Lucknow — In a heartwarming initiative aimed at integrating differently-abled individuals into the mainstream through sports, Prof. Himanshu Shekhar Jha, the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, flagged off a special trip for 25 differently-abled students to watch a live IPL match at Lucknow’s Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium.
Addressing a press conference at the Commissioner’s Office in Nishatganj, Prof. Jha informed that this opportunity was made possible under the CSR initiative of Greenply India. The students were specially invited to watch the Lucknow vs Hyderabad IPL match, with accessibility arrangements including custom-built ramps inside the stadium to ensure smooth mobility for all participants.
The group comprised 25 students, including 14 from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities’ hostel in Lucknow, 5 from Prayas Vidyalaya in Barabanki, and 6 athletes from the Shooting Association. The inspiring journeys of these students have also been documented in a short film, which will soon be released on public platforms.
Prof. Jha emphasized the transformative power of such experiences, stating, “Watching internationally renowned players compete live will not only expose these students to the spirit and nuances of the game but also enhance their self-confidence. Our aim is to ensure that differently-abled individuals never see themselves as any less capable and move ahead confidently into the mainstream.”
He also urged more private companies to follow Greenply’s example and actively contribute to the empowerment of differently-abled individuals.
Greenply India arranged T-shirts, refreshments, lunch, dinner, and AC bus transport for the students, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience. The group was flagged off by Prof. Jha himself with much encouragement and support.
This initiative marks a significant chapter in inclusive community engagement and highlights how sports can serve as a powerful medium for empowerment and inspiration.
