Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority Organises 'Anugoonj', Statewide Legal Literacy Programme For Hearing And Speech-Impaired Community

The Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA), under the guidance of Justice Vivek Rusia, Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh and Patron-in-Chief, MPSLSA, organised a one-day statewide legal literacy and outreach programme titled "Anugoonj" for the hearing and speech-impaired community at the MPSLSA Auditorium, Jabalpur on June 13, 2026.According to the Authority, "Anugoonj" is a first-of-its-kind initiative undertaken by a State Legal Services Authority exclusively for the hearing and speech-impaired community. The programme was conducted simultaneously across all districts of Madhya Pradesh through the respective District Legal Services Authorities, enabling participation from members of the hearing and speech-impaired community throughout the State.The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Justice Vivek Rusia and other dignitaries. In his inaugural address, Justice Rusia observed that an inclusive justice system must recognise and respond to the unique needs of vulnerable sections of society. He emphasised the importance of legal awareness, accessibility and technological innovation in empowering the hearing and speech-impaired community and called upon stakeholders to work collectively towards ensuring that persons with disabilities can realise their constitutional and legal rights with dignity and independence.Addressing the gathering, Justice Vishal Mishra, Judge, High Court of Madhya Pradesh, stated that equal access to justice is a constitutional promise that must extend to every section of society without discrimination. He highlighted the need to remove communication and procedural barriers that impede access to legal remedies for persons with disabilities and appreciated the efforts of MPSLSA in organising a dedicated programme for the community.In her introductory remarks, Suman Shrivastava, Member Secretary, MPSLSA, highlighted the commitment of legal services institutions towards making justice delivery mechanisms accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of persons with disabilities. She emphasised that legal aid is not merely a statutory entitlement but also a means of social empowerment and dignity.Priya Jain, a student and member of the hearing and speech-impaired community, shared her experiences and spoke about the role of education, awareness and institutional support in enabling persons with disabilities to assert their rights and actively participate in society.Pramod Nair, a trained mediator from the hearing and speech-impaired community, delivered a presentation titled "Mediation Beyond Barriers", highlighting mediation as an accessible and participatory mechanism for dispute resolution and stressing the importance of inclusive mediation practices.A video presentation on "Sanket Vaani", a digital initiative aimed at providing accessible legal aid and facilitating access to justice for the hearing and speech-impaired community, was also showcased during the programme.The thematic sessions focused on accessible mediation, government welfare schemes and institutional support, stress management and emotional well-being through yoga and psychology, legal aid and legal services for persons with disabilities, and interactive awareness activities.Suman Shrivastava addressed participants on equal access to justice through legal services and empowerment through legal aid mechanisms. Anuja Saxena, Senior Trainer, MCPC, Supreme Court of India, spoke on advancing inclusive and accessible dispute resolution mechanisms for the hearing and speech-impaired community. Ajay Khemaria, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted government welfare schemes, legal entitlements and institutional support mechanisms available to hearing and speech-impaired persons.Dr. Parag Jain, Yoga Expert and Psychologist, addressed participants on stress management, emotional well-being and resilience through yoga and psychological techniques. Gurmukh Singh Lamba, Senior Consultant, JJC, and V. Karuna Rao, Programme Coordinator, JJC, High Court of Madhya Pradesh, coordinated interactive activities aimed at encouraging participation and experiential learning.The programme was attended by Dharminder Singh, Registrar General, Madhya Pradesh High Court, along with Registry officers; Umesh Pandav, Director, Madhya Pradesh State Judicial Academy, along with Academy officials; Krishnamurty Mishra, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Jabalpur, and judicial officers of the district judiciary; Arvind Shrivastava, Additional Secretary, MPSLSA; Aniruddha Jain, Deputy Secretary, MPSLSA; Digvijay Singh, Legal Aid Officer, and officials of MPSLSA, along with participants from the hearing and speech-impaired community. Principal District and Sessions Judges-cum-Chairpersons of DLSAs, judicial officers, Secretaries of District Legal Services Authorities, District Legal Aid Officers and members of the hearing and...

Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority Organises 'Anugoonj', Statewide Legal Literacy Programme For Hearing And Speech-Impaired Community

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Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority Organises 'Anugoonj', Statewide Legal Literacy Programme For Hearing And Speech-Impaired Community

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