A silent march for rights

JAIPUR: It was an unusual site for the commuters to see a group of 300 youths peacefully marching on the roads holding banners and placards in sharp contrast to the hooliganism during such rallies in the city.
The youths, who are blind and deaf, gathered from different parts of the state to mark the beginning of International week for deaf and dumb.
The rally was organized by Rajasthan Association of the Deaf, a registered body of deaf and dumb formed to fight for their rights. The rally kicked-off at 10.45 am from Albert Hall and culminated at Central Park.
Terming the rally as a 'joy march,' they said it was more than a march to register their protest.
Displaying a high degree of civic sense, the participants did not leave any leftovers in the park. After the rally, a team picked bottles and other leftovers and put in dustbins. Bhanwar Lal, a police constable, was heard saying that 'this is most disciplined rally I have seen.'
Narrating their plight, (translated by interpreter), Ankit, who came from Alwar, said: "We request the government to appoint sign interpreters at least in hospitals, rail and bus stations to minimize our miseries."
Ankit submitted a government document which says that the hearing impaired population was over 30 lakh in the country. The joy march ended with tears in their eyes of many who knew that they are returning to place where a very few understand words (gestures).
Minister, officials fail to turn up
The tall claims by politicians and bureaucrats to work for the underprivileged and needy fell flat on Saturday, as a minister and bureaucrats who promised to address the rally on international deaf day at Albert Hall failed to spare a few minutes for them.
They had invited a few ministers weeks in advance and wanted to hand over a memorandum. Neither the minister for social justice and empowerment Ashok Bairwa nor any officials found time to address or meet the persons with disability.
They waited for 30 minutes for the minister to flag-off the rally but were disappointed. "They (politicians and bureaucrats) love to hear those who can shout and cheer them during their address," said Dilip Kumar Jangir, secretary of association.