Internationally acclaimed magician Gopinath Muthukad enthralled the differently-abled children with his awe-inspiring magic at the Bishop Abraham Memorial Hall, Peace Centre at 7th Mile, Chümoukedima on Saturday.
Muthukad was in Chümoukedima as part of the ‘Inclusive India’ initiative organized by Different Art Centre with the support of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) and Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to spread the message of social inclusion of people with disabilities.
Combined with his mesmerizing magic, the magician, who has travelled to 56 countries and with 45 years of experience, is spreading the message of unity and empowerment for people with disabilities.
The event was graced by Nagaland governor, La Ganesan, as chief guest, and State Disability Commissioner Diethono Nakhro, as special guest. Speaking at the event, the governor highlighted the crucial role of inclusivity in building a diverse and empowered society to help the differently-abled realise their full potential.
Ganesan also stressed on the government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that champion equal opportunities for all. He said that recognising the contributions of people with disabilities was essential to the growth and unity of the nation.
Describing the specially-abled children at the front row as “children of God”, he said they ‘fulfil all the required qualities of a person.’ In her address, Diethono Nakhro said that an inclusive India was not just an ideal but a necessary reality that people must strive for.
She urged everyone to be advocates for an inclusive society where no one is left behind. Nakhro emphasised that social inclusion was about challenging mindsets, dismantling barriers, and fostering a community that celebrates differences.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by NEISSR principal, Dr. C.P. Anto, and concluded with a vote of thanks by All India Malyalee Association (AIMA) president, V. Abraham.
The event was hosted by North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) in partnership with the AIMA. The ‘Inclusive India’ – a travel campaign from Kanyakumari to Kashmir—kick started on World Cerebral Palsy Day on October 6 and would culminate on International Disability Day on December 3 at the Ambedkar Auditorium in New Delhi.
Children from Angels Home, a shelter for the differently-abled, and around 50 local school students from the locality attended the programme.