EMN
Dimapur, December 4
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. It has been celebrated with varying degrees of success around the planet. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. It was originally called “International Day of Disabled Persons” until 2007. Each year the day focuses on a different issue.
Voting rights for persons with disability
Officials of the district administration of Dimapur met in the deputy commissioner’s office on December 3 to discuss and indentify, “if a person with disability have any genuine problem towards their electoral participation.” A copy of a report about the meeting was received here on Friday.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur Elizabeth Ngullie said that in the past no one had given much thought and importance in this matter. She said that persons with disabilities also have the right to vote. She said that the meeting is to get some idea as to how we can improve things for the disabled people.
Election Officer of Dimapur, Toshi Ao informed that the Election Commission of India had suggested facilitating the involvement of people with disability in the election process. He further informed that the election commission has also come up with a concept of providing basic minimum facilities in the polling station to the People with Disabilities.
He also added that having this meeting is to get some ideas, suggestions so as to what can be done to facilitate and also improve the active participation of the disabled person. The house suggested that to encourage and facilitate the person and families and creating awareness even to the disabled person and to the families, to the communities and to the societies.
The official said that the people should be sensitized because many times they face discrimination and they are discouraged to come out and also family should be made educated because they do not feel the need or the importance of sending them to go and cast their votes.
To give a fair privilege to the disabled person, ADC Elizabeth Ngullie requested the GBs, council members, and colony chairmen to make a list of persons with disabilities in their areas and place the list before the election office for submission to the government.
Wokha
Along with the rest of the world, Wokha also observed the event with the Wokha District Legal Services Authority and local youth group Team Metamorphosis to organize a program on December 3.
Eighteen differently-able people attended the function. Hukato Swu, District & Session Judge, and Thungdemo Kyong, leader of Team Metamorphosis delivered short speeches. The event also had an interaction session after the formal program.
In the speech, Hukato Swu encouraged the physically-challenged people to be optimistic and to fight to live a life with confidence. He cited the example of some prominent personalities such as Helen Keller. One billion people of the total world population are persons with disabilities, he said. He also talked about various government grant-in-aid and schemes that the government offers to them.
Likewise, Thungdemo Kyong exhorted the gatherings by saying that ‘all are equal and special’ in the eyes of God. He expressed respect to the community. ‘They are all gifted and skilled in so many ways and could do things what he or so many healthy people can’t do by themselves,’ he said.
Later, a Wokha District Disable Association was formed with Rhonjamo Lotha as its president.
World Disability Day was observed in Jalukie in Peren district on December 3. A program to mark the day was organized by Disabled Peoples’ Parents Association (DIPPA) and People in need Foundation (PNF). The program was followed by a short rally from the town’s market to the Town Hall.
The rally was flagged off by the Civil SDO Rhosietho Nguori. The State Bank of India branch of the town also gifted te participants white caps. The rally led to the town hall where a function was held.
The SDO of Jalukie was the chief guest of the event. Dennis Elung and Besii Bosco, the chief manager of SBI of Dimapur was a special guests of the program.
About 200 persons participated in the function, the majority of whom were persons with disabilities and their parents. Several policemen and Dobashis too joined in the procession.
The SDO spoke on the theme of the day: access and empowerment. He strongly encouraged the participation of the persons with disabilities and for the community to lead in empowering them. In terms of inclusion, everyone should be part of society, and no discrimination should be allowed for the persons with disabilities, he said.
Also, the chef manager of SBI Lead Bank of Dimapur, Besii Bosco, explained the various facilities and benefits the bank offers to for ‘all categories of people.’ He said that the bank had come to the villages and everyone can and should take advantage of the opportunity. He also gave out financial dairy to create awareness on the bank facilities.
Mr. Dennis Elung , the chief advisor of the Organization, Peren district, strongly encouraged the people to work together and gave the news that the Chief Minister, could not attend but sent a sum of twenty thousand for the support of disabled people.
One of the high lights of the occasion was the election of office bearers of the Disabled Peoples’ Parents Association (DIPPA). The association was formed on November 6, 2015. A pastor also prayed for the newly-elected office bearers
The SBI sponsored the caps and snacks for the day. The staff of “Seven Sisters Spa and Training Academy, Chandigarh”, sponsored Christmas presents for all the participants.
