the rights of the Persons with disability.
Vision and Mission:
The National Law University Odisha Centre for Disability Law and Advocacy was established with the goal of encouraging and supporting initiatives of research and teaching in the field of law in order to work towards the implementation and execution of disability rights and social justice. The Centre consists of a vibrant community of teachers and students who are dedicated to working in the field of Disability Law and Disability Rights. The Centre is committed to conducting research for the enhancement of the stakeholders and aims at creating awareness for the rights of Persons with disabilities.
Vision:
The Centre aims to increase interaction with students with disabilities in the institution. The Centre seeks to achieve the same by creating a robust research team with experience in research and fostering dedication to the engagement of Persons with disabilities in research. Through the dedicated team, the Centre would participate actively in enhancing the rights of the Persons with disabilities.
Mission:
- The Centre aims to collaborate with a variety of advocates, academicians, NGOs, activists, researchers, research scholars, students and other stakeholders to encourage discussion on the growing importance of disability studies and research.
- The Centre’s goal is to create a multidisciplinary research environment that allows for cross-disciplinary dialogues and partnerships in order to generate creative research in this subject for the development of the main stakeholders.
- The Centre emphasizes education and training, as well as jointly promoting and exchanging resources. It plans to increase the level of discussion and engagement between researchers and stakeholders.
- The Centre aspires to contribute to the existing knowledge base, as well as acquire and disseminate information on the techniques and approaches utilized by academicians in India and across the world in the subject of disability and legal studies.
- The Centre intends to participate actively in the creation of joint ideas for future research initiatives.
- The Centre plans to conduct regular sensitization about Disability Law and Rights of the Persons with disability.
Patron- in- Chief:
- Professor Ved Kumari (Vice-Chancellor, NLUO)
Faculty Advisors:
- Director: Dr. Tanwi Shams
Student Members:
- Vishesh Khanna
- Varun Aadarsh
- Vanya Tiwari
- Kajol Nayak
- Aditi Krishna
- Bharat Bhushan Tayal
- Samar Pratap Singh
- Sagarika Mohapatra
Activities: (in reverse chronological order)
In our ongoing commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, the Centre for Disability Law & Advocacy (CDLA) at National Law University Odisha (NLUO) has been diligently organising events that foster awareness, knowledge, and positive change. This report highlights our key events held during the past year.
Visually Impaired Women’s Cricket Exhibition Match, Para Viraj
Date: 6th April 2023
Location: NLUO Cricket Ground
Event overview: An exhibition cricket match was organized by Legal Aid Society, IDIA Odisha and Centre for Disability Law and Advocacy. This was an exceptional opportunity to witness the extraordinary skill and athleticism of visually impaired women cricketers. Notably, 11 players had been selected to represent our country in the upcoming Blind T-20 World Cup.
International Webinar on Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities towards an Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post-Covid-19 World
Date: 3 December 2021
Collaboration: CDLA, NLUO in association with Sahaya
Event Overview: The webinar aimed to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the wake of the pandemic. Eminent speakers from various fields discussed strategies for inclusive development.
Notable Speakers: Prof. Krishan Mahajan, Mr. Santosh Rungta, Rev. Badulle Dhammissara Bhanthe, Mr. Sanjay Panda, Mrs. Ananya Das, Dr. Chandrika Prasad Dash, among others.
Highlights: The event emphasized sustainable solutions for an inclusive post-Covid-19 world.
Constitution of India in Braille and audio in Odiya language released on 73rd Republic Day
Date: 26 January 2022
Event Description: NLUO marked Republic Day under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative. The day included the unfurling of the national flag, insightful speeches, and impactful initiatives promoting equality and justice.
Activities: NLUO’s Centre for Rights of Disables in association with SAHAYA group released the Constitution of India in Braille and audio in Odiya language. This is the first time in India entire Constitution of India was prepared and released in Braille. Mr. Sanyas Behera, the first blind OAS officer of Odisha read the preamble of the Constitution on this occasion.
Interactive Session with Advocate Pankaj Sinha
Date: 4 August 2022
Event Focus: A physical interaction with Advocate Pankaj Sinha, a prominent Disability Rights lawyer, provided students a unique opportunity to engage with his expertise. The session highlighted his legal experiences and challenges.
Special Guest: Advocate Pankaj Sinha, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India.
State Level Consultation on Draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities
Date: 8 August 2022
Collaborators: CDLA, NLUO with Odisha Association for the Blind and Child & Women Development Society
Event Highlights: The consultation centered on the Draft National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, featuring speakers who shared insights on disability empowerment, social security, and women’s rights.
Key Speakers: Mr. Sannyashai Kumar Behera, Major Dr. Kalpana Das, Dr. Rina Routray.
Throughout the year, CDLA and NLUO remained steadfast in their dedication to advancing disability rights and social justice. These events have enriched our community with invaluable knowledge and perspectives, while fostering inclusivity and collaboration. As we continue to stride forward, we express our gratitude to our partners, speakers, and participants who contribute to our shared vision of a more equitable and inclusive world.
Upcoming Events
In the coming Semester, the Centre is planning to organize a series of lectures by reputed academicians and activists on various issues pertaining to Disability Rights.
Publications
The Centre is soon to publish an edited book volume on Protection to Persons with disabilities – Challenges and Solutions.
The book will address issues on the following themes:
- Analysis of the Current Law and Implementation Challenges
- Constitutional Scope and Lacunae
- Disability and Inclusive Education
- Disability and Sports
- Criminalizing Disability
- Disability Advocacy
Contact us
Official Email id of the Centre: cdla@nluo.ac.in
