Post news network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 2: To mark the International day for Persons with Disabilities, the state department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) is organising a two-day exhibition at Adivasi Ground in city, which will conclude Saturday.
SSEPD minister Usha Devi, who attended the event as chief guest, emphasised on the need to give the differently-abled equal oppurtunities at every spheres of life.
Various government departments, NGOs and private organisations exhibited their products and services for such people by setting up 61 stalls at the venue.
The occasion was also special because five stalls were given to members of the transgender community for the first time, where they have set up their trade.
11 PwDs were awarded for their exemplary achievements in various fields. Loma Swain, 16, a speech and hearing impaired girl who recently won two gold medals at the International Open Karate Championship in Sri Lanka was one of the achievers felicitated at the event.
Sanjay Kumar Swain, Loma’s father, also a martial artist, said “From her childhood she showed keen interest in martial arts. Initially, I trained her but now Hari sir, a professional teacher, trains her. She really gets excited when she participates in such tournaments.”
Her father added that Loma has won numerous competitions in Bangalore and Mumbai and has always competed in the general category, and not in the special one.
Loma wanted to continue as a Karate practitioner and represent India at various competitions. “She is very much serious about Karate but for this we are not getting any support from anywhere,” Sanjay said.
He pleaded help from the State in order for her daughter to fulfill her daughters dream for playing for India.
On the day, visually and hearing impaired kids, autistic children and kids suffering from multiple disorders among many others took part at the event enthusiastically.