Drawing competition organized for PwDs

As part of ‘Jan Bhagidari’, an exclusive drawing competition was organised for person with disabilities (PwDs), at Deaf Biblical Ministry (DBM), Naharbari, Dimapur on Friday.
The event was organised by department of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India Ministry of Labour and Employment (DGE) National Career Service Center for Differently Abled Dimapur, and co – sponsored by SD Jain charitable clinic secretary Narendra Jain. Around 60 skill trainees participated in the event and a separate competition was conducted for visually challenged trainees and other category of (Hearing & Orthopedically) challenged trainees.
Judges for the competition were principal DBM Christina Walling, employment officer Kahoto K Zhimomi and young professional NCS Yapangsangla Longkumer.
Speaking on the occasion as guest of honor, State Commissioner for PwDs, Diethono Nakhro emphasised that Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) encompassed all aspects of life and ensured that PwDs have access to quality education. She lamented that the provision of equal opportunities for PwDs as equal citizens was something that has not been guaranteed historically, and even to this day there were so many barriers and obstacles that prevent disabled people from living full and active lives. She admitted that the society has architectural and communication barriers, but the biggest among the barriers was attitudinal – the negative attitude that most people have towards disability and people living with disabilities.
She said stereotyping, stigma, and discrimination were the challenges PwDs face every day and these kinds of attitudes was the basis of all other barriers that lead to exclusion of persons with disabilities.
Nakhro, mentioned that under the Rights of PwDs Act 2016, several provisions to safeguard the rights of PwDs have been laid down and ensure their full and effective participation and inclusion in society. She claimed that in Nagaland, there were huge neglect in disability sector for which it lacked behind in so many ways, such as rehabilitation services, educational services, disability professionals.
However, she said, changes were taking place in the state, where the disability movement has grown, public awareness has improved, state government were also responsive and various laws have been implemented.
She further acknowledged Deaf Biblical Ministry for their commitment and dedication for the disabled community, particularly the deaf community, noting that the impact of their work were evident in the lives they have touched within the deaf community.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by young professional Yapangsangla Longkumer, invocation by Rev. Yanger Walling, welcome address by Asst. Director NCSC-DA Dimapur Dr. T. Mohan, special address by district employment officer, Gideon L Sumi and secretary, SD Jain charitable clinic Narendra Jain.