“Divyang persons face disabilities, but they are blessed with special talents. They need to be given platform to bring to fore their special talents so as to bring them into mainstream of society. Divyangs are often neglected section of society. It is important to extend to them a helping hand for their all-round development,” said Vimala R, District Collector.

The District Collector was speaking at a programme organised at Muk va Badhir Vidyalaya, Shankar Nagar, on Friday to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Yogesh Kumbhejkar, Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad (ZP); Dr Siddharth Gaikwad, Regional Deputy Commissioner, Social Welfare Department; Abhijit Deshmukh, Secretary of District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and Civil Judge (Senior Division); Kamalkishor Futane, Additional Chief Executive Officer of ZP; Kishor Bhoyar, District Social Welfare Officer; Ashish Bothra, Dr Jaya Shiwalkar shared the dais on the occasion.

In her speech, Vimala R shed light on the inspiring story of Helen Keller and said that Divyang persons had special abilities to excel in this world irrespective of physical disabilities. Pointing out that Muk va Badhir Vidyalaya was celebrating 75th anniversary, she suggested to them to organise various programmes aimed at empowerment of Divyang persons. She assured to extend all possible help to Divyang persons for their all-round welfare, and to resolve issues faced by them.

Kumbhejkar spoke on efforts taken by ZP to resolve the issues faced by Divyang persons. Treatment will be provided to Divyang persons at Nelson Hospital and Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital.

Further, ZP will be organising a camp for distribution of Disability Certificate to eligible applicants. Already, 1,600 certificates have been distributed. He cited the example of IAS officer Pranjal Patil and urged the Divyang persons to excel in education. He also shed light on Gharkul Yojana for Divyang persons and their parents.

Earlier, Dr Siddharth Gaikwad made introductory remarks and spoke on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He raised the demand of starting a residential school in city for Divyang children for studies after Std X.

At the outset, the guests lighted the traditional lamp to mark formal inauguration of the programme. To mark the occasion, various events including rangoli competition, street-play competition were organised. Vimala R felicitated teacher Shyam Patil, social worker Archana Rathod, and others for their contribution towards empowerment of Divyang persons. Dr Sangole proposed a vote of thanks.