Children of a Lesser God have their day under the Sun
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 03: As in other parts of the globe, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 2007 was observed under the theme of 'We can...

can you ? It's all about abilities' in the State today calling for social integration of the disabled persons by ensuring their rights.

Inaugurating an Abilympics Exhibition (products of vocational skills of the persons with disabilities) to mark the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the office complex of Spastic Society of Manipur at Ghari here as chief guest, Governor Dr SS Sidhu called upon the people, the parents and other family members of persons with disabilities in particular, not to discriminate them and said that nothing is impossible if one is really determined.

Governor Dr SS Sidhu during the function held at Ghari in connection with the World Disabled Day

"Persons with disabilities are also part and parcel of the society.

They should not be considered as a burden.

Rather they should be encouraged to express themselves and expose their hidden talents," Dr Sidhu said.

Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh who attended the function as president pointed out that 70 percent of the cases of disabilities are preventable.

Towards this end, the Government has been taking up various programmes like Blindness Control Programme, Pulse Polio Campaign and Immunisation Programme along with taking up schemes to rehabilitate them, he said, adding that the main reasons for increasing population of persons with disabilities in rural area is lack of health education.

Accompanied by the Chief Secretary, the Governor also went around to inspect the products on displayed and shook hands with persons with disabilities.

The event was facilitated jointly by the Disabilities Cell of Social Welfare Department and the Spastic Society of Manipur.

At the mini stadium of Senapati district today, the observance function was jointly organised by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and Manipur North Economic Development Association (MANEDA).

In his address as chief guest of the function, Regional Director of IGNOU Imphal Centre Dr RK Ranjit Singh observed that disabled persons are more able than most of the normal persons in some way or the other.

For the benefit of the disabled persons, IGNOU has been providing assistance for setting up vocational training centres apart from extending facilities for computer education to visually impaired persons, Ranjit said.

While disclosing that one of his own sons had died from hydrocephalus (an abnormal condition in which cerebrospinal fluid collects in the ventricles of the brain), Ranjit said the family members should not look down upon any disabled persons in the family.

ZEO of Senapati District C Poudel who attended the function as guest of honour drew the attention of MANEDA for taking up necessary measures for training the disabled persons in trades which are suitable to their aptitude.

As part of the observance function, the Regional Director of IGNOU also inaugurated a 10-day vocational training programme for disabled persons on trades like carpentry, tailoring and weaving.

The training programme is to be conducted under the sponsorship of IGNOU.

Presentation of songs and recitation by disabled persons were the main attraction of the function.

The National Disabled Day was also observed at the Porompat office complex of ZEO Zone-II with Deputy Commissioner of Imphal East Y Thamkishore Singh, IAS as chief guest.

The event was attended by many disabled students, Government officials and public.

United Voluntary Youth Council, Keishampat Modhu Bhavan in association with Self Help Group, Moirang Khunou also observed International Disabled Day at Moirang Khunou Maning Leikai today.

It is conveyed that as part of the observance, Social Welfare Department (Disabilities Section) would join hands with Agent for Social Change in organising a series of disabilities medical camps at Litan Sareikhong on December 5 and on December 7 at Liyaram Village, Yaingangpokpi Bazar.

Disabilities certificates would also be distributed during these camps.

Our Jiribam Correspondent adds: The International Disabled Day was also observed under the aegis of ZEO Jiri at Jirighat Junior High School, Kamranga today.

ZEO Jiri Ketuki Devi was the chief guest of the function marked by painting competition, cultural dances and other entertainment programmes.