International Day of PWDs celebrated

SHILLONG, DEC 3: Along with the rest of the world, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated in different parts of the state.

In Shillong, the programme under the theme: “Advocating the Various Welfare Schemes/Programmes for Persons with Disabilities” was held at Don Bosco Youth Centre, where Meghalaya home minister Roshan Warjri graced the occasion as chief guest.

The programme was organized by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Society for Transforming Educational Cultural and Social Objectives (STECSO).

Speaking at the inaugural function, Warjri expressed happiness to be a part of the celebration and said that this day is indeed a meaningful one for the differently abled persons. The social stigma and bias with regards to the PWDs still exists but by organizing awareness programmes this perception can be removed.

Warjri also said that the state government is making efforts to extend all the support needed for the differently abled persons. “We all are human beings, we all have our own abilities and disabilities and we should work together in the best of our abilities for the betterment of our society, the state and the nation as whole,” she added.

Later parliamentary secretary Justine Dkhar distributed aids and appliances to the disabled persons.

It may be mentioned that the annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which was proclaimed in 1992 by the

United Nations General Assembly resolution aims to promote and encourage a better understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

TURA

In West Garo hills, Tura the programme was held at Monfort Centre for Education, Danakgre Tura where Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tura Sabrella Marak graced the occasion as chief guest. Officers of other line departments, differently abled students and parents from all the blocks of West Garo hills participated which was organized by the district administration in collaboration with Monfort Centre for Education, Tura with the theme “Inclusion matters: access and employment of people of all abilities”.

While addressing the gathering Marak lauded the tireless effort and support of the Monfort Centre of Education for extending their help towards persons with disabilities. She further expressed the need to support persons with disabilities with special love and care and urged everyone especially the officers of line departments to assist them in every possible way they can.

Moreover, Marak called upon the parents of persons with disabilities to adopt a positive attitude and cooperate with their requirement diligently for they also can perform well and shine in their life provided they are given due care and attention.

During the programme, the DDRC conducted assessment camp for the persons with disabilities while Employment Exchange office helped them to register their names for employment for those who have fulfilled the eligibility criteria.

To mark the day, Labour department, medical department, District Commerce and Industries Centre, SSA, District Rural Development Agency, DDRC, Banks, BAKDIL and Bethany Society displayed their stalls whereby informing the people about the availability of various schemes and facilities benefiting the differently abled person.

EAST JAINTIA HILLS

In East Jaintia Hills, Khliehriat, the World Disabled Day was observed at Khliehriat West Community Hall, East Jaintia hills. The programme started with the health check-up by Dr. A Langstang, Medical and Health Officer of Khliehriat CHC followed by the sports and games for the physically challenged of different age groups.

Chief guest  Dr P Nongtdu encouraged the parents to support their children and sent them to school as many special school for such special children has already been set up.

Dr A Langstang also informed about prevention and early detection of the children with disabilities.

Later in the programme, the chief guest along with Dr. A. Langstang handed over the prizes the winners.

MAWSYNRAM

In Mawsynram, the programme was held at Madan Shad Seng Khasi, Dongrum, Mawsynram. The programme was organized by the District Social Welfare office, East Khasi hills in collaboration with SSA, SRD/DRC, Civil Hospital, Shillong, All Mawsynram Development Council.

HM Shangpliang, Director of Social Welfare department graced the occasion as chief guest and Additional District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills SS Syiemlieh as guest of honour.

A talent show was also organized where differently abled persons participated. During the day, blankets, crutches, white-canes, CM’s Social Assistance Scheme were also distributed to the differently abled persons by the chief guest and the guest of honour.

JOWAI

In Jowai, the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, Jowai observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Iungwalieh Durbar Shnong, Dulong, Jowai under the theme “Inclusion matters access and empowerment for people of all abilities” where Moonlight Pariat, MDC graced the occasion as chief guest.

Besides, D Dkhar, headman of Dulong locality, executive members of the locality, ZJ Lyngdoh, DSWO, and Dr JV Shullai, Medical & Health Officer, parents and teachers also attended the programme.

As part of the celebration various activities like passing the balloon, passing the ball, musical chair and singing competition was organized were 74 children participated.  Medical checkup was also conducted by the health department.- By Our Reporter