ISRO comes to the aid of handicapped, signs MoU with RCI, NIOS

New Delhi, Sep 5 (UNI) In another milestone to spread education, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today joined hands with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to bring 'education at the doorsteps' of the differently-abled and bring dignity and quality in their lives.

For this the RCI today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ISRO for setting up an EDUSAT up-linking station and studio and with the NIOS for facilitating children with disability in acquiring knowledge and skills at their own pace.

With this, about 100 study centres of the RCI across the country would be connected to its Delhi studio via satellite through which they would be able to access free informative lectures.

The step would give a big boost to the efforts of people with disabilities to come up in life, compete with the best and upgrade their qualification, said RCI chairman Major General (Retd) Ian Cardozo.

''Initially one hour programmes would be beamed on a weekly basis which would gradually come to one-hour per day, spread over 300 centres that would come up is nearly two years time. Our ultimate goal is to have a dedicated channel for the differently-abled.'' Group Director (DECU) ISRO, R G Gadde said his organisation was committed to using technology for spreading education and for the betterment of society.

''The role of education in life in paramount as it decides the quality of life we live and through this new tie-up we hope to further this mission of ours.'' N C Pant, chairman NIOS, said with this agreement skill based training in Braille and Sign Languages would be provided to anyone wanting to assist those with disability.

''Certificate/diploma courses in Basic Sign Language, Basic Braille Language, Orientation and Mobility through the network of institutions accredited by RCI and NIOS will be on offer.'' Noted scholar and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Karan Singh speaking on the occasion for inclusion of disabled in the society, called for realising the special problems of the differently-abled and mobilise resources to help them come up in society.

''It was heartening that this noble deed has taken place on 'Teacher's Day' which adds to the cause. I am sure that training, compassion, understanding and education can bring about a sea change in the lives of the differently-abled.'' UNI AN AD PC1925