The esteemed 7th Disha Samman 2024 took place on Mahalaya at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre.

The largest eye care network in Eastern India, Disha Eye Hospitals, organized Disha Samman, an initiative that honors people and organizations that dedicate their lives to the welfare of the visually impaired. This year’s recipients include Mr. Akul Biswas, a visually impaired man who founded Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini in the Sundarbans, a teacher of environmental science for the poor children and tourists, and Sara Bangla Daba Sangstha, led by Mr. Dibyendu Barua, for promoting chess as an engaging sport for the sightless. Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini is made up of 200 tiger-widow women who work hard to conserve mangrove forests and provide the villages with sufficient defense against tiger attacks.

Aside from them is Mr. Anil Das, a creative sculptor who makes wooden thrones for the idols of the gods and a visionless resident of Pandua, Hoogly. The people in the Pandua region call him “Drishtihin Vishwakarma”.

Disha Samman 2024 was graced by eminent guests like Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the Zoological Survey of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, Ms. Tanushree Shankar, Renowned Danseuse and Choreographer, Mr. Pathikrit Basu, Director, Mr. Abhijit Guha, Actor, Mr. Narayan Sinha, Sculptor and Dr. Debashish Bhattacharya Chairman & Managing Director, Disha Eye Hospitals.

Speaking at the event, Tanushree Shankar said “Even with our eyes, we cannot do so many things. But those without eyesight, they have their inner eye to guide them in their different endeavors. I am so amazed and inspired by their achievements”.

In 2018, Disha Samman conducted its inaugural edition. Disha Samman has been a platform celebrating bravery, tenacity, and the extraordinary achievements of people who push the frontiers of what is possible despite the difficulties they encounter ever since these magnificent six years.

The Disha Samman awarded each recipient and organization a monetary prize of one lakh Indian rupees along with a plaque.

Priyanka Dutta