STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: “Inclusion is the key for prosperity,” the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha said on Monday. He said in the past few years, the government’s efforts were focused on ensuring all members of society participate fully in J&K’s developmental journey and people with special abilities are able to unlock their potential and contribute to greater prosperity and social stability. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking at the 45th Foundation Day of School for the hearing impaired run by J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra.
The Lieutenant Governor also observed that several forces based abroad and also in India are trying to stop the progress of the country. He said this conspiracy has been hatched by certain elements but no power can stop our march towards developed India.
“India will emerge more powerful defeating the challenges and hurdles created by certain elements. No one can stop our rise,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, called for implementing inclusive rehabilitation measures for people with special abilities and ensuring equal opportunities for them in education and employment.
He highlighted the four important aspects for empowerment of people with special abilities. First, identifying their strengths and promoting them, secondly, to create an inclusive environment that helps them in independent thinking and taking independent decisions, thirdly, to provide full support to their decision-making abilities and fourthly, to create a conducive environment for self-learning and self-improvement.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid homage to Dr. R.R. Khajuria, founder of J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra and commended all the members of the organisation for their selfless service to the society.
He assured every possible support and assistance to J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra for the smooth functioning of the school. He called upon the corporate houses, business community, and citizens to come forward and contribute to this noble endeavour.
The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the children with special abilities for presenting enthralling performances to mark the occasion.
Earlier over 55 Divyang students presented a unique musical show which astounded the Jam-packed auditorium of Jammu club.
The performance of the Divyang artists, one item after another, was amazing. It was incredible to see their steps and body moments of these artists who cannot hear and speak, fully synced with musical notes and rhythm of songs on which they danced.
Opening with the late Padma Sachdeva ‘as Dogre Han’ song and ending with thrilling Punjabi Giddha making the audience forget that these artists cannot hear. The grand finale was the national song presented by them in Sign language. It was a unique musical evening never hosted in Jammu.
Vaniket and Seema Sharma choreographed the dances and National Anthem in sign language.
The President of SKK, K B Jandial in his welcome address thanked the Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha who as Chairman, SMVDS Board had provided special financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh annually for the last three years and extended this help to another three years to pull the SKK out of financial crisis which he described as Sanjeevni for Divyangjan.
He described another decision to hand over one of the two buildings at Swami Chaitanya Complex Bohri for use by Divyangjan as momentous and said that nobody has ever cared for these Divyangjan as He has done.
Vice President Brig ( Dr.) Rakesh Khajuria presented the formal vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to Lt Governor for blessing the Divyang students and said that this showed his profound concern for these physically challenged students.
Present on the occasion included, Dr Ashok Bhan, Gunjan Rana, Suresh Sharma, all members of the SMVDS Board, former DGP Kuldeep Khoda, J.K. Vaidya, General Secretary, Former Chief Secretary B R Sharma, former Secretary to Govt of India Ashok Angurana, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, Dy Commissioner, Jammu Dr Rakesh Minhas, Director Social Welfare Arun Manhas and Director Social Welfare Ranjeet Singh.
Dr Ashok Bhan, Gunjan Rana and Suresh Kumar Sharma – Members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; BR Sharma, Chairman, Indian Institute of Public Administration, J&K and senior officers also attended the foundation day ceremony.