[Reader-list] Press Conference on Copyright Amendment

[Chintan]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Dr. Sam Taraporevala sam at xrcvc.org





Dear Chintan


As you are well aware one of the major issues that the XRCVC has been
working on is the promotion of the access to the printed word for print
impaired persons. Along with like minded organizations we have nationally
campaigned to bring about an appropriate amendment to the copyright act
1957. Unfortunately there is every possibility that the government proposed
amendment could be very counter productive.

We need to collectively ensure that the law changes but changes in an
appropriate manner. I would request you to be present on Thursday 15th April
at 4.00 pm for a Press conference on the subject. I would also request you
to spread the word to your other colleagues in the media. We are at a very
critical juncture and what is important is mass awareness and mobilization.
I count on your support to help us change the way the government is
thinking.



Do let me know if you have anybody else I could contact.



Looking forward to your participations in the press conference.



Thanking You


Best Regards,
Dr. Sam Taraporevala
------------------------------------------
Director
Xavier�s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged
St. Xavier�s College, Mumbai
sam at xrcvc.org
+91 22 22623298 (D)
+91 22 22620661-5 (B); extn: 366
+91 22 24112478 (R)
+91 22 24228769 (R)
+91 9967028769 (M)
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*National Access Alliance*

*Alliance of India’s leading organizations and legal professionals *

*working for the print disabled*



Dr. Sam Taraporevala, Director, Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually
Challenged (XRCVC) on behalf of the National Access Alliance (NAA)



Cordially invites you to a Press Conference



To launch a nationwide movement to oppose the upcoming amendment to the
Copyright Act, 1957 to be tabled in parliament in the session starting 15th
April ’10.



The proposed amendment will deprive over 70 million persons with
disabilities in India including persons with visual impairment, dyslexia,
cerebral palsy etc. from exercising their Right to Education and other
fundamental rights.



The cause has been supported by leading politicians in the country including
Shri L.K. Advani, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Shri Arun Jaitely Shri Veerapan Moily,
Shri Mani Shankar Aiyer, Shri Sashi Tharoor, Smt. Brinda Karat, Smt Supriya
Sule.



NAA has requested the Government to set up a subcommittee of stakeholders to
address the concerns of the print disabled, similar to the subcommittee set
up for the film producers but no subcommittee has been constituted. The
Government has failed in its obligations to its disabled citizens and
proposes to go ahead with amendments that clearly violate the rights of the
disabled.





Date: 15th April 2010



Venue: XRCVC- St. Xavier’s College 5 Mahapalika Marg, Mumbai, 400001



Time: 4.00 pm





RSVP:



Dr. Sam Taraporevala

Director

Xavier's Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged St. Xavier's College,
Mumbai

Email: sam at xrcvc.org

91 22 22623298 (D) / 91 22 22932698 /+91 22 22620661-5 (B); Extn: 366

Cell: +91 9967028769 (M)