Behind the Headlines

In underscoring current societal challenges, “BEHIND THE HEADLINES” shares accounts of success stories not covered in the news. It provides a  deeper understanding of the real-life experiences faced by disabled soldiers of Indian Armed Forces and ordinary citizens with disabilities. It is the only Journal that has initiated reporting of the success stories citizens with disabilities of paraplegic soldiers, who are talented youth from rural backgrounds who became physically challenged while serving the motherland. They have defeated all odds to convert their setback into opportunities while facing uncertainties & conflicting policies of  state. Their success highlights the responsibility of all citizens in strengthening the state apparatus to empower one and all.

 

Technological advancement in communication and information connects us worldwide, it discloses innumerous common citizens’ deep sense of responsibility, true commitment and selfless “Soldierly Deeds” which has fetched a new dawn and rekindled hope into the lives of people-citizens with positive change on the mindset. Since development is a shared goal & in this era of close connectivity, every person holding some piece of information with experience and aligning the same with the ground level actions can bring transformation making inclusive growth a reality and a cognizant society.  The ultimate message is “Inclusive Nation Building.”

 

GRIT, a personality trait is defined as "perseverance and passion for long-term goals".  Individuals high in grit are able to maintain their determination and motivation over long periods despite experiences with failure and adversity. It is emphasized that grit is a better predictor of achievement than intellectual talent (IQ), because grit serves as the overriding factor that provides the stamina required to "stay the course" amid challenges and setbacks. It is primarily persistence or ability to endure and carry on in the face of challenges and adversity. An additional facet of grit is consistency of interest or passion. Gritty people often are intensely committed to their goals for what they want to accomplish in life.

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The Right of Person with Disabilities Act which came into force in July-2016 ensures that PWD enjoy the right to equality, life with dignity, and respect for his or her own integrity equally with others. The Act defined a PWD as “A person with long term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which, in interaction with barriers, hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others and needs an intensive support. Empowered citizens strengthen community consciousnesses and that further strengthens governance. It enhances people participation that yield inclusive development. People influence the environment & communities within which we exist & ultimately it is ‘People Matter Results Count’. Grass root Information and knowledge articulate the strategies and shape the implementation processes in addressing the social obligation and restoring the dignity of differently able persons leading towards sustainable inclusive development.

 

By sharing these Success stories which are witnessed but never become part of mainstream news networks  we strive to tell stakeholders that they are not alone and can achieve their goals through sustained effort besides raising motivation & awareness to enhance people’s participation at grass root level to strengthen Inclusive Development.... Together We Can Make It Happen.

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Tapash Chatterjee  is a decorated officer of the Indian Army. He combined his vision with his man management skills to conceptualize and implement the mission ‘Ability Beyond Disability’ as First Nodal officer in conjunction with Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India & Indian Army. The Mission was aimed at restoring the dignity of persons with disabilities, strengthen the grassroots & community level activities by connecting rehabilitation professionals with those in need, residing in remote, under-served and border areas of the country. The mission found its mention in the Niti Ayog reports for outstanding achievements. He is columnist  of  “Behind The Headlines” column of the Indian Interdisciplinary Research Journal Disabilities & Impairments est. 1987 and strong advocate of social entrepreneurship and  adding  positive  value to  society  through empowerment  &  development  with a message and commitment              "People Matter Results Count”  &  "Together We Can Make it Happen".

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