Nagaland chief minister TR Zeliang assured to extend all possible assistance to persons with disabilities after witnessing the impressive performances of the differently abled children from various schools and centre at the event organized by Nagaland Parents Association for Disabled (NAPAD) at State Banquet hall, Kohima on Monday.
Children from G.Rio school, Tabitha Enabling Academy, Jo Foundation Inclusive School and ENABLE showcased their talents through action songs.
According to CMO, the chief minister also donated Rs. 6 lakh to NAPAD that could be utilized for the cause of differently abled persons.
Reminding the gathered crowd, which also included some legislators, Zeliang said, “Disability is not a curse, but God created each individual differently and with a purpose, and everyone is unique and talented and with determination nothing is impossible to achieve”.
He said the children through their act have displayed that nothing is impossible. Not only this, many of the differently abled have excelled in sports and other fields, Zeliang said.
In this regard, he called upon the people to continue to encourage and include them in the society.
Further, he lauded the parents in treating the differently abled without any discrimination and acknowledged teachers for their sacrifice and hard work, admitting that it was not an easy task. He urged them to continue to give their best effort in the great mission.
Delivering short speech, state commissioner disability Dr. Atha Vizol said, “Because of ignorance and lack of information about the disability many disabled differently abled children are deprived, stigmatized and isolated”.
According to Dr. Vizol, Nagaland has a total population of nearly 20 lakh and as per 2011 census the state has have about 29,631 PWDs (People With Disability).
He therefore, urged the church leaders to act and start sensitizing the public in understanding the PWDs, like those churches in USA and Australia which have initiated active role in helping PWDs.
Dr. Vizol further added that the church should act as a platform in creating awareness and educating the people to change the attitude toward inclusion of differently abled in all areas. Short speeches were delivered by minister of Forest & Environment Dr Nicky Kire, chairman ENABLE Neikule Doulo and GS NAPAD Kapochu Naleo.
Earlier, welcome speech was delivered by Daniel Thong Seb, Vice President NAPAD and vote of thanks by Zale Lohe, Co-ordinator BK NAPAD.
The function began with an invocation by State Chaplin Rev Kuzierang Thou. All children participants, teachers and parents were handed Christmas hampers.
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