Governor Satya Pal Malik today said that family model in disability management is best suited for India rather than institutional followed by most western countries.
In his message at a function organised to observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities held in Raj Bhavan, the governor said that the perception is based on the fact that India has the advantage in providing strong community support and family support structure.
“India being a vast country and the disability is perennially so widely spread and so deeply imbedded that only family model can serve the requirement,” he added.
He said the country must come out of its colonial mindset and exercise its full right to portray the advantage of the family model to the world community for having the better alternative solution to the issues of person with disability worldwide.
Stating that the Covid situation has given people the opportunity to understand some of the very critical issues and sufferings of the disability sector in Indian context, he informed that India is one of the first countries to sign the mandate of United Nation Convention for Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and adopted 21 types of disabilities to frame the laws at central and state level.
The function was jointly organised by the Meghalaya Parents Association for Disabled and Raj Bhavan. During the day, certificate of appreciation was given to Banrihunlang Myrthong in the field of Education, Silme D Marak for awareness, Showtheway Pakma for entrepreneurship, Banlamphrang Wankhar for culture and Dorita Wann for health.
Later on, the Governor distributed gift hampers to the differently-abled children at the lawns of the Raj Bhavan.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was also observed in all districts of the State.
The office of the East Khasi Hills District Social Welfare Officer in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, District Legal Services Authority, District Medical & Health Officer, East Khasi Hills District and Child Development Project Office, Mawkynrew observe the day at Jongksha village.
The highlights of the day are health checkups, sports activities, and distribution of gifts to all the differently-abled people who attended the programme.
In Tura, a function was held at Rongram C & RD Multi Facility Centre, Asanang near Tura. Singing and speech competitions were also organized and prizes were distributed to the winners along with the distribution of Aids and Appliances to the persons with disabilities during the programme.
In East Jaiñtia Hills, the day was observed at Holy Trinity School, Sutnga Pdengshnong, East Jaiñtia Hills District organised by the District Social Welfare Officer.
A free medical health check, singing and dancing competitions, games and sports was also held for the PWDs.
