A state-level adoption awareness programme promoting the rehabilitation of Divyaang children (children with special needs) was held in Kohima.
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DIMAPUR — A state-level adoption awareness programme on “Promoting non-institutionalised rehabilitation of children with special needs (Divyaang children)” was held at the auditorium hall, SIRD Kohima, on Wednesday.
Sponsored by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and organised by the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) under Mission Vatsalya, Department of Social Welfare, the programme witnessed participation from stakeholders across all 17 districts of Nagaland.
According to an update, these included representatives from the district administration, chief medical officers, District Child Protection Units (DCPU), Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAA), Department of Social Welfare, SARA, State Child Protection Society (SCPS), and Child Welfare Committees (CWC).
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T Aoakhum Longchar, Additional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, described the programme as a step towards building a more inclusive and compassionate society. He stressed that Divyaang children should be recognised for their abilities and potential, not their limitations. Highlighting adoption as an act of love and compassion, he called on society to replace judgement with understanding.
Yongchingkumla, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, delivered the keynote address. She highlighted that the greatest challenges faced by Divyaang children often stem from social attitudes and lack of awareness rather than their disabilities. She called for greater awareness, empathy, and collective responsibility.
A screening of the short film “Not Perfect but Precious", aimed at promoting the adoption of children with special needs, was held.
During the open session, Nikito Zhimomi, DCPO of Chümoukedima, and N T Kikon, Managing Director of the Wondang-Ki Charitable Foundation, presented an overview of the district-level scenario.
The speakers also outlined future plans focusing on strengthening community-based care, enhancing coordination among stakeholders and encouraging adoption to ensure that children with special needs grow up in nurturing family environments.
Ritu Rani Bhankur, a junior professional from CARA, delivered a presentation on the Adoption Regulations, 2022, focusing on provisions for children with special needs.