Awareness event on disabilities kicked-off
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 14 2011:
An awareness campaign entitled 'Badhte Kadam-3' to highlight plight as well as solicit support for persons living with disabilities has been flagged-off with a formal function attended by the Imphal West Deputy commissioner Ashok Kumar as the chief guest at GM Hall here, today.
The event is an initiative of the National Trust of India, a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aimed at bringing a fresh new perspective that would help people with disability live as one among the abled bodied.
In the context of the state, Badhte Kadam-3 is organised by Spastic Society of Manipur under the aegis of the Trust, and with Government of Manipur as the sponsor.
Along with flagging off the event, which will be held in seven districts of Manipur, including Tamenglong, Sugnu and Moreh, which were not covered in the earlier event, a friends club for disabled persons called MARUP has also been launched.
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MARUP, with five times woman world boxing champion MC Mary Kom as the brand ambassador, envisions creating a network of persons who will volunteer to educate, entertain and empower persons with disabilities in the State.
Informing that Badhte Kadam-3 will be observed on the theme 'Get Involved, Share a few moments of your life with Us', secretary of the event host Laishram Tokendra Ricky expressed confidence that the event will facilitate persons with disabilities explore and nurture their talents.
In his address as the chief guest Ashok Kumar emphasised that every section of the society should contribute their mite in ensuring well-being and imbibe a sense of belongingness among persons with disabilities.
He also sought the cooperation of the masses for successful conduct of Badhte Kadam's State chapter.
As a part of the inaugural function a fashion parade by children and various cultural and entertainment items were presented by some children living with disabilities, while children of Deaf and Mute School, Takyelpat staged a silent play.
Churachandpur district Deputy Commissioner Maniram Sharma, who also graced the event kick-off also appealed to every section of the society for support to the event which will continue till December 3 .