Badhte Kadam-III kicks off
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 14 2011: To highlight the issues of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and solicit public support ahead of the UN Convention on Rights of PWDs, Badhte Kadam-111 Campaign has begun from today under the aegis of Spastic Society of Manipur.

The campaign was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West Ashokumar during a function at GM Hall here today.

Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur Maniram Sharma and Additional SP of Imphal West Dr A Jhaljit were also present at the occasion.

Delivering the key note address of the function, Secretary of Spastic Society of Manipur L Tokendra Ricky explained that Badhte Kadam-III is a nationwide campaign being launched under the auspices of National Trust, a statutory body of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment working on issues related to disabilities like Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.

The campaign aims at not just empowering and enabling PWDs to access various Government schemes but also change the public attitude towards PWDs.

The campaign is being carried out ahead of the UN Convention on Rights of PWDs.

The campaign would go on till December 3 and various programmes like quiz, talent show, poster and photo exhibition, etc would be organized during the course of the campaign with a view to create a network of people who would come out to help PWDs to rehabilitate and integrate in the society.

Adds Newmai News Network: A number of disabled persons performed various items like mimicry, fashion parade, song, etc.

at the inaugural function.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kumar, IAS, said, "The subtle performances of the physically challenged brothers and sisters of ours are indeed very beautiful and quite encouraging.

They have extraordinary talents that normal people do not possess." He said disabled persons also have showed the same abilities that normal people can do almost at the same level.

He also urged that the people with disability should not conceal their talents and capacities.

Ashok Kumar also expressed hope that more people with physically challenged will come out and share with us after this campaign.

Laishram Token, general secretary, Spastic Society Manipur informed that this year, Badhte kadam 3 is scheduled from November 14- December 3 in seven districts of Manipur including Tamenglong, Sugnu and Moreh.

The Spastic Society said through Bhadhte Kadam, it wants to create awakening in the society, especially to the students regarding changing lifestyles that causes disabilities and that they also have duties and responsibilities towards their fellow men who are less fortunate and together we can help them live a life of dignity and happiness.

Bhadhte Kadam (stepping ahead holding hands) is a massive awareness campaign of national trust to bring a fresh new perspective that would help people with disability live as one among us, with much rights and responsibilities, of course with some support.

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