Disabled Mela marks World Disabled Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 03 2015:
Five-day '3rd winter disabled mela for inclusive society,' organised by Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons, Manipur as part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, was inaugurated today at the premises of Kebol High School, Sagolband Tera Bazar.
The fair is being held with the theme 'Inclusion Matter: Access and Empowerment of People of All Abilities.
A total of 50 stalls have been opened.
The inaugural session was attended by Kangjam Radhakumar , Secretary, Revenue and Arts & Culture as the chief guest while Chirom Opendro Singh, chairman, organising committee of the mela was the president.
Khoirom Loyalakpa, editor of Naharolgi Thoudang and Ch Joykumar, social activist were the guests of honour.
Speaking at the occasion, K Radhakumar said that there would be no development unless the differently abled people are developed.
As such, people should collectively work for inclusive growth and provide viable opportunities to the differently abled persons.
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Chirom Opendro stressed the need to formulate disabled policy of the State in order to uplift the differently abled persons.
He also urged the differently abled persons to fight for their rights.
Kh Loyalakpa said that in order to uplift differently abled persons, people should know which leaders to elect.
Ch Joykumar urged the Social Welfare Dept and Commerce and Industries Dept to organise the fair as a joint venture next time.
The fair would be meaningful if potential entrepreneurs among the differently abled persons are identified and provided financial assistance.
As observed across the globe, an observance programme of the World Disability Day was organised by the Manipur State Legal Services Authority in association with the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), Akampat at Khwairamband Ima Keithel.
The programme was attended by Manojkumar Singh, District & Sessions Judge, Imphal West, S Imocha Singh, District & Sessions Judge, Imphal East, RK Memcha Devi, Member Secretary, Manipur State Legal Services Authority and Ng Tejkumar Singh, Director of Prosecution, Manipur as presidium members.
Speaking at the function, resource person L Ibomcha, former State Commissioner spoke on the topic "Understanding disability" .
He urged the parents and guardians of differently abled persons to avail the benefits under the National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disability Act 1999.Under the Act, parents can also appoint themselves as a legal guardian of their differently abled child on reaching adulthood so as to make decision regarding the child's well-being.
He added that screenings for differently abled persons are conducted by the Medical Authority, Health Department every now and then across the State in order to provide possible assistance under various schemes initiated by the Government.