ASTITVA 2025

The Dance of Identity

Filled Inclusive Carnival on the Occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Venue of the Event: Taxila Auditorium, Mansarovar, Jaipur

Objectives

• To promote awareness, advocacy, and acceptance of disability inclusion through the medium of performing arts, particularly wheelchair dance.
• To sensitize physiotherapy students toward the physical, psychological, emotional, and social dimensions of disability, beyond clinical boundaries.
• To highlight the role of physiotherapy in functional rehabilitation, movement optimization, and empowerment of individuals with disabilities.
• To provide students with experiential exposure to inclusive platforms that integrate rehabilitation science, creative expression, and social empowerment.
• To encourage empathy, ethical responsibility, and social sensitivity among future healthcare professionals.

• PO10 - Engage in group and community-based activities that contribute to societal betterment, demonstrating ethical, inclusive, and responsible behavior in diverse social and professional environments.

Summary

ASTITVA 2025 | Jaipur – The Dance of Identity marked a historic milestone as Jaipur’s first offline wheelchair dance event exclusively for girls and women with disabilities. The event stood as a powerful celebration of identity, resilience, inclusivity, and self-expression, redefining traditional perceptions of disability through the language of movement and art.

A total of 25 Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) students from the Department of Physiotherapy, Jagannath University actively participated as observers and learners. Their presence provided an opportunity to witness the real-life application of rehabilitation principles, adaptive movement strategies, and the psychosocial empowerment of individuals with disabilities.

Jagannath University was proudly represented during the panel discussion by Prof. (Dr.) Aditi Singh and Dr. Ruchika Pal, who shared expert insights on:

Overview

The Inclusive Carnival, organized at the DISHA Center for Special Education on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, was a community outreach and awareness program aimed at celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion of persons with disabilities. The event was designed to provide a joyful, safe, and accessible environment where children and adults with special abilities could actively participate and express themselves.

A total of 40 students of BPT 3rd year, along with faculty member , attended the program. The carnival included awareness stalls, cultural performances, recreational games, interactive activities, and food counters, which encouraged active engagement and social interaction. The event highlighted the importance of dignity, equality, and social participation while fostering positive attitudes towards disability and inclusion among students and the community.

Jagannath University was proudly represented during the panel discussion by Prof. (Dr.) Aditi Singh and Dr. Ruchika Pal, who shared expert insights on:

• Movement rehabilitation and functional independence
• Psychosocial well-being through creative engagement
• The evolving role of physiotherapy in community-based and inclusive rehabilitation
• Integration of art, therapy, and empowerment in disability care

The panel emphasized how dance and creative movement can complement physiotherapy interventions by improving coordination, balance, confidence, emotional expression, and quality of life.

Key Highlights of the Event

• Active participation and academic exposure of 25 BPT students, promoting experiential and observational learning.
• Expert panel discussion featuring faculty members from the Department of Physiotherapy, Jagannath University.
• Inspirational performances by renowned para-artists and para-athletes, including:
  • Para-Athlete Tarun
  • Nisha (CP Warrior)
  • Suparna Hazara (D9 SCI | Former Dancer)
  • Para-Athlete Kirti
• Demonstration of wheelchair dance as a therapeutic, expressive, and empowering modality, showcasing strength, coordination, endurance, and emotional resilience.
• A platform that successfully merged rehabilitation, performing arts, and social inclusion.

Outcomes

• Students developed a deeper understanding of inclusive rehabilitation practices and disability empowerment.
• Enhanced awareness regarding the therapeutic, psychological, and social benefits of dance and movement therapy in individuals with disabilities.
• Students gained motivation to adopt holistic, patient-centered, and inclusive approaches in physiotherapy practice.
• The event strengthened the link between physiotherapy education, community engagement, social responsibility, and advocacy for disability rights.

Observations

• The performances were emotionally engaging and reflected exceptional levels of strength, balance, coordination, adaptability, and confidence among the performers.
• The panel discussion was well-received and stimulated meaningful dialogue on:
  • Accessibility and inclusion
  • Functional rehabilitation strategies
  • Role of creative therapies in disability management
• Students keenly observed movement adaptations, wheelchair mobility skills, posture control, and functional independence demonstrated by the performers.
• The overall environment promoted dignity, equality, respect, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.

Conclusion:

ASTITVA 2025 | Jaipur was a profoundly impactful event that went beyond performance to emerge as a celebration of identity, resilience, and inclusion. The participation of physiotherapy students and faculty enriched their understanding of holistic rehabilitation, emphasizing that recovery and empowerment extend beyond physical restoration to emotional and social well-being.

The event reinforced the vital role of physiotherapy in enabling functional independence, fostering confidence, and supporting inclusive societal participation. It inspired students to become empathetic, socially responsible, and inclusive healthcare professionals, committed to contributing meaningfully toward an inclusive and equitable society.