Manipur Social Welfare Minister Heikham Dingo Singh said that with unstoppable efforts from Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and support from society, we are witnessing similar abilities from PWDs like others.
The minister was speaking during a state-level observation of “International Day of Person With Disabilities, 2022” held at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal East on Saturday.
During the programme observed under the theme “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world”, the social welfare minister, said in the present scenario PWDs are able to show their abilities and talents similar to that of a normal person.
He said PWDs are relentlessly contributing to society in various fields including art and culture, handicraft, sports and others like a normal person. More support and motivation from society are needed for the PWDs as they are also a part of society, he added.
The minister said a mutual understanding is needed in society and should respect each other irrespective of whether a person belongs to PWDs or a normal person.
Dingo said from the collective efforts of the officials of the social welfare department, the grievances that the department had been facing are reducing. He assured to make the social welfare department a well-organised department.
Chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board and Wabagai MLA, Usham Deben Singh said earlier most of the parents or guardians used to feel disheartened when they give birth to a PwD child.
He said giving birth to a PwD child is a blessing and requested that society does not discriminate against such children.
The chairman further appealed to the concerned minister to provide the government’s welfare schemes and projects for all the PwDs.
As a part of the function, students from various PwD institutions demonstrated music, thang-ta, group dance among others.
Additional chief secretary, social welfare department, P Vaiphei also attended the programme as guest of honour.
In Imphal West, the programme was jointly organised by Handicapped Development (HD) Foundation, Manipur in association with Advocate Leishangthem Roshmani Memorial Trust (ALRMT) at Basanta Sapam Chaoba Integrated Training and Research Institute Complex, Lamdeng Makha Leikai, Imphal West.
Addressing the function as chief guest, social worker, Wangkheimayum (O) Sumati Devi said that the main objective of organising the observance of International Day of PwD is to recognise their abilities and importance by promoting their rights and well-being. The PwD are usually bestowed with extraordinary qualities. As such people should encourage to bring them into the mainstream so that their hidden talent can be used in national building.
Churachandpur: The International Day for Persons with Disabilities was also held in Churachandpur at Bliss Island School, organised by the People Advanced in Social Services (PASS) in collaboration with DSWO, Churachandpur and Lainat Ministry, Lailam Veng & Vondeih Saulim, Zomi colony by the Center for Community Initiative (CCI) in collaboration with ZEO, Churachandpur.
Chief guest, Saikot MLA Poulienlal Haokip praised the organisers and the 28 teachers of the disabled school rewarding them for their efforts. He said that disabled people are also human and must be accommodated in society as “God is the one who created them all so as to manifest his ability”. The MLA asked PASS and the school teachers to continue their good work stating that each individual has got a talent that should be explored by the teachers.
Ukhrul: The day was held at mini secretariat Ukhrul. As many as 50 PwDs were distributed aid and appliances, including wheelchair, walking stick, hearing aid, cluster elbow and blankets. Krishna Kumar, deputy commissioner Ukhrul, who attended as chief guest encouraged them to avail different schemes provided by the and state.
The district administration is also striving to reach PWDs through different mechanism to enable them bring equilibrium in the society. He then encouraged them to get registered in the electoral roll under PWD and avail the special facilities provided. Kanghujam Nongpoknganba Salaicha, district social welfare officer and Yuman Dhanbir Singh, nodal officer district disability rehabilitation centre attended as functional president and guest of honour respectively.
According to DIO/DIPR, the event was organised by the district administration Ukhrul in collaboration with district social welfare (DSWO), district disability rehabilitation centre (DDRC) and composite regional centre for skill Development Rehabilitation Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Imphal (CRCSRE).
