The Office of the Registrar, Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, organized a special training session on “Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Staff and Dealing with PwDs at the Workplace” on 23rd September, 2025.

The session aimed at sensitizing faculty, and staff, members towards creating a more inclusive and empathetic environment on campus. The session was graced by Ms. Sangeeta Jain, Principal and Executive Director of SOREM (Society for the Rehabilitation of Mentally Challenged), along with the esteemed presence of Registrar, Col. R.M. Joshi (Veteran).

In her address, Ms. Jain highlighted the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, emphasizing that discrimination continues to exist in various sections of society, particularly at workplaces. She drew attention to the vital difference between sympathy and empathy, stressing that while sympathy often distances individuals, empathy bridges gaps and fosters understanding. Sharing her rich experiences of working with differently-abled persons, especially autistic children, Ms. Jain encouraged everyone to adopt a more compassionate and inclusive outlook.

She reiterated the importance of “seeing the person before the disability” — urging participants to focus on the abilities, strengths, and individuality of every person rather than limiting them by their physical or mental condition.

Concluding the session, Registrar Col. R.M. Joshi (Veteran) expressed gratitude to Ms. Jain for her insightful interaction. He summarized the key takeaways from the two-hour training, noting that such sessions are not only essential but also transformative in shaping institutional culture. He remarked that this initiative was a timely and much-needed step towards fostering inclusivity and equity at PEC.