Imphal, January 03 2010: A one day seminar on how to present issues and problems related disabled persons in media, drama, literature etc was held at Kuki Inn here today under the aegis of the Handicapped Welfare Month Observation Committee.

Giving key-note address of the observance, co-convenor of the committee S Jasobanta said that media, drama and literature need to help disabled persons to give them a dignified place in the society.

Majority of the disabled persons living in Manipuri as well as their parents have low self-esteem of themselves and they often felt embarrassed in front of other people.

Observing that disabled persons were regularly projected as weak, helpless and extremely miserable persons in plays, dramas and literature, Jasobanta noted that such projection caused depression to disabled persons and made their parents downcast.

These disabled persons need plays, dramas and literature which demonstrate that they are differently abled in one field or another and that they too have sense of patriotism rather than sticking to the stereotypical presentation of disabled persons as a helpless and hapless class.

Positive reporting about disabled persons in media, plays and literature would certainly help in bringing disabled persons to the mainstream society, Jasobanta said.

The seminar was moderated by Prof IS Kangjam of Hindi Department, Manipur University.

Imphal correspondent of the Times of India K Sarojkumar presented a paper on the topic 'Media and Persons with Disabilities' as DM College of Arts Lecturer Dr Lanchenba Meitei spoke on the topic 'Literature as a welfare means for disabled persons'.

Playwright Manaobi MM spoke on the topic 'Responsibilities of playwright/script-writer towards bringing disabled persons in community activities'.

K Sarojkumar observed that most of the Imphal based dailies lacked serious reporting on the issues and problems related to disabled persons.

Most of the local dailies are focused on violent activities and the pervasive conflict situation.

Highlighting the need for an effective coordination among experts on disability issues, NGOs and media, Sarojkumar wished that NGOs extend more cooperation to media so that issues and problems of disabled persons are reported with more sensitivity and focus.

He further highlighted the need to organise media sensitisation programmes so that reporting on disability related issues cover interior and remote areas of hill districts too.

Dr Lanchenba noted that some writers projected disabled persons as villains while others characterised them as protagonists of their literary subjects.

He stressed on the need to produce literary pieces which can inspire self-confidence and self-respect among disabled persons so that they can lead their lives just as any other members of the society.

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