In the first of its kind in the entire Northeast, a restaurant named "The Voice Khonjel", entirely managed by a group of deaf and mute community, was inaugurated at Luwangsangbam in Imphal East on Monday.
The restaurant, which attempts to give voice and a noble life to the mute and deaf, was launched with funds from a crowdfunding campaign initiated by young social activist and cyclist Rohan Philem.
Speaking at the inaugural function as chief guest, Social Welfare Minister H Dingo lauded the challenging initiative taken up by specially-abled persons and said it is very encouraging.
He said, it is living proof and a strong message to the public that the specially-abled persons are no less than any other being, while appraising the public to encourage and support them besides learning from them.
Social Welfare director Ng Uttam pointed out that talents of many PwDs still remain undiscovered due to lack of exposure and opportunities.
Highlighting the contributions of various PwD in various fields such as arts, culture, education and others with their enormous skills, he informed that PwDs are also a resource of the society and not a hindrance.
Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam stated that such a unique restaurant will help in paving the means of livelihood for those mute and deaf groups.
He said that the restaurant will also be an inspiration to other specially-abled persons staying in the nook and corner of the state, to establish their own business.
The MLA called on the public to inculcate the spirit of viewing the positive side of any developmental work taken up in the society and at the same time apprised the public to encourage and support the restaurant by visiting it.
The function was also attended by Patsoi MLA S Kunjakeshore, LDA chairman M Asnikumar, Imphal East DC Kh Daina, Babina Groups Chairman Dr Th Dhabali, UNACCO Chairman Irabanta and actor RK Somorendro among others.
