IIT Kanpur celebrated the Annual Day of its Cell for Differently Abled Persons (CDAP), highlighting initiatives that empower differently abled individuals. The event featured a ceremonial lamp lighting by key figures, including Prof. Manindra Agrawal (Director), Shri Vishwa Ranjan (Registrar), Prof. Anubha Goel (CDAP Coordinator), and Chief Guest Mr. Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, a renowned para swimmer, an internationally acclaimed para swimmer. He is currently ranked number 1 by the World Para Swimming (WPS) in men's 100 m butterfly (S5 category) and men's 50 m breaststroke (SB4 category) as on 2 February 2024. 

Prof. Agrawal emphasized CDAP’s transformative role in nurturing an inclusive and supportive environment at IIT Kanpur, and Shri Vishwa Ranjan reflected on his experiences at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities in Dehradun. He commended the ongoing efforts of the CDAP in driving impactful initiatives for the empowerment of differently abled individuals. 

The inspirational story shared by Chief Guest Mr. Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, who recounted his journey of overcoming challenges after being paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 24 due to a spinal tumor. Despite these adversities, he achieved a world ranking in swimming, becoming a symbol of resilience and determination. Mr. Aalam also introduced an innovative modified wheelchair, initiated by Dr. Naveen Gautam (Alumni, IIT Kanpur MTech, Manufacturing Science), designed to assist people with locomotive disabilities, further inspiring the audience with his efforts towards inclusivity.

Five visually impaired IIT Kanpur students received ₹25,000 scholarships, funded by the Help the Blind Foundation (HTBF), Representing HTBF, Trustee Mrs. Deepa Krishnamurthy and members, including Dr. Raka Ray Mandal and Prof. B.P. Mandal joined the event virtually to share details about their scholarship initiative, which is dedicated to supporting deserving students. The scholarships were presented to the recipients by Mr. Mohammad Shams Aalam, the Chief Guest, and Prof. Siddharth Panda, a Member of CDAP. Mr. Srijan Mishra from the Deaf and Envision School introduced Indian Sign Language, promoting accessible communication.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof. Anubha Goel, celebrating the event’s success and impact.