Competitions mark Helen Keller B'day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 27 2015 :
The first State level extempore speech competition on Helen Keller in connection with the 135th birth anniversary of Helen Keller was organized by the Handicapped Development (HD) Foundation, Manipur today at the Manipur Press Club.
Around 45 students from different educational institutions of the State took part in the competition �held on the theme 'Why do we observe the birth anniversary of Helen Keller worldwide? .
Chief Librarian (Consultant) of Manipur University Dr Th Khomdon, chairman of HD Foundation Dr Ch Rupachandra, Dr Dhanabir Laishram, Rose Mangshi Haokip and principal of Ramlal Paul Hr Sec School N Ibechaobi attended the function as the distinguished dignitaries.
Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 � June 1, 1968) was an American author, political activist, and lecturer.
She was the first deaf and blind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree.
A prolific author, Keller was outspoken in her convictions.
She campaigned for women's suffrage, labour rights, socialism, and other similar causes.
She was inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame in 1971 and was one of twelve inaugural inductees to the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame on June 8, 2015 .
Dr S Jasobanta, general secretary of HD Foundation stated that organizing such competitions would surely go a long way in boosting the morale of differently abled persons of the State.
He said that the event was organised with the firm conviction to create mass awareness and propagate the message that differently abled persons can live an independent and a contented life like any normal person can do.
Dr Jasobant also expressed optimism that discrimination and stigmatization attached to this section of the society will surely be removed by generations to come.
Observing the birth anniversary of Helen Keller will surely inspire the differently abled youth to work hard and accomplish something more than a normal person.
He added that normal persons should not waste time when many differently abled persons are accomplishing many great things.
He also urged all concerned not to discriminate and stigmatise the differently abled persons.
Floral tributes were paid to the portrait of Helen Keller by the students and the dignitaries gathered.