International Day of Persons with Disabilities observed in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 3, 2021

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021 was celebrated in a befitting manner at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan, Shillong on Friday. The function was organised jointly by the Meghalaya Parents Association for Disabled and Raj Bhavan, Shillong where Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik attended the programme as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Satya Pal Malik stated that the Covid situation has given us the opportunity to understand some of the very critical issues and sufferings of the disability sector in Indian context. He also informed that India is one of the first countries to sign the mandate of United Nation Convention for Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and adopted 21 types of disabilities to frame the Laws at central and state level.

Malik also stated that the disability management in India cannot follow the Institutional model like many western countries; the Indian Family model is more suited as family members are the main dependents of differently-abled individuals. The perception is based on the fact that India has the advantage in providing strong community support and family support structure, India being a vast country and the disability is perennially so widely spread and so deeply imbedded that only Family model can serve the requirement, he added. He also mentioned that India being a sovereign country, India must come out of its colonial mindset structure and exercise its full right to portray the advantage of the Family model to the world community for having the better alternative solution to the issues of person with disability worldwide. This is the message needed to pass through world community from Meghalaya on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021, he added.

During the day, Certificate of Appreciation was given to Banrihunlang Myrthong in the field of Education; Silme D Marak in the field of Awareness; Showtheway Pakma in the field of Entrepreneurial; Banlamphrang Wankhar in the field of Cultural and Dorita Wann in the field of Health.

Later on, the Governor distributed gift hampers to the differently-abled children at the lawns of the Raj Bhavan. 

A similar programme was organized by the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills District in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, District Legal Services Authority, District Medical & Health Officer, East Khasi Hills District and Child Development Project Office, Mawkynrew at a function held at Jongksha village under Mawkynrew C&RD Block.

Chairperson, Child Welfare Committee, East Khasi Hills District J Shabong, graced the occasion as the chief guest in the presence of D Sohtun, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, N. Umdor, District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills District among others.

The highlights of the day are health checkups, sports activities, and distribution of gifts to all the differently-abled people who attended the programme.