It’s not all about your IQ, it is more about participation – a chance to be part of something meaningful and interesting.
With this thought in mind Seva-in-Action & powered by LTIMindtree Foundation, in collaboration with the Meghalaya Parents’ Association for Disabled (MePAD), organised the 10th edition of Quizabled, a unique platform for children and youth with disabilities to showcase their abilities in the context of their learning, at Meghalaya Bharat Scouts & Guides Auditorium in Shillong on March 18.
Excitement filled the auditorium as students eagerly waited for their turn to answer; parents were filled with pride and joy to see their children go up on stage, displaying a sense of confidence and courage and organisers wore a contented look as the event concluded on a successful note. The competition was more than just a contest, it’s about showcasing their talents and abilities, promoting inclusion and challenging societal stereotypes.
“We are a voluntary organization for the past 40 years especially in the field of disability – primarily in the field of inclusive education & development programs. The objective is to have any such platform where children can showcase their abilities in the context of their learning, in the context of their knowledge, I’m trying to come up with an innovative pedagogy way of teaching-learning for these children,” Vice Chairperson of Seva in Action Ruma Banerjee.
Stating that children with disability should not be confined inside the four walls of the school, Banerjee said they are trying to provide opportunities to make learning much more interesting and participatory for them. “It is not only book learning but it is also (about) what is happening around them… The other most important thing is to break the myths among parents and teachers; most of us have low expectations from these children, thinking that they will not be able to participate in such knowledge platforms. But we are trying to break these stereotypes,” she added.
Started in 2016 with 100 children in Bangalore, Quizabled has travelled to different parts of the country and in Meghalaya, it is the first of its kind and second in the Northeast region, after Assam.
When asked about the response of the parents and teachers, Ruma Banerjee said the response the organization has received so far has been tremendous with the number of participants increasing every year.
“The way the format is developed is very simple. We give them multiple-option questions related to something interesting like music, sports, and local things which are happening around. It is not that they have to memorize something but it is making them understand, reason out and giving them choices,” she added.
Applauding the initiative of Seva-in-Action, MePAD president Nabarun Sen Gupta informed that students from around 86 participants from six to seven districts of Meghalaya participated in the event. “This is the first time the event is being held in Meghalaya and we plan to make it into an annual event,” he said.
Referring to the stigma surrounding the issue, Sen Gupta said that parents are often apprehensive about sending their children to such gatherings. But today’s event was an eye-opener for many parents and teachers, he added.
Meanwhile, Quizmaster Himadri Banerjee, who has been on the job for 10 years now, said patience is the key to successfully host such events. “I have been doing this for 10 years across India and I have learned over the years how to frame questions for children with disability; it requires a lot of patience and more straightforward and familiar questions. The idea is not to make the questions challenging for them but accessible,” he remarked.
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One of the parents who attended the event, Clara Syiem said, “It’s a pleasure to see the excitement on my children’s faces when they learned about this event. They can’t wait to attend. I was filled with pride and joy when I see them standing tall on the stage receiving a certificate and award. There is a misunderstanding that children with disabilities cannot take part in such competitions but the world has changed; there are so many activities and opportunities for children with disabilities (sic),” Syiem said, hoping that such events are being held every year to enable children to freshen their minds and outlooks.
Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, who attended the event as one of the guests, shared message of encouragement and inspiration to the students and parents who attended the event, stating that in this fast-pace world, there are opportunities for everyone while hoping that one day, these students will become a beacon of hope for others and stars that shine brightly in society.
Similarly, Commissioner & Secretary incharge Social Welfare Department Pravin Bakshi lauded the courage and confidence of these students, stating that Quizabled is a fantastic idea to facilitate and ensure inclusion.
He also stressed the need for a strong support system – be it from the government, civil society, community and family. “Our duty on this earth as people and families is to understand each other and support each other,” he added.
Quizabled project has now developed into a separate entity called “Quizabled Foundation”. Quizabled foundation reaffirms its commitment to providing platform for knowledge development &
empowerment of persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusivity.
In the 10th year of Quizabled, the focus is on children and youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, including those with intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, and autism spectrum disorder. The competition from the state has been brought to the zonal level. Quizabled with its new format will reach out to rural, aspirational & tribal districts of India.
