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Remembering Javed Abidi (11.6.1965 - 4.3.2018)
Tapovan, Chanmaya Mission, Lodi Road, New Delhi on 18th March 2018
One of the world's fiercest, most passionate advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 4th, 2018.
We all paid the tribute to Late Shri Javed Abidi today afternoon on 18th March 2018 at Chinmaya Mission, Lodi Road, New Delhi.
Javed Abidi was the Honorary Director of the National Centre for Promotion of Employment Disabled People; and Global Chair of Disabled People's International. As we struggle to come to terms with the huge loss and void created by his sudden demise, let's also celebrate his life and remember him for the invaluable and unparalleled contribution that touched made to millions and millions of people with disabilities around the country and outside.
The event was started by keeping silence in memory of Javed Abidi and Mr. Som Mittal, Chairman, NCPEDP was the first speaker. Then Mr. Jagdish talked about his friendship and the starting days of formation of Disability Rights Group (DRG). Mr. Javed Abidi’s sister, Ms. Sheeba Abidi shared her personal experiences and read a letter from Mrs. Sonia Gandhi in tribute to Mr. Abidi. Mr. Shameer, Javed Abidi’s nephew, read a poem written by Mr. Javed Abidi.
Mr. AS Narayanan, President (NAD) and Mr. Zorin Singha, Secretary (NAD) talked about Javed Abidi’s guidance and how he was such a great support to the deaf community, and teaching and leading in the space of advocacy.
There were several video messages played sent by the people who couldn’t’ be present at the event, among those was one from Mr. Thawar Chand Gehlot, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and tribute video by BRUT India on Mr. Javed Abidi life journey.
There was a pledge by the youth - Mr. Pradeep, Ms. Suvarna, Mr. Ankit, Mr. Armaan, Ms. Rupmani - to take forward the work of Mr. Abidi.
At the end of the formal event, it was open house for people to come up and share their tributes.
Above all, let us pledge to carry on his legacy. And that would perhaps be the best tribute we can pay to such an exceptional soul.