Education, Consent, and Disabilities:
Creating Connections through Ethical Commitments
Date: February 09, 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM IST
Mode: Online
.png)
The 1st Annual Lecture of The Chini Trust was a heartfelt tribute to the life and legacy of Srijoni (Chini) Mitra, a soul who believed in the power of inclusivity and understanding. The session began with Ms. Kasturi Basu, who shared a deeply moving note about Chini, reminiscing about her warmth, passion, and dedication to neurodivergent communities. She then welcomed everyone to the session, setting the stage for an evening filled with learning and reflection. Dr. Nayan Mitra, Chini’s beloved mother, then took the floor to introduce two scholarships launched in the loving memory of Srijoni (Chini) Mitra and Arijit Ghosh - the Srijoni (Chini) Mitra Special Educators Scholarship and the Arijit Ghosh Spirit of Sports Scholarship. These scholarships aim to carry forward their indomitable spirit and commitment to education and inclusivity. Dr. Mitra then welcomed our esteemed speaker, Boni Fernandes Wozolek, PhD, Interim Associate Dean for Faculty Development for the Commonwealth Campuses & Associate Professor, Education, Penn State, Abington.
.png)
​Dr. Wozolek began the session by introducing the audience to different neurotypes, making the conversation both engaging and insightful. She discussed the works of critical disability scholars and emphasized how her own research exists at the intersection of ethnography and sound- exploring how sound itself becomes a grounding force for ethical commitments. She referenced Walter Gershon’s work on Intention, Attention, Expression, and Reception, which provided a profound framework for understanding communication in neurodivergent communities. The discussion then moved towards the concept of ethical commitment, highlighting the need to act ethically even when faced with difficult choices. She also introduced the participants to her books, Assemblages of Violence in Education and Educational Necropolitics, where the cover art features the work of neurodivergent artists.
A major highlight of the session was her explanation of the Types of Curriculums - Formal, Null, Enacted, and Hidden Curriculum, with a deep dive into key themes such as Critical Consent Curricula (focusing on how consent is taught and understood in education), Assemblages of Violence (exploring the structural violence embedded in educational systems), and Educational Necropolitics (addressing how institutions determine whose lives and voices are valued). As the lecture progressed, the discussion beautifully transitioned to neurodivergent artists, their artwork, and their powerful narratives, bringing voices to the forefront that are often overlooked. The session concluded with a meaningful Q&A, where educators, parents, and participants from across the world engaged in thoughtful discussions. Finally, Ms. Kasturi Basu and Dr. Nayan Mitra wrapped up the evening with closing remarks, filled with gratitude and hope.
​
With over 80 participants (with 80% of them as educators) joining from India, Singapore, Hongkong, Dubai, U.K, USA, Australia, and beyond, the session was not just an event but a movement - a step towards creating a more inclusive, ethical, and understanding world, just as Chini had always envisioned.
Photos :
.png)
.png)
.png)