Deaf Artist's Powerful Message to CJI: Why His Painting Matters

Hearing and speech impaired artist Apoorv Om presented a special painting to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Constitution Day. Despite being deaf since birth, Apoorv achieved All India Rank 77 in IIT-JEE and has displayed his art internationally. His father shared that Apoorv wants to create artwork for all Supreme Court judges to promote disability inclusion. The inspiring artist also trains police and defence personnel while advocating for greater opportunities for people with disabilities.

Key Points: Deaf Artist Apoorv Om Presents Painting to CJI Surya Kant

  • Apoorv secured All India Rank 77 in IIT-JEE despite being deaf since birth
  • His artwork has been displayed at International Court of Justice and UNESCO
  • He received National Youth Award and National Role Model Award from President
  • He aims to create artwork for all 34 Supreme Court judges
  • He trains Delhi Police and defence personnel in disability awareness
2 min read

Hearing and speech impaired artist presents painting to CJI Surya Kant on Constitution Day

Hearing and speech impaired artist Apoorv Om presents Constitution Day painting to CJI Surya Kant, showcasing exceptional talent and advocating for disability empowerment.

"He followed his ability, not his disability - Vikas Chandra, Apoorv's father"

New Delhi, Nov 26

At a time when many people limit themselves to only a few skills or hobbies, specially-abled artist Apoorv Om continues to defy expectations. On Constitution Day, the hearing and speech impaired artist presented a painting made by him to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, showcasing that disability does not diminish talent, passion or capability.

Apoorv's artwork has previously been displayed at the International Court of Justice and UNESCO and at several other places.

Speaking to IANS, Apoorv's father, Vikas Chandra, said, "His name is Apoorv Om. He has been unable to speak or hear since birth, yet he secured All India Rank 77 in IIT-JEE. He was officially invited to the International Court of Justice in 2016, the UN Headquarters in New York, and exhibitions in Paris, where he also met the UN President. He received the National Youth Award in 2017 and the National Award as a Role Model of India from the President. He faced challenges, understood them, and overcame them in his own unique way."

He added, "He is the first deaf person to receive the National Youth Award in 2019. His journey is self-made. He did not follow anyone -- he followed his ability, not his disability."

Recalling the interaction with the CJI, Chandra said, "CJI asked what Apoorv wants. I told him he wishes to create and present artwork of all 34 sitting judges and communicate his message -- that India must set an international example by empowering people with disabilities."

Apoorv aims to prove that people with disabilities are not limited, but capable and resilient. He hopes his art will open doors for more hearing and speech impaired individuals to participate in the judiciary and become lawyers. He also trains Delhi Police, defence personnel, CISF and the Indian Coast Guard.

India is also protecting India's specially-abled individuals with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act), which replaced the earlier Act of 1995. This act aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, aiming to protect against discrimination, ensure equal opportunities in education and employment, and promote full participation in society. Other key laws include the National Trust Act, 1999 (for specific disabilities), and the Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is truly remarkable. Securing AIR 77 in IIT-JEE without being able to hear or speak? That requires extraordinary dedication. His parents must be so proud. We need more stories like this in mainstream media instead of just political news.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate Apoorv's achievements, I wish our system made it easier for differently-abled people to succeed. How many Apoorvs are out there who don't get the opportunities? We need better infrastructure and support systems across the country.
S
Sarah B
Training Delhi Police and defense personnel? That's incredible! This shows how much we can learn from people with different abilities. His message about India setting an international example in disability empowerment is so important.
K
Karthik V
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 Stories like Apoorv's make me proud to be Indian. From IIT to International Court of Justice to training our armed forces - he's a true Bharat Ratna in the making. Hope his artwork of all 34 judges gets completed soon!
M
Michael C
The RPwD Act 2016 is a step in the right direction, but implementation is key. Hope Apoorv's interaction with the CJI leads to more concrete actions for disability inclusion in our judicial system. His vision of hearing impaired individuals becoming lawyers is revolutionary.

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