International Day for Persons with Disabilities was celebrated at IMC Hall, Dimapur on December 3. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 3
District Level Committee for PWDs and Exodus Disabled People’s Organisation, Dimapur celebrated International Day for Persons with Disabilities at IMC Hall, Dimapur on December 3.
Held under the theme of ‘Amplifying the leadership of Persons with Disability for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,’ the event was graced by Justice Songkhupchung Serto, Chairperson for Nagaland State Human Rights Commission as special guest.
In his speech, Serto viewed that each person has been born with their own innate characteristics and purpose. “No one is less or better, we are all equal,” he said. In terms of a child’s upbringing, he noted that it is up to parents to determine who they will become for which special care and attention is needed.
For those born differently-abled, it is imperative to create a stimulative environment for your children. Therefore let us not look elsewhere on what others can or cannot do but focus on one’s capability to do something, he added.
Short speeches were also shared by representatives from different organisations and bodies. Rongsen Jamir, President of Exodus Federation stated that they have registered about 696 Persons with disabilities (PwDs) many of whom live below the poverty line.
As such, he highlighted that their achievements over the past year which included, process of 185 Unique Disability ID Cards, 77 free travel ID cards for travelling in public transport under NST. “We have helped 200 individuals get AAY ration cards to support their food needs,” he mentioned further.
The federation had also provided one year diploma training in computer skills and is currently in the process of obtaining railway concession cards for PwDs.
“While we are making progress, we also face many challenges, especially in Nagaland. One of the biggest issues is that most public places, Churches, and Government buildings do not have ramps for wheelchair access,” he noted. This makes it difficult for many disabled people to move around freely.
He appealed to the Churches, Government departments, and public spaces to build ramps and make their places more accessible for everyone.
“We are also in talks with the CMO of the District Hospital in Dimapur to set up a separate counter for disabled outpatients, especially those with mobility issues and visual impairments. This will help them access health care without facing too many difficulties,” he said.
Nsungbeni Kinghen, BPM representative from Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission meanwhile shared on the initiatives taken up under Dimapur for PwDs. One such has been the setting up of Self help Groups (SHGs) for them with a provision for providing special funds, she said.
Other speakers were Dr Villo Naleo from Blessed Bonding, Itwapungbe, NSDF member, Sangto Longchar from DDLSA and Shikato Zhimo, senior inspector of District welfare office, Dimapur.
Special presentations were also delivered by Angel Home, Dimapur and Special Olympics Nagaland.
