Governor Jishnu Dev Varma says the documentary challenges society to recognise determination, leadership and dignity instead of disability and dependence
The documentary Dekh Le! India traces the challenges, training and historic gold-medal journey of India’s Blind Women’s National Cricket Team at the World Blind Games in England.
Mumbai : A documentary chronicling the journey of India’s Blind Women’s National Cricket Team and its gold-medal triumph at the World Blind Games was screened at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma attended the screening of the 70-minute documentary, Dekh Le! India, organised by UNICEF Maharashtra. Government officials, development partners, disability rights advocates and sportspersons were among those present.
The documentary follows players from different parts of India as they prepare for the World Blind Games in England. It captures their training, personal struggles and determination before their gold-medal victory over Australia in the final at Edgbaston.
Speaking after the screening, Governor Varma said the players had sought opportunity rather than sympathy and demonstrated what could be achieved when barriers were removed.
“These young women did not ask for pity. They asked for a chance. When given that chance, they excelled,” the Governor said.
He said the documentary urged society to see determination instead of disability, leadership instead of limitation and dignity instead of dependence.
The Governor also called for disability inclusion to become an integral part of governance and public life. Early identification, quality support services, inclusive education and equal opportunities were necessary to enable children with disabilities to participate fully in society, he said.
Sanjay Singh, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Maharashtra, said the documentary encouraged viewers to look at persons with disabilities through the lens of dignity, ability and possibility rather than sympathy.
“The title Dekh Le! India asks us to see persons with disabilities not through barriers or sympathy, but through dignity, ability and possibility. Inclusion begins when we remove barriers and create equal opportunities,” Singh said.
UNICEF said the screening was intended to encourage wider discussion on disability inclusion, girls’ empowerment and the need to create environments in which every child receives an equal opportunity to develop their potential.
Filmmakers Mukund Moorthy and Shanthi Mohan said the documentary went beyond the cricket field to explore courage, friendship and self-belief.
“This film is about much more than cricket. It is about courage, friendship and belief. These young women showed that determination can overcome social, economic and physical barriers,” they said.
Ganga Kadam, Vice-Captain of India’s Blind Women’s National Cricket Team, said cricket had given her confidence, purpose and the opportunity to represent the country.
“This film is our story, but it is also the story of every girl who dreams of achieving something despite the challenges she faces,” Kadam said.
She expressed hope that the documentary would encourage more families to support their daughters and allow them to pursue their ambitions.
Kadam was joined at the screening by fellow players Priya Keer and Sushma Patel. Women’s team manager Shikha Shetty spoke about the role of cricket in building confidence and opportunities for persons with visual impairment.
The programme concluded with an interaction between the Governor and members of the cricket team.
