JAMMU: The district administrations across Jammu Division on Tuesday hosted vibrant events to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities in consonance to this year’s theme of “Amplifying leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.”
The events featured felicitation of PwDs and a series of activities and initiatives to promote inclusivity of the specially-abled persons in the socio economic development.
At Ramban, Under the overall guidance of Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, the Social Welfare Department Ramban, in collaboration with other stakeholders observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to promote inclusivity and empowerment of specially-abled individuals and recognize their contribution towards society.
The event brought together multiple departments and institutions. The celebrations commenced with a facilitation ceremony, where specially-abled individuals were honored for their resilience and achievements. The program emphasized the need to foster a more inclusive society by addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and providing them with opportunities for growth and self-reliance.
A special health check-up camp was organized, where medical experts provided consultations and personalized health advice to persons with special needs. The initiative ensured access to essential healthcare services for participants.
Principal of Polytechnic College Ramban, Vivek Mahajan, led a skill development seminar focusing on creating opportunities for specially-abled persons in technical fields. The seminar aimed to empower participants with the skills needed to achieve economic independence and integration into the workforce.
The Education Department contributed by organizing debates, quizzes and creative competitions in schools and colleges across the district. These activities raised awareness about the rights and potential of persons with disabilities, promoting inclusivity among students.
A special session by a medical expert provided valuable insights into the health and well-being of specially-abled individuals. Additionally, a short movie showcasing inspiring stories of resilience and success among differently-abled individuals was screened, leaving a lasting impact on attendees.
At Poonch: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated with great enthusiasm here in the Multipurpose Hall of Krishan Chander Memorial Degree College.
The program featured a vibrant cultural presentation by local artists, while students of the college shared their thoughts on the significance of World Disability Day. Specially-abled individuals also took the opportunity to express their views, highlighting the importance of inclusion and support.
In his address, the Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities. He outlined various initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for PWDs, including financial assistance, free education, medical care, and vocational programs.
As a gesture of support, the Deputy Commissioner presented sanction letters for Scooties and presented wheelchairs and blankets to disabled individuals in attendance, reinforcing the message of dignity and respect for all.
At Doda: The Department of Social Welfare celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with a special event at the Community Hall, Doda.
The event was graced by DDC Chairman, Dhananter Singh Kotwal, as the chief guest, along with Additional Deputy Commissioner Sudershan Kumar. The program was supported by the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO).
DDC Chairman lauded the Social Welfare Department’s efforts and highlighted the achievements of internationally acclaimed icon Sheetal Devi. The chief guest distributed various assistive devices to beneficiaries, including 5 battery-operated tricycles, 1 joystick-operated wheelchair, 21 standard wheelchairs, 1 smartphone for assistive use, 2 teaching-learning kits, and 25 sticks with seats. The program also featured activities promoting awareness and showcasing the talents of persons with disabilities, underscoring the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities.
At RAJOURI: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed with enthusiasm here at Dak Bungalow in presence of Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma. The DC interacted with differently-abled persons and emphasized the collective responsibility of society to ensure equality and accessibility for all.
The DC drew attention to inspiring achievements, mentioning Sheetal Devi, a para-archer from Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, who recently won a bronze medal in the mixed team compound event at the 2024 Paralympics. He emphasized that such role models must be celebrated to inspire and encourage other differently-abled individuals to strive for excellence.
District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO), Abdul Raheem, provided updates on key initiatives. He shared that 945 beneficiaries have recently been covered under welfare schemes, with prosthetic aids provided to them. Legal aid for differently-abled persons is also being actively facilitated through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). Furthermore, pensions for physically disabled persons are timely sanctioned under the Integrated Social Security Scheme (IGDPS).
Later, the DC gave away tricycles and prosthetic aid kits to beneficiaries, encouraging them to pursue their aspirations with confidence.
At Reasi: In observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Social Welfare Department Reasi organized a significant event here in Government Degree College.
Several individuals with disabilities showcased their talents through musical performances and shared their personal experiences, highlighting how they have benefitted from various social schemes of the Government of UT of J&K and aid provided by the District Administration, Reasi.
Hearing Aids were distributed to the beneficiaries as part of the initiative. A free health check up camp was also organized for the Divyangjans by AYUSH Reasi at the venue.
The program culminated with a prize distribution ceremony, where participants, including students with disabilities, were honored with trophies and certificates for their active participation
At Udhampur: Department of Social Welfare Udhampur celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with great fervour and enthusiasm in collaboration with Divyang Ashram.
Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai graced the event as chief guest and Sub Judge Ajay Sharma was the guest of honour of the program.
The DC highlighted the importance of celebrating such events and also talked about giving due importance to divyangjans in every sphere of governance. She urged the masses to show empathy with divyangjans and not sympathy.
The day brought together a series of events starting with sport events such as wheelchair race, carrom and chess to support and uplift the specially-abled community.
The celebrations continued with cultural performances such as song performed by visually impaired person, dance performance by girl with down syndrome, a group dance by students of Asha school who were all intellectually challenged, mime by GCW Udhampur, skit and folk dance by Desi Dogre group and lastly KUD dance by girls of GHSS Udhampur.
The event concluded with a facilitation ceremony, where specially-abled individuals and performers for the day as well as winner and runner-up in different sports activities were honored for their resilience and achievements.
Residential School for Visually Impaired, Roop Nagar, under District Child Protection Unit, Department of Social Welfare, Jammu celebrated “International Day for Persons with Disabilities” with vibrant performances by the students including dance and singing.
The event was attended by District Child Protection Officer Jammu Nawaz Sharief as Chief Guest. Sheraz Inayat Malik, Protection Officer (I.C) DCPU Jammu and Vikrant Narwalia Superintendent, (Residential School for Visually Impaired, Roop Nagar) also hosted the event and the whole staff of Child Care Institution.
The celebration highlighted the talent and resilience of visually impaired children, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and support.
The inmates were also facilitated for their various achievements.