Bhubaneswar: On the eve of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities organised a state-level seminar Tuesday at the SOA University conference hall.
RS Gopalan, Departmental Commissioner and Principal Secretary, attended as the chief guest.
Odisha is marking the occasion with a three-day festival at SOA University.
In his address, Gopalan stated that to bring meaningful transformation in the lives of persons with disabilities, collective responsibility is essential.
Along with the effective implementation of plans and schemes, forward-looking thinking is also necessary.
“The development of persons with disabilities contributes directly to the progress of the state and the nation.
Therefore, it is important to ensure accountability and make service delivery more inclusive,” he said.
He advised that more beneficiaries should be included in the various welfare schemes implemented by the government for persons with disabilities, as this will help achieve the intended goals.
He also expressed hope that discussions with representatives from Goa regarding the initiatives taken in their state and the positive outcomes achieved would help Odisha in framing better strategies for the development of persons with disabilities.
On the occasion, prominent speakers included Shruti Mohapatra, founder of Swabhiman; Prof PK Nanda, Vice-Chancellor of SOA University; Justice Durgaprasanna Choudhury, Chairman of Lingaraj Temple Administration; Sushri Parul Patawari, Departmental Director; and G Subramanyam from Sightsavers India.
In the seminar’s open session, Taha Hajik, Secretary to the Disability Commissioner of Goa; Advocate Sushri Kanchana Pamnani of the Mumbai High Court; Sushri Pallavi Kadam, Executive of NAB India, Mumbai; Vijayini Mishra, Assistant Professor at Maitree College, Delhi University; Prof Dayal Singh Panwar, National President of Saksham; Mahanthesh GK, Managing Trustee and Founder of Samarthanam Trust, Bengaluru; and Durjyadhan Nahak, Professor at Delhi University, shared their insights. Deputy Secretary Sannyasi Behera welcomed the guests.
On the occasion, outstanding sportspersons who excelled at the state and national levels were felicitated.
This was followed by a cultural programme presented by students with disabilities.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Financial Advisor Jayashree Tripathi.