An online exhibition of photographs by Gurugram-based filmmaker and photographer Vijay S. Jodha, titled 'Born to Perform' supported by UNESCO, featuring portraits of some finest and most inspiring performing artists who happen to be physically challenged, is currently on view till December 6.
It is organized by the India International Centre to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities observed on December 3 annually. This year's theme is "Building back better: towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world by, for and with persons with disabilities".
People with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by the health and socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, this year's theme emphasizes the importance of strengthening our collective efforts for universal access to essential services, including health, education, digital infrastructure and employment opportunities in order to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in times of crisis and beyond.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2006, following decades of work by the United Nations to ensure the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in society and development.
The exhibition aptly titled ‘Born to Perform’, epitomizes UNESCO's vision of creating inclusive and pluralistic societies by strengthening access to culture and education for persons with disabilities. The project aims to support physically challenged performing artists by creating opportunities for them to enjoy arts and culture, and also create for them an enabling environment through international cultural exchanges.