International White Cane Day: A Milestone in Fostering Inclusion, Independence & Empowerment

Srinagar: Mohammad Auyob Mir, a visually impaired Ph.D. scholar from the Department of Political Science at Aligarh Muslim University and a committed social activist, organized an inclusive online event to commemorate International White Cane Day on October 15, 2024.

This annual observance highlights the significance of the white cane as a symbol of independence, accessibility, and empowerment for persons with visual impairments, while promoting the broader goal of an inclusive society.
The event, hosted on Google Meet, brought together an esteemed panel of speakers, each reflecting on the role of the white cane in their personal journeys towards greater independence and social inclusion.

Leading the discussion was Prof. Tariq Bashir Khan, a visually impaired professor from Kashmir, who has become an inspirational figure in the field of education and advocacy for persons with disabilities. Prof. Khan shared powerful insights on how assistive devices like the white cane can transform the lives of persons with disabilities, enabling them to participate fully in society and break down barriers to accessibility.

Other notable speakers included Shahbaz Ahmed, a visually impaired research scholar from Aligarh Muslim University; Aashtosh, an accessibility expert who is also visually impaired; Nayeema, a visually impaired YouTuber dedicated to promoting Kashmiri culture; Syeda Haqmit Yaseen, a visually impaired student; and Aaqib Rameen, a visually impaired research scholar originally from Kashmir, currently studying in the United Kingdom. Together, they discussed how the white cane has empowered them in their daily lives and helped them engage fully with their communities. Their stories illustrated the white cane’s pivotal role in fostering independence, not just as a tool, but as a symbol of autonomy and self-determination.

The event’s inclusive nature was particularly notable, as it welcomed both persons with disabilities and non-disabled participants, fostering a space for dialogue and mutual understanding. Ibharem SK, a research scholar from the Department of Political Science at Aligarh Muslim University, highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue between persons with disabilities and non-disabled individuals. He emphasized that building an inclusive society requires collaborative efforts, where everyone contributes to creating a more accessible, understanding, and equitable world.

Participants such as Rubeena Qureshi, AktherAhmed Khan, Shahid Imran Nabi Bhat, , and many others also joined the event, reflecting widespread support for the cause. In his concluding remarks, Mohammad Auyob Mir extended sincere thanks to all participants, both disabled and non-disabled, for their active engagement in the discussion. He expressed that this event represents the beginning of a new era—one in which persons with disabilities are no longer seen as objects of charity, but as equal citizens with rights, talents, and the potential to shape their own futures. This shift aligns with the core principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, both of which advocate for a rights-based approach to disability.

Mir also acknowledged the broader contributions of Javid Ahmed Tak, Abrar Ahmed Bhat, and Mohammad Shafi Mir—all of whom have played pivotal roles in advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Kashmir. Their tireless efforts have been instrumental in advancing the cause of accessibility and empowerment for persons with disabilities in the region.

“We are full and equal members of society,” Mir said. “By actively participating in every aspect of life—whether cultural, educational, political, or social—we can contribute to building an inclusive, ideal, and progressive society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”

The event concluded with a strong message of hope and unity, underscoring the importance of both disabled and non-disabled individuals working together to create a truly inclusive world where everyone, regardless of ability, can lead a life of dignity and independence.