NAMCHI OBSERVES WORLD DISABILITY DAY Seeking a more inclusive society

NAMCHI, 03 Dec: Along with the rest of the world Namchi too observed World Disability Day today with differently-abled children here at Central Park. Vice Chairman, Namchi Municipal Council, NH Ansari was present as the chief guest accompanied by the HRDD Joint Director, South MK Rai, Deputy Director BR Bista, the teachers of Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Institute for the blind (JNMI), Boomtar Namchi, Assistant Education Officers & Resource Teachers from all 8 BACs of South district and inclusive education volunteers of all BACs.
Organised by the Inclusive Education, SSA HRDD, South on the theme “Break Barriers Open Doors for An Inclusive Society and Development for All”, the programme started with a rally at Central Park where the participating students carried placards around the area. The welcome address was delivered by Deputy Director HRDD South, BR Bista which was followed by opening song by the students of JNMI. Solo song, one act play and dance by the differently abled students made the programme more colourful.
While addressing the occasion chief guest, Mr. Ansari said that Sikkim has the lowest rate of disability in the country and if schemes like CATCH can be followed properly then one day it may come down to nil.
Reshma Tamang [Resource Teacher, Namchi BAC] while highlighting the aims and objectives of the programme said that this programme at Central Park Namchi has provided a platform to the differently abled to showcase their talents. This programme is being held to spread awareness among the common people about disability and the differently abled, she added.
Joint Director Mr. Rai in his address said that Sikkim at present has 0.8% disability which is the lowest in the country. The state government has started number of schemes for the differently abled students including employment schemes. Principal, JNMI Boomtar, Jeewan Rai also addressed the programme where he highlighted the rights and responsibilities of a differently abled person in a society. On the occasion two wheelchairs were donated to differently abled children by the HRDD, South Namchi.