Help differently-able children integrate: First Lady
CHIMPU, Dec 3: “Every member of the society must contribute to help the differently-abled children to integrate themselves into the mainstream,” First Lady Neelam Mishra said on Sunday in her address at a function at the Donyi Polo Mission School for the Hearing and Visually Impaired here to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“The children with special needs deserve respect, not pity, and equality, not dependence,” she said. “It is the social responsibility of all to assist these children to be independent.”
Mishra said she would continue to remain connected with the school.
She later felicitated the school’s managing committee, teachers and staff for their dedicated service towards the wellbeing of the special children. She also expressed appreciation for those who have morally or financially assisted the school.
Social Justice, Empowerment & Tribal Affairs Director Yumlam Kaha, RKM Hospital Secretary Swami Vishweshananda, and Donyi Polo Mission Chairman and former Chief Minister Gegong Apang also spoke.
Kaha highlighted the proposal to enhance reservation for the disabled people in the employment sectors, while Swami Vishweshananda gave assurance that the RKMH will continue to provide free health care service to the school’s inmates.
Apang informed that the Donyi Polo Mission proposes to upgrade the school to the higher secondary standard, and to start a school for mentally challenged children. He appealed for support from the people and the state government for the projects.
The students of the school presented a colourful cultural programme and a fashion show in traditional attires, while self-taught violinist Pill Jamja presented a violin recital. It may be mentioned here that Jamja provides free music classes to the students of the school.
The First Lady gave away the prizes to the best performing students in various competitions during the function. She also distributed gifts from the Raj Bhavan among the children.
Earlier, Mishra visited the school’s waste paper recycling plant, where the staffers demonstrated the process of preparing paper bags, writing pads, writing papers, carry-bags,and cards from waste papers.
The first lady later met the all-girl team from the school for the forthcoming ‘Seven a side Siang cup’ football tournament, to be held at Oyan in East Siang district, and wished them luck.
The day was also celebrated in Siang district headquarters, Pangin, where a rally was organised to mark the event.
The rally was followed by literary and games & sports competition among students, including differently-abled ones.
Speeches highlighting the importance of the day were delivered by dignitaries.
In Tirap HQ Khonsa, the SSA District Mission organised a prabhat pheri in the town as part of the event.
Drawing, painting and singing competitions were also held at the BRC office hall.
The day was also observed at Dera Natung Government College here to promote awareness on disability issues and the fundamental rights of differently-abled persons.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Tai Tagak, who attended programme, emphasized the need for proper survey of differently-abled persons in the state and addressing their issues and problems.
Director of Health Services, Dr Moromor Lego, called for equal access to education for people with disabilities.
Officer in charge of Regional Centre, National Institute of Locomotors Disabilities,Junjun Panor, highlighted the importance of the day and the facilities being provided by the Regional Centre at D Sector near Pachin Colony, Naharlagun.
Tami Taniang, Chairperson of the All Arunachal Pradesh Handicapped Welfare Society, highlighted the grievances and difficulties faced by the differently-abled persons in the state.
Regional Centre, National Institute of Locomotors Disabilities, organized the programme in collaboration with the All Arunachal Pradesh Handicapped Welfare Society and the Arunachal Pradesh Parents’Association for the Disabled. (With inputs from PRO to Governor and DIPROs)
