Employees of Hope Cafe perform an action song during the programme at WSBAK Campus, Akuvuto on Monday. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 3
While much attention has been focused on the ongoing Hornbill Festival since December 1, there is a group that has engaged itself in a solemn yet joyous programme with the families of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) at Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (WSBAK) Campus Akuvuto, Thahekhu in Dimapur.
The Family Retreat was organized by Arukah Network: NE Cluster since December 1 under the theme, “Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Ensuring inclusiveness and Equality.” The Retreat culminated on Monday coinciding with World Disability Day and the day was observed in collaboration with NSLSA/DDLSA.
Parents of PwDs who shared about their 3-day stay at the Retreat said the event had opened their eyes about the way they perceived PwDs. “Initially, I felt ashamed to take my child out in social gatherings but the Family Retreat has totally changed my thoughts and from now on I will take out my child without any hesitation,” said one of the parents.
A single-parent mother whose husband pre-deceased her, said she was overjoyed to see her child enjoy the company of new friends and caretakers who were looking after the child even better than her. The visibly emotional mother said, “My eyes were filled with tears of joy when I saw my child joyously hugging a person as if he was hugging his father who passed away last year. They (volunteers/short term missionaries) were taking care of him even better than me.”
Another emotional scene was witnessed on stage when a PwD, Mughabeto was called up on the stage along with his friend James to present an item.
Pointing to his friend Mughabeto who was seated on a wheelchair, James said he had brought his friend to the Retreat from Niuland since his parents were unable to accompany him. “Though he is disabled, one good quality in him is that he can adjust with people,” James said as he watched his friend wipe tears of joy and camaraderie and he also paused for a while to contain his emotions.
Mughabeto said the retreat had taught him lot of new things to carry forward in life. The silent audience watching the emotional scene burst into laughter when Mughabeto humorously said “my face is about to explode out of nervousness.”
Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Sushil Kumar Patel, IAS who was the special guest referred to the bond of friendship shared between Mughabeto and James and said if everyone could share similar bonds with PwDs then there would be a feeling of oneness spreading joy and laughter in the society. He lauded the organizers for holding such event and encouraged the people to unite and work together spreading smiles wherever they go.
To the parents of PwDs, Sushil encouraged them saying, “No one is free from problems. God blessed you the chid because He knows you are strong and can handle it.” He informed that the district administration has appointed EAC (Hq) as the nodal officer to look into issues regarding PwDs and urged the people to feel free to approach the officer. The DC also thanked the five legislators of Dimapur district for allocating Rs 1 Lakh out of the LADP fund towards PwDs. Impressed with the positive outcome of the Family Retreat, the DC said such an event should not be the first and last but must continue.
Also exhorting the gathering, Women Secretary, WSBAK, Kakheli Zhimo encouraged the parents stating that God did not make a mistake while creating their child but He had a purpose and urged them to accept the situation.
President of Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF) recounted the experiences of how a separate cultural troupe of NSDF was formed and participated at a national event in Jamshedpur. He expressed gratitude to Director, Indigenous Cultural Society, Dr. Hesheto Y. Chishi for taking the pain in teaching folk songs and dances to the PwDs.
In her welcome note, Director, Prodigal’s Home, Dimapur, K. Ela said the Retreat was held for the first time and the programme proved beneficial for everyone with moments of happiness and joyful tears as they shared experiences with each other.
