Adoption awareness drive for ‘Divyaang Children’

The Nagaland Adoption Awareness Programme on “Promoting Non-Institutionalized Rehabilitation of Children with Special Needs (Divyaang Children)” was held at the Auditorium Hall, SIRD Kohima, on April 8, 2026. Sponsored by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), Ministry of Women & Child Development, and organized by the State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA) under Mission Vatsalya, Department of Social Welfare, the programme brought together stakeholders from all 17 districts of the state.
Participants included representatives from the District Administration, Chief Medical Officers, District Child Protection Units, Specialized Adoption Agencies, Department of Social Welfare, SARA, State Child Protection Society and Child Welfare Committees. The programme sought to promote awareness on inclusive adoption and the importance of family-based care for children with special needs.
Addressing the gathering, T. Aoakhum Longchar, Additional Director, department of Social Welfare, described adoption as an act of love and hope, stressing that Divyaang children must be recognized for their abilities rather than limitations. He urged society to replace judgment with understanding and ensure every child grows up with dignity and equal opportunities.
In her keynote address, Yongchingkumla, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, emphasized that challenges faced by Divyaang children often arise from social attitudes rather than disabilities. She called for inclusive education, equal opportunities, and greater awareness, noting that “family is built on love, not biology.”
A short film titled “Not Perfect but Precious” was screened, delivering a strong message on acceptance and the importance of family-based care.
During the open session, Nikito Zhimomi, DCPO Chumoukedima, and N.T. Kikon, Managing Director of Wondang-Ki Charitable Foundation (SAA), presented an overview of the district-level scenario concerning children with special needs. They shared ongoing initiatives, best practices in non-institutionalized rehabilitation, and outlined future plans to strengthen community-based care, enhance stakeholder coordination and encourage adoption.
In the technical session, Ritu Rani Bhankur, Junior Professional, CARA, delivered a detailed presentation on the Adoption Regulations, 2022, with emphasis on provisions for children with special needs. She explained the legal framework, procedural safeguards and best practices to ensure transparent and ethical adoption. Addressing common grievances of prospective adoptive parents, she offered clarifications to streamline processes and highlighted the roles of key stakeholders including district administration, DCPOs, CMOs, DCPUs, SAAs, SARA, SCPS and CWCs in safeguarding children’s rights and well-being.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Renchumi Imti, Programme Manager, SARA, who expressed gratitude to all speakers and participants.
She urged collective responsibility to strengthen awareness, encourage adoption and promote non-institutionalized rehabilitation for the holistic development of Divyaang children.