For an Inclusive Nagaland

SON launches torch run and flame of hope

DIMAPUR, APRIL 15 (MExN): Nagaland governor, Dr. Ashwani Kumar, has expressed optimism about an “Inclusive Nagaland” where there is no discrimination on grounds of disability or disparity of health or wealth.

Inaugurating the mass awareness campaign (torch run and flame of hope) organized by Special Olympics Nagaland here at DDSC Stadium on Tuesday, the governor said it is a matter of satisfaction that in Nagaland, there are so many “noble organizations” and kind people working for the differently-abled.

“This flame of Hope which we have lit today with the torch brought by these special athletes signifies the desire of the people assembled here for an ‘Inclusive Nagaland’”, Kumar said after lighting the ‘Flame of Hope.”  The governor also commented on the commendable culture of Naga people, who according to Kumar, are known for visiting hospitals and looking after welfare of the sick and needy.

Kumar said that though every human being may be born different and brought up differently with several disparities in health, however, the society and the state should take the onus to see that each and every member are given equal consideration.

In this regard, the governor commented that while crores of rupees have been spent by the Government of India and Nagaland on construction of stadiums and sports complexes in the state, these venues remained “underutilized” for most of the years.

He said the case of Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, constructed in 2003, had been hardly been in use.  He suggested that instead of the stadium lying waste, the facility could be used for holding Special Olympics and sports meet for the differently abled.

To buttress his argument, the governor cited the example of China, where after the Olympics Games in Beijing in 2008, the international Paralympics was held in September 2008 in the same stadium and World Special Olympics in Shanghai which was held in the year 2007 before the actual Olympics.

He said the gesture of the Chinese government had clearly sent a message to the world that there was need to give equal importance and full consideration to the people with special needs.

“The state government and society must utilize these facilities and provide more opportunities to our children to improve their physical health, stamina and competitive spirit”, Kumar said.

On the occasion, the governor also presented certificates to special athletes who have won various medals at national and international Special Olympics Games.

MLA and chairman, Nagaland State Mineral Development Corporation (NSMDC) N. Thomas Lotha, who led the ‘Torch Run’ from Clock Tower to DDSC Stadium, in his address said the state government has in its “priority list” the construction of a Regional Training Institute for differently-abled persons in Dimapur. Thomas urged the governor to use his good office to remind the centre on the institute.