Dimapur, January 6 (MExN): Making an effort to create awareness on the plight of disabled people in Nagaland, Nagaland Mercy Mission (NMM), in association with World Vision, Dimapur Town Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship, CBR non-government organisations and Highland Dawn Media, organised a musical event entitled “let them be heard,” in Dimapur today. The event saw government agencies, NGOs, the church, media and the entertainment industry join hands for the first time to raise awareness on the issue. There were performances by Naga Idol contestants, gospel music band Divine Connection and people with special needs.
A concert for people with special needs
A concert for people with special needs
Reverend Mar Imsong of NMM told media persons prior to the concert that, the primary objective is to create awareness and help create a support system for the disabled in Nagaland. He emphasised on the role needed to be played by churches in Nagaland to help this section of people. “Without the church we can do nothing,” he said. He said churches must make themselves accessible to disabled people.
He also said political will is needed to elevate the status of disabled people in the state; to make them feel a part of society and provide facilities to improve their living conditions. NMM, which will soon be setting up a rehabilitation centre for disabled in Dimapur, added that partnership with NGOs is much needed in order to achieve its goals.
Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare, Chotisu Sazo, in his address at the musical event said that, Naga society needs to create awareness on the disability issue. He lamented that the society still considers disability a curse, therefore, the attitude of people must shift towards accommodating disabled persons into the mainstream. He said that the government alone cannot change things, and sought the support and help of NGOs, churches and public. He also urged NGOs working in the field of disability to rededicate to their aims and objectives.
Sazo pointed out that the state government is providing monetary assistance in the form of loans and pension to nearly 3,500 people with different forms of disability. He encouraged the disabled people to also come forward to avail government aid and benefits.
He also said political will is needed to elevate the status of disabled people in the state; to make them feel a part of society and provide facilities to improve their living conditions. NMM, which will soon be setting up a rehabilitation centre for disabled in Dimapur, added that partnership with NGOs is much needed in order to achieve its goals.
Parliamentary Secretary for Social Welfare, Chotisu Sazo, in his address at the musical event said that, Naga society needs to create awareness on the disability issue. He lamented that the society still considers disability a curse, therefore, the attitude of people must shift towards accommodating disabled persons into the mainstream. He said that the government alone cannot change things, and sought the support and help of NGOs, churches and public. He also urged NGOs working in the field of disability to rededicate to their aims and objectives.
Sazo pointed out that the state government is providing monetary assistance in the form of loans and pension to nearly 3,500 people with different forms of disability. He encouraged the disabled people to also come forward to avail government aid and benefits.
