The event was a PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry initiative
The event was a PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry initiative
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised a first-of-its-kind job fair for the differently-abled on Wednesday. Inaugurating the event, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Mukul Wasnik, said, "There is nothing more frustrating to a differently-abled person than the imagined limitations people put on him. The society's ignorance regarding people with disabilities is as handicapping as the actual impairment." 
Towards a better future: Differently-abled candidates participate in
the job fair organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce, Lodhi Road,
u00a0in New Delhi on Wednesday. PIC/SUBHASH BAROLIA
Novel effort
This was the first time that the private sector came forward to lend a helping hand. As many as 24 companies participated in the event, including IBM Global Process Services, Infosys BPO Ltd, Tech Mahindra, and so on.
Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Mallikarjun Kharge, said, "This job fair is an important step forward. Along with the government, the corporate sector also needs to shoulder responsibility to empower the people with disabilities. Rehabilitation, education, accessibility and employment are key areas where the corporate sector can play a greater role."
A participant with hearing and speaking disability, Jyoti, said, "It is a golden opportunity for people like us. I learned new things which will help me in future. I really appreciate the initiative." Manish Kumar, another candidate, said such initiatives will prepare the differently-abled to face any competition.
Feel-good factor
Many participants, such as Neeraj, were happy just to be a part of the network. Around 350 applicants were present from prestigious institutions such as JNU, All India Federation of the Deaf, Blind Relief Association of India, among others.
Chairman of the task force on Corporate Social Responsibility, Dola Mahapatra, said, "For companies, it is a feel good factor and for people, it is a good platform. I am happy that at least an initiative has been taken to better the lives of the differently-abled around us. Next time, we will definitely be able to do better in terms of arranging, managing and structuring things."
Glass half empty
Some, however, were not so optimistic. Mehar Singh, who is pursuing PhD in Political Science, said, "Most job opportunities are for people who are either graduates or have just cleared Class XII. People like me cannot work in a call centre. There are no job profiles that would candidates like me.
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