'Inclusion Must Be Norm, Not an Exception in Education', Says DEPwD Secretary at Ashoka University Conclave

Ashoka University's conclave highlighted the work of four Idea Labs established during the previous conclave. These groups, made up of conclave participants, focused on issues such as developing support systems and creating good accommodation within higher education institutions (HEIs).

Ashoka University's Office of Learning Support (OLS) hosted its third edition of its annual conclave. The conclave was titled as “Advancing Together: A Networked Approach to Inclusive Higher Education”. The Conclave 3.0 included stakeholders from higher education, government and corporate sectors. The focus of the conclave was to have discussions on disability areas in India’s higher education system.

The event was attended by many known personalities, including Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Sunil Kumar Barnwal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education.

Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, shared his delight about the event, saying, “We must stop thinking only with our minds and start feeling with our hearts. Children with disabilities must grow up in inclusive schools, as that foundation shapes their journey into higher education and beyond."

The event also shared the results of four “Idea Labs” that were set up during last year’s conclave. These labs worked on important topics like creating better support systems and setting up good staying policies in higher education institutions (HEIs).

The conclave also focused on making campus placements better. Further it included the launch of a corporate diversity process.

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