GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES HAVE MADE SIGNIFICANT STRIDES IN ENSURING EQUAL RIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVYANJAN IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
LOKSABHA SPEAKER APPLAUDS THE ROLE OF NGOs IN SUPPLEMENTING GOVT’S EFFORTS FOR HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIETY
LOKSABHA SPEAKER PRESENTS BRAILLE VERSION OF CONSTITUTION TO DIVYANGJAN
ABILYMPICS COMPETITION PROVIDE VALUABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TO SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS: LOK SABHA SPEAKER
Gurugram (Haryana) 07 December 2024: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla said that Divyangjan are an essential part of nation’s march towards progress based on the mantra of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” which aims to include every individual, class, and community in India’s development. He added that one must ensure that every person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to equal opportunities and rights.
Addressing the 11th National Conference on Disability and the 11th National Abilympics competition in Gurugram on Friday, he said that the platform provides an important opportunity to work for the empowerment and inclusion of people with disabilities, and to showcase their talents. He added that such efforts help create favourable conditions and infrastructure for people with disabilities across the country. Highlighting special abilities of Divyangjan, Loksabha Speaker urged all the Honorable Members of Parliament to make efforts to provide a platform to Divyangjan’s talents. On the occasion, Shri Birla also presented the Braille version of Constitution to Divyangjan.
Shri Birla observed that the National Abilympics competition allows participants to demonstrate their abilities and shows society that with determination, nothing can stop one from achieving one’s goals. He observed that for India to become an egalitarian society, one must bring people with disabilities into the mainstream.
Underlining that the government’s efforts are key to the holistic development and progress of the society, Shri Birla said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government has been carrying out this task with vision and urgency. He noted that the government’s initiatives, such as the “Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act,” and the “Accessible India Campaign,” have made significant strides in ensuring equal rights and opportunities for Divyanjan in education, employment, and other sectors.
Applauding the role of non-governmental organizations in supplementing Government’s efforts, Shri Birla appreciated the efforts of the Sarthak Educational Trust and National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), who have reached and empowered over 3.3 million Divyangjan. Shri Birla said that it is crucial to include Divyangjan in the nation’s progress towards Atmanirbharta. Speaking about schemes like the “Divyang Pension Scheme” he said that these programs help to improve the economic conditions of Divyangjan. He added that these efforts help people with disabilities feel more connected to the mainstream and boost their morale. In this context, Shri Birla noted with pride the impressive performance of Indian athletes at the Paris Paralympic Games, where they won 29 medals, including 7 gold medals.
Shri Birla expressed happiness that the competition was focussing on skills-based events and technological innovations. He said that in the digital age, one must ensure that Divyangjan can not only benefit from technological advances but also contribute to them. He added that it is the nation’s responsibility to ensure the participation of Divyangjan in campaigns like Startup India, Make in India, and Digital India. He called on the participants to come together to create a nation where every individual, regardless of their abilities, has equal opportunities to achieve their dreams and contribute to the progress of India.
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