By SHRI RAM SHAW
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Judge Justice DY Chandrachud delivered an inaugural talk for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) at IIT Delhi. The title of his talk was ‘Realising Diversity: Making Differences Matter in Higher Education’.
“I am happy to note that the proposed office at IIT Delhi will work on all forms of identity-based discrimination and mental health. Having attempted to weave Article 14 in many of the judgments that I have authored on discrimination, it makes me immensely happy to see the principles being effected in practice through a process of dialogue and participation”, said Justice Chandrachud.
“I am delighted that one of India’s premier institutions has taken a step forward to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion. I think this is a path-breaking initiative that would encourage other institutions to follow suit,” he added.
Justice DY Chandrachud has himself taken a keen interest in addressing all forms of identity-based discrimination.
Prof. Angelie Multani, Dean, Diversity and Inclusion said, “We hope to build a campus where everyone feels they belong and are equal members of the community with equal opportunities to thrive.”
The Office of Dean, Diversity and Inclusion was set up in December 2021 at IIT Delhi. Prof Reetika Khera, Associate Dean, Students Welfare, IIT Delhi said, “The Institute was doing a fair amount of work on creating a more inclusive environment. The hope from this Office is that the work will gain greater coherence and visibility within the Institute.”
For instance, recently, the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) under the ODI, IIT Delhi organised a get together for students with disabilities. Nearly 50 students gathered and had an open discussion about the many challenges they face. The OAE is now working through the requests it received at this gathering.