Pune: Maharshi Karve Stree Shikshan Samstha’s Dr Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture for Women’s (BNCA) Universal Design Centre, in association with NGO Design Bridge Foundation, has organised a special programme for the physically disabled on December 3 to mark the International Day of Disabled Persons.

The initiative is also supported by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and the Pune Municipal Corporation. The programme will be held on December 3 at Balgandharva Rangamandir. It will include ‘Mukti’, a fusion musical and ‘Miracle on Wheels’, a unique dance form performed by a group of artistes with disabilities. The programme will be free for the differently-abled. Dr Nitin Karmalkar, Vice Chancellor, SPPU and Kunal Kumar, Commissioner, PMC will also be present at the event.

Kavita Murugkar, Founder Professor of BNCA’s Universal Design Centre said that the proceeds from the entry tickets will be used for other initiatives for the disabled. “BNCA and Design Bridge Foundation have submitted an action plan to the PMC to work towards making Pune accessible for the persons with disabilities. Commissioner Kumar is very keen on making Pune accessible for people with disabilities and has agreed for the execution of the action plan,” Murugkar said.

Abhijit Murugkar from Design Bridge Foundation said, “We have done our best to provide facilities to the differently-abled during this event. Also, 100 architecture students are being trained on Universal Design and Accessibility on this occasion.”

Dr Anurag Kashyap, Principal, BNCA said, “The Smart City and Metro Railway projects should provide facilities for persons with disabilities too. BNCA and Design Bridge Foundation will provide every kind of help including technical guidance and cooperation in such an initiative.”