Bhubaneswar: Physical disability is not a barrier to individual growth and success. Everything depends on attitude and willpower, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) here, Sunday.
Speaking at an event on virtual mode here, the Chief Minister said the society and the families of differently-abled persons should bring transformation in their attitude to enable them to march ahead with self-confidence. They must be encouraged at all levels, he said. “The people with special needs have shown their potential in various fields. They have created their identity in art, literature, education, sports and several other fields. The state government has regularly encouraged them with special welfare schemes and will continue to do so in future also,” Patnaik said. The CM praised internationally acclaimed badminton player Pramod Bhagat as a youth icon of the country and urged the PwDs to identify their potential and establish themselves. Minister of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Ashok Panda spoke on activities and programmes undertaken by the government for the welfare of PwDs, SDG targets, enhancement of opportunities in the field of employment, self-employment, skill development, digital literacy and use of technology in different interventions.
Principal Secretary of Skilled Development and Technical Education Usha Padhee said the PwDs have become inspirational sources for society despite their challenges and barriers. BMC Mayor Sulochana Das, MLA and Bhubaneswar (North) Sushant Kumar Rout, also spoke on the occasion. Bisnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary, SSEPD department, in his welcome address, described the significance of the celebration and emphasised social justice along with inclusive growth and also spoke on the occasion. The three-day mega event included a huge assembly of PwD students, teachers, NGO representatives, social engineers and civil society workers.
In a colourful function at KIIT University Campus to mark the event, the guests on dias deliberated on various issues related to PwDs such as the theme of the year, activities and programmes undertaken by the government for their welfare, SDG targets, enhancement of opportunities in the field of employment, self-employment, skill development and even digital literacy and use of technology in different interventions for their welfare.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP