‘World Disability Day a day to express desires’

A Staff Reporter Dimapur, December 3 In a close knit affair School for the Visually Impaired Dimapur observed the 14th World Disability Day with the theme “Inclusion matters: Access and empowerment of people of all disabilities “ on Thursday December 3 at the school premises. The Global Open University Nagaland Vice Chancellor Dr Hemendranath Dutta who graced the occasion as the chief guest expressed his admiration in witnessing talents of the School. “Let us not call them disabled as they are the torch bearers of our society,” remarked Dr.Dutta on the occasion. Attributing the visually impaired for the immense achievements brought to the country, Dr.Dutta maintained that though this section of the society may be visually impaired but they are mentally capable where the society needs to show them the path and support them. “They have internal wishes capable of doing unseen task,” added Dr Dutta. Enthralled by their exceptional talent, Dr Dutta told the students to concentrate on the various talents. He also told the students to free themselves from the feeling of being ‘weak’ as they have the same dignity and rights as anyone else. “Conceive your plans, dreams, and talents and exercise it in your heart and the society at large” said Dr Dutta to the students. Emphasizing on the avenues available for the specially challenged section, he underlined that satisfaction comes when individuals exercise their desires. Therefore he persuaded the students to keep their mind to themselves and expressed hope that one day they will adorn the society as the torch bearer of the society. Articulating that with their limitation they can contribute to the society in their own way, he underlined the commemoration of World Disability Day to be a day they convey their desires and promises they can contribute to the society. The observation was marked with special song presentation and skits displayed by the students. A brief feature of inclusion was presented by K Yabang Longkumer. The homely environment and hearty efforts put by the teachers indeed appeared to be encouraging in witnessing the talents of the students at School for the Visually Impaired.   State observes World Disability Day Mokokchung: Parents of children with special needs have been encouraged to be the foundation for their children’s education to ensure quality life for their wards. This was the core message of World Disability Day programs across the state, from Mokokchung to Tuensang district that were observed on December 3. In Mokokchung, a program was conducted with the theme “Inclusion Matters: Access and Empowerment for people of all abilities.” For the event, Dr. Atha Vizol, Nagaland Disability Commissioner was the chief guest and T Merangtsungba Aier, director of the department of Social Welfare, was the guest of honor. In his address, the chief guest challenged the parents’ to be the foundation for inclusive education for the differently-able persons. ‘Persons with disability need exposure not confinement,’ he said. The official also enlightened the parents that their children were protected by People With Disabilities Act of 1995. The ACT gives equal opportunity, protection of right and full participants, he said. Also, he informed that the government had been working for said community by implementing schemes, and offering assistance to disabled persons for purchase/fitting aid and appliances through various agencies. Calling against doing away with wrong notions such as the society’s considering disability as a ‘curse,’ Dr. Vizol said it was to sensitize the church in understanding differently-able persons. The church is the biggest community-based organization, and endowed with great potential to influence the community for good, in the state. Guest of honour, T Merangtsungba Aier, challenged the mindset of the people toward children with special needs. He said that World Disability Day was being observed for the past more than 20 years to generate and mobilize awareness about disabilities. He also urged the parents and especially the ASHAs and Anganwadi worker to ‘mobilize awareness in the rural areas’ to ease the wrong notions about children with disabilities. He also informed that the department has submitted a proposal for construction of a ramp each in all the 11 deputy commissioner offices across the state so that the affected people can have easy access to the establishments. Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel, also addressed the gathering. The state level function was jointly organized by Care & Support Society and Department of Social Welfare, Govt. of Nagaland in collaboration with District Election Office Mokokchung, Mokokchung District Blind Association, Mokokchung District parents association PwDs & DMA (SSA). DABA: Dimapur Ao Baptist Church (DABA) opened its door and premised to people with disability and their guardians to commemorate the Day along with the rest of the world today. As the theme speaker, Maong Jamir, Assistant Director of Prodigals’ Home, stressed on the need for an inclusive church where disabled persons do not feel left out while pointing out that disability is not a curse as most people tend to assume. While also applauding DABA for opening its door to commemorate the day, Jamir stated that this act, in itself, is an encouragement for the other needy people in our society and also a good example for other Churches to emulate. N Tsudir, DABA’s pastor, in his exhortation, impressed that we are all equal in the eyes of God while encouraging the parents of the Disabled to nurture their child with the word of God. Changtongya : The day for people with disabilities was also observed in Changtongya town in Mokokchung district on December 3. The event was conducted in the Multipurpose Hall of Christian Standard Higher Secondary School. The theme of the event was “Inclusion Matters, Access and Empowerment for People of all Disabilities”. Speaking during the occasion as the chief guest, EAC of Chuchu town, Meyiazung, expressed gratitude to Grace Society for organizing the program. He said that 15% of the world’s total populations are disabled people. Due to the initiative of the UN, he said, December 3 was declared as a day to remember persons suffering from disabilities day since 1992. Stating that people with disabilities are a section of the society ‘that we neglect as a Christians.’ ‘We should all treat them equal, and consider them as part of us and take the responsibility to bring them to the mainstream,’ he said. ‘We should encourage them and called upon all to focus on the ability of the disabled people and give them more opportunity and importance to achieve their purpose in life.’ Tuensang: Another programme marking World Disability Day was held on December 3 in Tuensang town as well. The program was conducted with focus on spreading information about voting rights to persons with disabilities. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, T Nchumbemo Odyuo, delivered the welcome address during the program. He talked about voting rights and special facilities for persons with disabilities. Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, Alem Jongshi Longkumer also addressed the gathering. He spoke about the ‘meaning of democracy’ and reminded the gathering that for citizens of the age 18-years and above in India, whether suffering disabilities or not, except from unsound mind who cannot take right decision, had the right to vote. This right was permitted by the constitution of India, he said. Everyone should participate in the electoral process and voting, he said. He also told the gathering that the government of India was providing special facilities to persons with disabilities. Hundreds of persons with disabilities, and community leaders such as GBs attended the programme.