CHURACHANDPUR: The district level International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 was observed at YMA Hall, Hmuia Veng, Churachandpur on Wednesday.
The observation, organised by the Social Welfare Department Office and Center for Community Initiative (CCI) was held under the global theme “Fostering Disability -Inclusive Societies for advancing Social Progress”. The event was attended by PWDs along with their parents and members of MHDDU, among others.
The occasion witnessed special items performed by the PWDs, including a music band ‘BandAble’ with all differently-abled members belting out devotional songs and a hearing impaired person from TMI performed a bamboo dance. Other highlights of the day included calligraphy performances by students of the Malsawm Initiative (run by CCI) and two other inclusive schools – Mercy Home and Little Gems Academy.
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Speaking at the event, District Social Welfare Officer Thienlaljoy Gangte pointed out that the day was first observed under the aegis of the UN in 1992 to accommodate the PWDs in the society as each of them has their talents or ability and urged all stakeholders to join hands for the betterment of the PWDs and to provide them a free environment.
The occasion was also attended by president of Manipur Hill District Disabled Union Siammuanthang, additional DC and SDO of Mualnuam.
Meanwhile, in Pherzawl district, the International Day of Persons With Disabilities 2025 was organised by the district administration and the District Social Welfare Office at the conference Hall, DC Office where the additional DC Joel G Haokip said that UN-designated day served as a reminder to uphold the rights and dignity of the differently- abled persons, calling for a shift from a charity driver mindset to inclusive approach that enables PWDs to take part in decision making and have equal access to government schemes.
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The additional DC also stressed the need to improve accessibility in public institutions, including hospital and schools on the occasion.
Pherzawl District DC Mannuamching, in her remarks, also noted that disabilities vary widely and the society’s changing attitudes have helped reduce stigma over the years.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment of inclusiveness, pointing out the three per cent reservation for persons with disabilities in government job vacancies, adding that such provisions have created new opportunities for them.
She also reminded the government officials and District Level Officers (DLOs) of their responsibility to encourage inclusiveness. “Being in a position to help is a blessing,” she said.
The Deputy Commissioner further informed that accessibility features, including ramps would be incorporated once construction of the Mini Secretariat in Pherzawl begins, ensuring improved accessibility in government infrastructure.
As part of the programme, the District Administration of Pherzawl District and Social Welfare Office distributed cash assistance and incentives to six persons with disabilities, reflecting the administration’s continued support for the welfare of differently-abled persons. The event was attended by ICDS officials, District Level Officers & staff and families of PWDs.