Imphal, November 26 2010: Badhte Kadam II , a massive discoverability campaign of National Trust for the welfare of persons with Autism, C.P, M.R and Mutiple disabilities in association with Spastic Society of Manipur , Govt.of Manipur and Assam Rifles completed its journey to eight districts in Manipur today .

After the flag off at BOAT on November 19 by Chief Minister O Ibobi, the caravan visited Churachandpur, Chandel, Senapati, Moirang,Thoubal, Ukhrul and Jiribam .

Concluding their campaign today at Manipur University campus after the interaction with the students, Sushma Laishram, Director of Spastic Society of Manipur said that the work is not over yet, it has only just begun for the Badhte Kadam Team.

It was a challenge to the team to change the attitudes of the general public to include the persons with disabilities in society when the mindset of disabled persons and organization working for disabled persons were still that of pity and charity and they were using disabilities as an excuse for their failures and non - achievement.

Some still believed that INCLUSION was a dream and to make it a reality it is going to be tough job even though the concept was very noble and right based.

But every one who were part of the caravan and witnessed the abilities of the so called disabled people would not forget their experience and we feel that we have definitely made an impact in the minds of these people who pledge support and solidarity to the cause.

As part of the campaign , various activities such as photo cum poster exhibitions, display of aids and appliances used by disabled persons, banners , pamphlets , talent shows by disabled persons, art competition on inclusion , speeches by disabled persons , stimulation games like mouth writing, foot writing, blindfold games, Braille reading, memory games and sign language games were all part of the programme which urged the audience to change their attitudes and support inclusion .Musical Concerts by Sarita Gazmir, Sadananda, Mandakini, Guru Rewben, Sunita Nephram and upcoming singer Mr.Ch, Santosh with orchestra by Saregama Group of Blind Artiste was also part of the programme.

Sarita Gazmir and Guru Rewben were the ambassadors of the Badhte Kadam Programme in Manipur .

"We are all born for a purpose, and we cannot deny the rights given by God, which we all equally have to the disabled persons ".

These were the words written by Hangougin Lhondim a student of Manipur university in his signature campaign to support the Badhte Kadam programme.

Mr.Tokendra Ricky, Secretary of Spastic Society of Manipur in his interview to the media stated that we still have a lot of work to do and a long way to go in order to achieve our goals of inclusion in the society .But it was a great start and we learnt a lot from our experiences in all eight districts .

Our campaign does not stop here.

During the journey we were able to get support of many persons who are going to act as our messengers and spread our message of hope and dignity far and wide.

We are extremely grateful to Assam Rifles in all districts , all government officials, organizations and individuals who were part of the caravan.

Comment