A Sneak Peek into Voice of SAP updates on impact in April 2022
Newsletter Highlights
1. VOSAP recognized in monthly Address to Nation by Hon PM of India
2. Announcement of Winners of Scavenger Hunt in VOSAP Exhibition
3. VOSAP Founder presents VOSAP AT Exhibition at NITI Aayog
4.“Converting Disability to Ability: VOSAP” iTV Interview by Ashok Vyas
5.VOSAP Ignite: NFT creation, Debate, Flutter based VOSAP app development
6.Inspirational Story of the month: Girish Svvasheri
Dear friends,
April 2022 will be remembered in journey of VOSAP. In his monthly address to the Nation, Hon PM of India, Shri Narendra Modiji, in a rare public recognition, talked about VOSAP impact for its technology initiatives in changing lives of Persons with Disabilities. We have many noteworthy activities happening in the US and India and here are brief updates for you to read, get inspired to join VOSAP. Pelase share your thoughts with us as how you can also contribute to our mission.
1. VOSAP recognized in monthly Address to Nation by Hon PM of India (Mann Ki Baat):
On April 24 2022, during “Mann ki Baat”, monthly address to the nation by Honorable PM of India, Shri Narendra Modiji, he recognized Voice of SAP’s technology initiatives and its impact for Divyangs (Persons with Disabilities).
Modiji shared “how the power of technology, Assistive technology, startups can change the lives of common people and also how the extraordinary capabilities, skills of Divyangjan (PwD) are harnessed with technology to benefit the entire nation and the world”.
Talking about VOSAP’s digital art gallery, he said that it has a collection of paintings of some exceptional Artists with Disabilities and their amazing artwork. Despite physical challenges with these talented artists, they have overcome their difficulties and have reached newer heights.
One can feel this with many such topics covered in the World’s 1st such collection of 250 artwork in this digital art gallery. These inspiring artwork depict how Specially Abled People have overcome their challenges. This platform has given wings to the aspirations of artists with global outreach of VOSAP art platform.
VOSAP volunteers, donors and partners are very inspired with this rare public appreciation by Hon PM. We understand our responsibility has increased far more. Our collectivee resolve, commitment to harness technology to empower Divyangs (PwD) has been strengthened. We are very thankful to Hon PM Modiji for this appreciation of VOSAP. Read the full article here.
2. Winners of Scavenger Hunt announced in VOSAP Virtual Exhibition:
In a ‘Winner’s Session’ hosted on April 17, we announced the Winners in presence of VOSAP Founder, Volunteers from USA and India and VOSAP Team.
The Winners are:
- Fabian Makhdoomi, 2nd year Computer Science student at JIMS University, Delhi
- Kshitij Aggrawal, 2nd year B Tech student at Galgotias University, Delhi
- Rishi Peddakama, 11th grade student, San Diego, US
We were happy to see how so many young, compassionate students actively participated in the Contest, learnt about a variety of assistive devices in the exhibition and these 3 winners ranked highest with their points in scavenger hunt.
We are glad to share that these winners were motivated by the work of Voice of SAP and are excited to join as Volunteers to lead the mission in their college, schools. VOSAP is working on their falicitation also. Visit World’s 1st Virtual Exhibition of Assistive Technology today.
3. VOSAP Founder presents VOSAP AT Exhibition at NITI Aayog:
On April 22, 2022, NITI Aayog, India held a meeting to discuss Innovation, Investments and Industry in Assistive Technologies. The meeting was attended by leaders of Disability sector from WHO, Secretary and team from ministry, microsoft, CII and leading AT innovators.
VOSAP has been working with policy makers at NITI Aayog, Academia, NGO, UN and innovators to accelerate adoption of technologies, making them affordable and potentially putting India on a path to emerging as an export hub for improving lives of 1 BN+ global population of Persons with Disabilities in next 2-3 decades.
Mr. Pranav Desai, shared VOSAP’s 360 degree vision to leverage technology solutions for large scale impact, empowerment and mainstreaming of millions of Specially Abled People to achieve economic expansion.
He further shared how VOSAP Assistive Technology Exhibition (world’s 1st such 24×7 3D exhibition at no cost to visitors) is providing global market access to Indian innovators, 24×7 basis to connect with business partners, consumers and NGO to help with suitable solutions and products.
4 “Converting Disability to Ability: VOSAP” at Insight Tonight with Ashok Vyas, iTV interview
On April 27, 2022 VOSAP Founder Pranav Desai and VOSAP Youth Ambassador Sparsh Shah were interviewed by ITV Gold- Insight Tonight with Ashok Vyas.
VOSAP Founder shared how VOSAP is leveraging technology to empower Specially Abled People. He shared various tech-driven initiatives like VOSAP App for Accessibility, World’s First Virtual Art Gallery on the theme of DISABILITY, World’s First Virtual Exhibition of Assistive Technology, Online Platform to apply for Assistive Devices and VOSAP Job Portal and how VOSAP is promoting DII, Research and Volunteering, helping SAPs, Artists, Innovators and the community to create an inclusive world for all.
Sparsh Shah, shares his experience of being a VOSAP Youth Ambassador and how VOSAP is promoting inclusion of SAPs. Check out the full video at https://youtu.be/pd1KRVqFEuA
5. VOSAP Ignite Updates
On April 14, Parth Dama, a 9th Grade volunteer Student from Cupertino, California presented the Project on Relevance of NFT to VOSAP Artwork. He explained How NFTs work and how they are traded. He also expressed his interest in creating NFTs for VOSAP Art From Heart Paintings to raise awareness and promote Artist Community.
On April 28, Arjun and Stavan, Highschool Ignite Volunteers of Grade 9 from California launched the Debate session on the Topic “Affirmative Action is not beneficial for Specially Abled People”
Rishi Peddakama, 11th Grade Volunteer shares his interest in artificial Intelligence and idea of creating Hybrid App using Flutter for Voice of SAP. He also won the 3rd Position at Scavenger Hunt Contest of VOSAP Assitive Technology exhibition.
It gives us immense pleasure to see these young compassionate students taking leadership, making efforts to promote VOSAP Goals.
6. Inspirational Story of the Month: Girish Svvasheri:
‘Disability does not define your ability. Only you stop yourself from achieving your dreams’
We are excited to share the inspiring life story of our Specially Abled Volunteer Girish Svvasheri from Belgaum, Karnataka who has orthopaedic locomotive disability.
He believes,”With or without disability, one should never stop trying to do the best and always accept challenges to move forward in life.”
Read more of what he has to share here.
7. Key Dates related to Disability in May:
May: Mobility Awareness Month
May 19: Global Accessibility Awareness Day
May 15: VOSAP Enablement camp at Belgavi, Karnataka
May 30: World Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Day
