JAMMU: Senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana today called for creating adequate opportunities for specially-abled persons to grow as proud and useful citizens in the society rather than taking pity on them that saps their morale.
“Society has to play a pivotal role towards empowerment and emancipation of specially-abled people so that they give their best in return and don’t become a burden,” Mr Rana said while addressing the valedictory function organized by National Federation of the Blind in Collaboration with Saksham Tek Fiesta Jammu and Handicapped Association J&K at Louis Braille Memorial Residential Schools for Girls at Roop Nagar here.
He observed that disability in any form is not a curse but a condition like any other condition among so-called normal people, which does not bar them from progression in their chosen fields. He referred to the contribution of differently-abled people towards the upliftment of society from times immemorial and said with the advent of age and technological advancement they have proved second to none. The only pre-requisite is to create conditions for their healthy growth, he added.
“The specially-abled might be lacking a certain physical ability but are generally blessed by Almighty with such a talent which differentiates and distinguishes them from others,” Rana observed, saying these capabilities needed to be harnessed in a productive manner for the overall benefit of the society. This is the least the society can do for their empowerment and self-dependence, he maintained.
Rana lauded the efforts of the management towards the overall development of especially abled girls, hoping that a mechanism is devised so that these important segments of society achieve self-reliance and self-confidence.
Seizing the opportunity, Rana paid tributes to Louis Braille for his revolutionary innovation that transformed the lives of generations. It is time to emulate the spirit of Braille and strive for more such innovations for the differently abled people, he added.
The speakers highlighted the initiatives taken over the years for imparting education to girls and shaping their destinies with a sense of commitment. They said the school is providing free quality education with residential facilities to sightless girls.
On the occasion, Rana also inaugurated a computer lab for the visually impaired girls and lauded the initiative in making them tech-savvy.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included Prof Kusum Lata Malik, President National Federation of Blind, MK Badyal Gen Secretary, Amarjeet, Neeraj Sharma, Secretaries, Rajesh Kumar, Youth Secretary, Arti Chandana, Abrar Ahmed Principal, Nivedita Shukla, Principal LBM School, Jammu, Varinder Langoo and others.
