Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 3: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakina Itoo today emphasized on the need for accessibility and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities in order to create a more inclusive society for them.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing an event organized by Samagra Shiksha, J&K at the Convention Centre here to commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities-2024.
Principal Secretary, School Education, Suresh Kumar Gupta; Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare, Sheetal Nanda; Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, Director School Education Jammu, Director Social Welfare Jammu, Principals of various colleges and educational institutions, senior officers of Social Welfare Department, School Education Department and Samagra Shiksha, resource persons and large number of students were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo acknowledged the resilience and strength of individuals with disabilities, who continue to demonstrate remarkable courage in overcoming day to day challenges. She emphasized on the need for support and inclusivity of the differently able persons in our society for shaping their future.
The Minister said, “we need to unveil the potential of individuals with disabilities and ensure they have better access to education, healthcare, employment and public spaces. Just like us, they also have a right to live a life of dignity and opportunity”.
While speaking on this year’s theme of International Day of Persons with Disabilities- ‘Amplifying the leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future’, Sakina Itoo called upon establishing a ‘Disability Inclusive Society’ where every person, regardless of their physical or intellectual limitations, can lead a life of dignity. She stressed that breaking down societal stereotypes and prejudices surrounding disabilities is essential for creating an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity in all its forms.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Secretary School Education said that we need to build a society where persons with disabilities are fully integrated into the fabric of society and they can live, work, and thrive alongside their peers.
Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare, in her address said that the differently able students are not lacking any talent and by giving them opportunity today, they showcased their hidden abilities. She added that the concept of inclusive education for differently able persons is remarkable step to address the issues of these students.
Project Director, Samagra Shiksha in his welcome address gave a detailed presentation on different initiatives of Samagra Shiksha for the welfare of differently able students.
On the occasion, the Minister also honoured several students who brought laurels to Jammu and Kashmir during recently held Anjali International Festival at Orissa. She also distributed medals and trophies among students who excelled in different categories of sports as well as academics.
During the event, the differently able students presented remarkable cultural performances, which left audience spellbound.
Earlier, Sakina Itoo also distributed motorised Tricycles and Scooties among differently able beneficiaries of Social Welfare Department.
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