Inclusive society stressed at International Day of Persons with Disabilities events across Nagaland

DIMAPUR/MOKOKCHUNG — The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed across Nagaland on December 3, with programmes held in Mokokchung, Dimapur, and Phek to advocate for inclusive societies and social progress.

In Mokokchung, the Mokokchung District Disabled Association (MDDA) and Ozumi, in partnership with the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM), and Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), commemorated the day at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.

Held on the global theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress”, the event was attended by Imtimar Jamir, former Mokokchung Town Committee member, as the guest of honour.

In his address, Jamir reminded the gathering that disability can arise from genetics, birth conditions, injury, or accident, and that every human being carries some form of limitation. “Equality is non-negotiable—persons with disabilities deserve the same respect, opportunities, and dignity as anyone else,” he asserted.

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Messages were delivered by Imtiyapang, councillor, MMC, and Onenpong, vice president of Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM). Both speakers urged persons with disabilities (PwDs) to concentrate on their abilities rather than limitations and to pursue their dreams with determination.

Representatives from the Mokokchung DLSA highlighted key provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, stressing its foundation on the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

In Dimapur, Special Olympics Bharat–Nagaland (SON) celebrated its annual Special Christmas together with the observance of the day at Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA), Mother Church.

The highlight of the event was the honouring of Nungsangmongla, SON’s chief coach, with the “Distinguished Service Award for Disability Inclusion and Holistic Empowerment”. The award, endorsed by Dr. Tinojungshi Chang, deputy commissioner, Dimapur, included a cash honour and was presented by Moamongla, associate pastor (Women), DABA.

In Phek, the day was observed at the DC conference hall, organised by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with the district administration and disabled people's organisations.

DC Phek Rhosietho Nguori, in his keynote address, said that disability should not be treated as a burden but as God’s plan. He advised the gathering not to be judgemental towards differently-abled individuals but to treat them equally by providing them equal platforms.

The guest speaker, Dr. Temsulong Pongener, psychiatrist, District Hospital, Phek, stated that many individuals experience not only physical disability but also face discrimination related to mental health issues. He stressed that disability should not be seen as an individual struggle but as a collective responsibility requiring community support.

He encouraged everyone to move beyond sympathy and provide a safe space to meet the social and emotional needs of persons with disabilities.

In another programme, the District Education Mission Society Samagra Shiksha Phek observed the day at Children's Park, 5th NAP, Phek.

Speaking on the occasion as the special guest, Rentsamo Kikon, DEO Phek, said that the progress of societies could be successfully achieved only when accessibility support is given to disabled persons.