Nagaland observes International Day of Persons with Disabilities with calls for inclusive education and better facilities across districts.
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland joined the global observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Wednesday on the theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.
Dimapur: In Dimapur, the event was organised by Samagra Shiksha DMA Dimapur in partnership with the District Disability Committee, the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) and NGO Blessed Bonding.
Speaking during the occasion, EAC Dimapur and District Disability Committee member Imlijungia Lemtur said true inclusive development depends on both well‑trained teachers and informed parents and community members.
She shared professional insight and personal reflections on inclusion, as well as highlighted the ongoing work of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Every individual has unique strengths in different ways, she said, adding that despite improvements made in terms of inclusivity, limited awareness continues to create unintentional barriers, especially in identifying and supporting children with special needs.
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While lauding the dedication of educators who go the extra mile for students with disabilities, she stressed the need for teachers to undergo specialised training in view of the hurdles the education system faces. She also emphasised the urgent need for precise assessments, certifications and paperwork so that children can tap into government assistance.
The EAC went on to call for tighter cooperation among teachers, families, civil organisations and government bodies, saying that with such collective effort, every child—regardless of ability—can look forward to their future with confidence.
Keren Sumi, who teaches at GPS Industrial Village Razhuphe, voiced concerns about special‑needs children in government schools and urged Samagra Shiksha and the concerned department to organise teacher training workshops, noting that many educators lack a formal background in inclusive education.
She stressed the need to recognise diverse behavioural and intellectual traits rather than assuming incapacity, recounting an autistic boy whose creativity shone when given the opportunity.
While highlighting the gaps in parental awareness, the high cost of specialised learning materials, and the need for stronger interventions and scholarship support for children with disabilities, she urged the government to engage parents and strengthen school‑level inclusive practices, emphasising that teachers alone cannot meet all the requirements of children with special needs.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Blessed Bonding, Anito, reflected on community involvement in disability support, following which children from GPS Industrial Village Razhuphe presented “Communicate Your Way”, showcasing a range of expressive abilities.
NSRLM representative Nsungbeni Kinghen, BPM Dhansiripar, outlined the mission’s social‑inclusion work, citing initiatives such as forming self‑help groups (SHGs) for persons with disabilities, providing revolving and community‑investment funds, offering farm and non‑farm livelihood support, helping with branding and packaging, and running youth‑skill programmes.
Kinghen informed that Dimapur has 14 PwD SHGs covering 109 households and 25 elderly SHGs covering 246 households, underscoring NSRLM’s pledge to strengthen vulnerable communities and drive inclusive growth.
The Dimapur Social Welfare department lauded 109 Anganwadi centres under ICDS for supporting pregnant mothers and other beneficiaries across the district.
Similar programmes were also held in Wokha, Tseminyu, Kiphire, and Shamator, attended by their respective deputy commissioners and officials.
In Wokha, Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar distributed blankets to attendees, while in Tseminyu, Deputy Commissioner Japheth Woch announced a special people's cell for free certificates.
In Kiphire, speakers called for collaborative efforts to uphold disability rights, and in Shamator, Deputy Commissioner Chubatemjen acknowledged the contributions of the community, while K Yinsoba Yimkhiung, speaking on behalf of the PwDs, urged the administration to establish an inclusive school.