Minister moots change to Persons with Special Abilities
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 03 2022: Social welfare minister H Dingo has said that differently abled persons possess special quality and they should be rather known as Persons with Special Abilities instead of Persons with Disability (PwD).

Minister H Dingo stated this during the observance of International Day of Persons with Disability-2022 organised by Social Welfare Department at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, here, on Saturday.

Attending as chief guest at the observance function, H Dingo said that differently abled persons are able to do many things which physically sound common people could not and accordingly they should be rather known as 'Persons with Special Abilities' in view of special abilities they possess.

Stressing the need to stop harbouring low opinion on PwDs, H Dingo said that a collective effort is required to make PwDs successful in life and not to make them disheartened.

The impressive number of people who visited the stalls, purchased and enquired about handloom and handicraft produced by PwDs at this year's Sangai festival like was indeed a significant achievement, Dingo said, adding that Social Welfare Department's effort to make the department a leading one is reaping fruits.

He also claimed that the department is now able to work closely with the people.

Manipur Pollution Control Board chairman Dr Usham Deben, who also attended the observance function, said that parents of differently abled persons should be proud of their children instead of remaining disheartened.

All the heinous crimes in the society are committed by people who have no defect in birth and differently abled persons never indulged in such crimes, he said, adding that differently abled persons are getting special status in the society as people have stopped looking down on them.

MLA S Kebi, who also attended the observance, said that family members of different abled persons should encourage their special member to enjoy life instead of feeling shy.

She also called upon people to extend support to different abled persons and make them successful in life.

The observance function held under the theme 'Transformative solution for inclusive development: The role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world' was marked by performance of cultural items by differently abled persons and showcasing of their talents.

The department also presented gifts to differently abled persons who took part in the observance.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2022 was also observed at Mission Blind School, Heikakpokpi in Tengnoupal district on Saturday with tribal affairs & hills minister Letpao Haokip as chief guest, School headmaster Karung Pareng Kom as functional president, BJP Manipur Pradesh secretary Bikram Kongkham as guest of honour and social worker Ch Kingcha Maring as special guest.

Speaking on the occasion, minister Letpao Haokip assured that the school will be developed in tune with present times at a cost of Rs 10 lakh by March next year.

During the programme, students of the school performed songs and other entertainment activities for the attendees.

The Day was also organised by People Advance in Social Service (Pass) in collaboration with the Churachandpur District Social Welfare Department at Bliss Island School, Phaikhothang village on Saturday.

The programme attended by Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip as chief guest had presentation of special items by PwDs such as songs, dance, Bible recitation, etc.

In Kakching district, Differently Abled Persons Welfare Association (DAPWA) observed the Day in collaboration with Library and Information Centre and Kakching Legal Aid Clinic at Library and Information Centre auditorium at Phoushupat Leikai on Saturday.

The programme was attended by Bhubon and Leiren Brick Field, Kakching proprietor Naorem Nopur Singh, Yambem Furniture proprietor Yambem Satya and Kha Manipur College Chemistry Department head associate Professor Naorem Chaoba as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

"Penna Sheihou Eshei" marked the opening of the programme followed by dance and song performances by DAPWA members.

Intellectuals present at the programme shared their views on the life histories of eminent differently abled persons of the world in various fields.

The public were also urged to treat differently abled persons with equal dignity.

On the other hand, Differently Abled Persons' Welfare Association (DAPWA) planted tree saplings at Angaan Ching Eco Park, Kakching in connection with the observance of International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Comment