Inclusive Education awareness drive in Dimapur

A one-day awareness program on “Early Intervention and Inclusive Quality Education” was held at GPS Industrial Village here on Saturday. The event was organised in collaboration with Blessed Bonding (NGO) and sponsored by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, graced the occasion as special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Tinojongshi underscored the importance of early intervention in addressing developmental challenges, mentioning that while parents bear primary responsibility, the community must also play a collective role.
He lauded initiatives like Angel Home and called for inclusive education to be implemented across all schools. Encouraging students to remain motivated, he cited examples of Stephen Hawking and Stevie Wonder to illustrate how individuals with disabilities can achieve excellence.
Qualified Behavioural Therapist and Clinical Director at KÜNRI, Beni Seb Chishi, spoke on the significance of early intervention, explaining that timely support can mitigate developmental delays. She highlighted the role of neuroplasticity in learning and stressed that early identification is key to improving long-term outcomes. Chishi outlined the multidisciplinary nature of intervention, involving medical professionals, therapists, and educators.
Inclusive Education (IE) resource person under Samagra Shiksha, Loyilo Kikon, elaborated on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which guarantees equal access to education and employment. She shared that her team works with schools to identify children with special needs and facilitate access to government schemes, including scholarships, medical assessments, and assistive devices.
CIHSR Developmental Paediatrics representative, Orentsani N Kithan, spoke on early screening and assessment, noting that many developmental disabilities remain undetected until school age. She emphasized the importance of monitoring speech, motor skills, and behaviour, and cited CDC guidelines recommending screenings at specific milestones. Kithan urged parents and educators to act promptly, stating that early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
The program also featured presentations by students from GPS Industrial Village, Angel Home, and Signal Angami, as well as testimonies from parents and remarks by State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, ADC and secretary Theodore Yanthan, and AEO Sr. SDEO G. Jolly Zhimomi.
Earlier, the event was chaired by PT Keren Sumi, with invocation by DABA Associate Pastor Imnatoshi Longkumer, welcome address by TOT Dimapur Urban Carne Chishi, and vote of thanks delivered by Blessed Bonding general secretary Shanchamo Yanthan.
Over 60 delegates attended the program, with participation from schools including GPS Sunjem, GPS Kacharigoan, GPS Naga New Model Ao, GPS NNM Lotha, and Maple Tree School.