Disha Samman Celebrates The Achievements Of The Visually Impaired And The Supportive Organisations
- The Recipients Of The 8th Edition Of The Award Are Lt Col Dwarakesh, Mr Paritosh Biswas & Blind & Para Judo Association Of Bengal –
Kolkata, 20th September, 2025: On the auspicious eve of Mahalaya, the 8th edition of the prestigious Disha Samman 2025 was held today at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre.
Disha Samman, presented by Disha Eye Hospitals, the largest eye care chain of Eastern India, aims to honour both individuals and organisations that work relentlessly for the welfare of visually challenged individuals. This year’s awardees include Lt Col Dwarakesh as The Youth Icon, Mr Paritosh Biswas for His Inspirational Service and the Blind & Para Judo Association of Bengal for Excellence In Combat Sports.
Lt Col Dwarakesh is an Army officer, based out of Indore, who lost his eyesight on duty yet went on to excel in Paralympic shooting, mountaineering and continues to serve in Army administration while inspiring the youth with his discipline and courage while Mr Paritosh Biswas is a veteran Railway official from Kolkata who has served Eastern Railways for over 36 years as the familiar guiding voice at Sealdah Station despite being visually challenged, inspiring millions of commuters with his service. The Blind & Para Judo Association of Bengal is a pioneering academy that has trained thousands of visually impaired teenagers and young adults in combat sports such as Judo and Martial Arts, producing champions who have brought laurels to the state and nation.
Disha Samman 2025 was graced by the esteemed dignitaries, Air Marshal Ajay Kumar Pan, Sri Rajeev Saxena, Divisional Railway Manager, Eastern Railway, Sealdah Division, Sri Jasram Meena, Sr. Divisional Commercial Manager, Eastern Railway, Sealdah Division, Renowned Singer, Mr Rupankar Bagchi and Dr Debashish Bhattacharya Chairman & Managing Director, Disha Eye Hospitals.
“Through Disha Samman, we aim to honour individuals who transform their challenges into bravery and their hardships into motivation. The awardees this year serve as a reminder that genuine vision is not solely about sight, but also about resilience, service and the capacity to illuminate the path for others.” said Dr Debashish Bhattacharya Chairman & Managing Director, Disha Eye Hospitals.
“A man who knows where he is going will always find his way. Challenges are inevitable, and that is what makes life interesting. To all the young and aspiring souls, my only appeal to you is to think high and embrace new opportunities. Strive to realise your dreams and never let physical limitations determine your goals. It’s my privilege to be honoured as the Youth Icon, with Disha Samman 2025 at the heart of the City of Joy. I’d like to thank Disha Eye Hospitals for their philanthropic efforts in empowering visually impaired individuals,” said Lt Col Dwarakesh.
“Throughout my life, I’ve always believed that determination and hard work can overcome any obstacle. All these years of my service are truly memorable for me and I hope every generation should opt for achieving the best in their life. I hope my work inspires others to pursue their passions regardless of their abilities. I’m really honoured to receive Disha Samman 2025. I want to thank Dr Debasish Bhattacharya for this special recognition for my inspirational service towards the Nation. I’m grateful to the Eastern Railway and all the honorable railway officials for extending all their support and indefinite respect towards me,” said Mr Paritosh Biswas.
“The mission of Blind & Para Judo Association Of Bengal is to empower the visually challenged individuals by training them to excel in Combat Sports and earn a unique identity and develop a very strong personality in their life. Till now, our academy has successfully trained and presented several fine players who have won gold in the international domain and have made the country proud. This award motivates us to continue providing opportunities for such special candidates to excel and reach their full potential. We are really privileged to receive the prestigious 8th Edition of Disha Samman – 2025 for our excellence in Combat Sports,” said Mr Amit Kumar Chourasiya, President, Blind & Para Judo Association Of Bengal.
The 1st Edition of Disha Samman was held in the year 2018. Since these glorious seven years Disha Samman continues to be a platform that celebrates courage, perseverance and the remarkable contributions of those who push the boundaries of what is possible despite the challenges they face.
Disha Samman consisted of a plaque and a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000/- to each of the awardees.
About Disha Eye Hospitals
Disha Eye Hospitals was founded by three doctors from NRS Medical College, Kolkata, on 1st May, 1997, in Barrackpore on the outskirts of the city. From this small suburb started the story of Disha with the motive of providing quality eye care at an affordable price to everyone. From its humble beginnings, Disha today has evolved as the largest state-of-the-art Eye Hospital in Eastern India with patients visiting from far-flung places. Disha has branched out with hospitals in Sheoraphuli, Durgapur, Sinthi, Teghoria, Behala, Barasat, Gariahat, New Town, Mourigram, Burdwan, Mecheda and Siliguri. This has been done to ensure that the patients need not to travel long distances and spend a fortune to avail the latest and most-advanced eye care treatments. A Disha Eye Hospital is always within their reach. Disha’s motto lies in its commitment to ensure progressive and trustworthy healthcare to the people of all economic strata.
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Backgrounders Of The Awardees & The Organisation Who Are Conferred With Disha Samman 2025
- Lt Col Dwarakesh – Youth Icon
Lt Col Dwarakesh is a young and active Indian Army Officer who lost his vision while on duty. He is the first officer in the history of Indian Army to serve in the administrative capacity despite loss of hundred percent eyesight. Though he lost his vision but has marvellously triumphed in the diverse spheres of life.
Throughout his military training days he has remained an ardent sports connoisseur and an excellent shooter. Till today, Lt Col Dwarakesh has scripted world records in Paralympic Shooting, Swimming and Mountaineering. He even set his brave footprints by reaching the Siachen Glacier at 16,000 ft. – The Highest Battlefield and made India proud. Currently he is also a part of the team of India Para-Shooting.
In the year, September 2021 the Honourable Prime Minister Of India, Sri Narendra Modiji graced him for his extraordinary talent and contributions in the nationally acclaimed, a very prestigious TV Program; Mann Ki Baat.
His indefinite courage and continuous dedication towards the service of the Nation makes him an exemplary figure for the millions of youth outside there. His indomitable will and high achievements is a testament of true will power which everyone should embrace to transcend all the boundaries and limitations imposed by destiny and emerge victorious in life.
- Mr. Paritosh Biswas – For His Inspirational Service
Mr Paritosh Biswas is a Veteran Railway official who is visually challenged but is a very familiar voice in the Sealdah Station.
He skilfully follows the regular schedules of all the locally connected day to day trains and guides the visitors as well as commuters to the right platform so that they can reach their destination on time. Till now, he has served in multiple railway stations and is applauded for his high work efficacy and determination.
Mr. Paritosh Biswas is a resident of Naihati in West Bengal. He joined the Indian Railways on 21st June 1990 and is now serving as Commercial Supervisor in the Commercial Department of Eastern Railway, Sealdah Division.
- The Blind And Para Judo Association Of Bengal – Excellence In Combat Sports
The Blind And Para Judo Association Of Bengal is an 11 years old training institution for the visually challenged teenagers and young adults of Bengal who might have lost their eyesight but want to reach the zenith in life with their indomitable zeal and sheer discipline.
It was founded in the year of 2014 jointly by Mr. Amit Kumar Chourasiya and Mr. Prabir Kumar Sinha. The academy is brilliantly headed by Mr. Amit Kumar Chourasiya as its President and then Mr. Prabir Kumar Sinha as the Secretary.
The Blind & Para Judo Association Of Bengal is a familiar name amongst the combat sports enthusiasts of Bengal. The academy diligently renders finest of the fine training sessions to the completely as well as partially blind children to excel in the areas of Judo, Karate, MMA and so on.
Being the brain child of Mr Amit Kumar Chourasia, who himself is a highly trained Martial Arts specialist, the Blind & Para Judo Association Of Bengal till now has introduced thousands of talented athletes who bagged multiple accolades regionally, nationally as well as globally in prestigious tournaments and competitions. The institution is affiliated to the Indian Blind And Para Judo Association.
