STATE TIMES NEWS
Bhadarwah: Going a step further in it’s welfare program for the deaf and mute population of tribal village Dadhkai in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, Rashtriya Rifles unit of Army which has recently adopted the village, took them out first time in history beyond their native place to the ongoing Bhadarwah Snow Carnival as special guests.
Dadhaki is a hilltop tribal village, 105 km from Bhadarwah town, is home to 105 families. Of these, 55 families mysteriously have at least one person who can neither speak nor listen. There are 78 such people in the village, of which 41 are women and 30 children aged three to 15 years.
Army after disturbing hearing aids and later conducting specialized sign language classes at their doorsteps followed by adopting the village for it’s holistic development, took 30 differently abled villagers for a joy tour to Jaie meadow 137 KM from their village, where Army organised a snow carnival.
Overwhelmed by the new found attention by the Army and visitors at the festival site, the differently abled villagers enjoyed and took part in all the activities their including snow sledging, skiing, Zorbing ball, tube slides, snow trekking and tug of war.
Block Development Council Chairman Mohd Hanief, who is also the native of Dadhkai village with three members of his family having the disorder, said that this the maiden joy visit for the deaf and mute population ever and by organising the visit to the snow carnival, Army has again proved that they have adopted the village in letter and spirit.
“It’s only Army who thinks about the welfare of all sections of the society without any discrimination,” said Dedarr, who was accompanying the deaf and mute population.
“To bring these specialy abled persons to participate in Snow Festival is an appreciable step by our army, for which we will remain indebted to them,” BDC chairman added, saying that we salute Army for their gesture and efforts towards deaf and mute people, who were neglected by all governments.
An Army officer of 4 Rashtriya Rifles, who is the Nodal Officer of the event said, “the visit of deaf and mute population to the snow carnival is surely the highlight of the 3 day festival and by arranging their tour here and seeing their enthusiasm irrespective of their age while engaging themselves in different sports activities gave us required high and feeling of proudness.”