The office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with the State Resource Centre on Disability Affairs today observed the International Day for Persons with Disabilities where the ‘EMPOWERFEST-2023’ was inaugurated by Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh.
The international observance is held on December 3, which fell on a Sunday this year.
Speaking on the occasion, Lyngdoh stressed upon the need to create a society that gives equal opportunity to empower people with disabilities. He said that the government is vigorously working on proposals to enhance accessibility in public and private establishments.
On this occasion the Director of Sanker Rehabilitation Centre, Dr Sandi Syiem was felicitated with the ‘Champion of Mental Health Advocacy Award’ and Carmo Naronha from Bethany Society with the ‘Leader of Equality Award’.
The other awardees include the Meghalaya blind women’s football team with the ‘Inclusive Sportsmanship Award’, Rupari Nongrum with the ‘Inspirational Artist Award’, St Edmund’s College with ‘Trailblazer in Accessibility Award’, Sengrang G Momin with the ‘Inclusive Media Representation Award’ and Ibadalin with the ‘Literacy Award’.
During the function, the minister also launched the megAbility App for the disabled.
Elsewhere, the office of the District Social Welfare Officer of East Khasi Hills observed the day under the theme ‘United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities’ at a programme held in Mawtap Pyllun, Sohiong block.
S Bang, District Programme Officer of the ICDS Cell, was chief guest.
On the occasion, a free medical checkup camp was also set up in collaboration with Sohiong Community Health Centre. The day-long celebration included distribution of prizes and gifts.
In Resubelpara, the programme acknowledged the disabled persons who are active members of society serving in different capacities.
Speaking as the chief guest during the programme, Kapil Koch, Additional Deputy Commissioner of North Garo Hills lauded the performance of various physically disabled persons who have contributed to the welfare of society and the country as a whole.
He cited the names of blind footballer Klingson Marak, who plays for the Indian national team, and Ira Singhal, a disabled woman who had topped the civil services exam.
Koch encouraged the gathering of the people with disabilities to identify their talents and earn a livelihood.
He also pressed the gathering to support such persons by raising awareness on the various government initiatives and schemes meant to uplift the standards of persons with disabilities.
As part of the programme, awareness on the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign was also held wherein the ADC informed of the procedure of enrolling under the voters’ list and the importance of voting.
The medical department also conducted a free medical camp for persons with disabilities.
In East Jaiñtia Hills, the Ephphatha Society observed the day at Sutnga Presbyterian School by handing over wheel chairs, supporting canes and warm clothing to disabled persons and certificates to those who fared well in their examinations.
