On the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya, the 7th edition of the prestigious Disha Samman 2024 was held today at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre.
Disha Samman which is presented by Disha Eye Hospitals, the largest eye care chain of Eastern India, aims to honour both individuals and organisations that work relentlessly for the welfare of the visually challenged persons. This year’s awardees include Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha headed by Mr Dibyendu Barua, for promoting chess as an engaging sport for the sightless people, Mr Akul Biswas, a visually impaired man who founded Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini in the Sundarban and a Teacher of Environmental Science for the underprivileged children and Tourist. Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini comprises of 200 tiger-widow women who are diligently working for mangrove forest conservation and rendering adequate protection to the villagers from Tiger attacks.
Apart from them is Mr Anil Das, a visionless resident of Pandua, Hooghly and an innovative Sculptor who crafts wooden thrones for the idols of the deities. He is popularly referred by the localities of Pandua as ‘Drishtihin Vishwakarma’.
Disha Samman 2024 was graced by the distinguished personalities, including Dr Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the Zoological Survey of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Ms Tanushree Shankar, Renowned Danseuse and Choreographer, Mr Pathikrit Basu, Director, Mr Abhijit Guha, Actor, Mr Narayan Sinha, Sculptor and Dr Debashish Bhattacharya Chairman & Managing Director, Disha Eye Hospitals.
“At Disha Eye Hospitals, we believe that every individual has the potential to achieve greatness, regardless of the challenges they face. Disha Samman is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the visually challenged, who continue to inspire us all with their perseverance and talent. We are proud to honour their remarkable contributions and remain committed to support them”, said Dr Debashish Bhattacharya Chairman & Managing Director, Disha Eye Hospitals.
” Being unable to visually experience the beauty of Mother Nature was never my concern, our aim was to contribute largely through our day to day efforts. Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini consists of 200 Tiger Widow Women whom we affectionately designate as the Mothers of The Jharkhali Village. Together we protect, conserve and educate the youths and tourists who visit us. Receiving the prestigious accolade, Disha Samman 2024 is truly an honour for us,” said Mr Akul Biswas, the Founder of Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini, an environment Conservationist and a Teacher at the Jharkhali Village.
“Every challenge comes with numerous opportunities. How we perceive the teething situation is all that matters. With all my devotion and confidence i dedicate my skills to the Almighty. Being conferred with Disha Samman 2024 is indeed a great honour for me,” said Mr Anil Das, a visually challenged Sculptor from Hooghly.
” Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha is honored to receive Disha Samman 2024. True talent will always trespass every limit to conquer victory over any impediment.
This recognition fuels our passion for inspiring future generations from Bengal to excel in Chess and provide more progressive assistance to the visually impaired players so that their shine and skills can reach every corners of the world,” said Mr Dibyendu Barua, The Indian Chess Grand Master, An Arjuna Award recipient, Shef-de-Mission of Indian Chess team, this year India won double Gold in 45th Chess Olympiad held at Budapest, Hungary and the President Of Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha.
The 1st Edition of Disha Samman was held in the year 2018. Since these glorious six years Disha Samman continues to be a platform that celebrates courage, perseverance and the remarkable contributions of those who push the boundaries of what is possible despite the challenges they face.
Disha Samman consisted of a plaque and a cash prize of 1,00,000 INR to each of the awardees and organisations.
