The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was held at Heritage Bamboo Hall, Kisama Heritage village, Kohima on 3 December 2024 under the theme “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”. The program was organised by the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland.

Addressing the event, Special Guest, MLA & Advisor for Social Welfare Wangpang Konyak, stated that an inclusive and sustainable future requires every voice to be heard and every perspective to be valued. He said persons with special abilities brings unique insights and lived experiences that are indispensable in building stronger and more resilient societies. Boosting their leadership means not only recognising their contributions but actively creating opportunities for them to lead, innovate and influence, he remarked.

Konyak said that under the leadership of Diethono Nakhro, it is observed that the Nagaland State Disability Commission has been amplifying the cause vigorously. She has proved that with determination and commitment for a greater cause, anything can be achieved, he stated.

The Advisor also lauded Hokato Hotozhe Sema for winning bronze medal at Paris Paralympics 2024 and stated that his medal is a symbol of what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity and assured that the State Government is committed to fostering an environment where such talents can flourish.

Further, he said that the State Government is committed in removing barriers – physical, social, and institutional – that hinders progress toward inclusion. This means designing policies, programs, and spaces that prioritize accessibility and equity, he added. Konyak stressed that we must foster environments where PwDs can excel as leaders in every field – be it governance, education, business, or society and that we must acknowledge that accessibility and inclusivity is not merely a convenience, but a fundamental requirement for enabling individuals to exercise their rights fully and equally.

The Advisor emphasised on the need for intensive and extensive sensitization of the rights, issues and not forgetting legal powers and aspect which SCPD wields in discharging its function under Code of Civil Procedure.

In his speech, the Advisor also acknowledged families, caregivers, and organizations that tirelessly work to support and empower persons with disabilities.

Leadership is not a gift that should be handed to us – it is a right: Diethono Nakhro, SCPD

Diethono Nakhro, Nagaland State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, mentioned that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a day that reminds all not only of the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities but also of the incredible leadership, strength, and potential within the community. She said that this year’s theme “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future” calls for a world where disabled people are not just included as beneficiaries, but are active agents of change – leading, innovating, and building solutions that shape the world.

Noting that for too long, the narrative around disability has been one of charity, pity, and exclusion, denying PwDs of their rightful place as leaders and decision-makers in society, Nakhro stressed on the need to change that narrative and realising the full potential of leadership within the disabled community. “Leadership is not a gift that should be handed to us – it is a right,” the Commissioner asserted.

She stated that when persons with disabilities lead, the benefits go far beyond the community because their lived experiences of resilience, adaptability, and creativity in navigating a world not designed for them – give them unique insights into problem-solving and innovation. This is leadership that the world needs, particularly as we face global challenges like climate change, economic instability, and widening inequality, she stated.

Calling for the dismantling of systemic barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from taking up leadership roles, Nakhro said that these barriers are not just physical; they are attitudinal, institutional, and social. It is about changing mindsets – about seeing beyond the disability to the leadership potential in each person, she added.

“We must amplify the voices of persons with disabilities by creating opportunities for leadership at all levels, from grassroots movements to international platforms,” the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities asserted.

Nagaland has 29,631 persons with disability

Martha R. Ritse, IAS, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, highlighted that globally, persons with disabilities comprise 16% of the total population, while it is 2.2% in India. As per 2011 census, Nagaland has reported a total of 29,631 persons with disability with a percentage of 1.5% of the total population.

She mentioned that the Government of Nagaland under the Department of Social Welfare implements various welfare schemes for persons with benchmark disabilities, such as Scholarships, financial assistance/pension and the Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme. Ritse also highlighted that the Department is also in the process of nominating a State Channelizing Agency for implementing the National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC) loan for the benefit of PwDs for starting/augmenting any income generating activity.

She informed that under the Scheme for Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities (SIPDA) Act, 2016, the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) was started in 2006 at Dimapur and that two more DDRC had also been inaugurated in Mon and Tuensang districts.

Further, Ritse highlighted hat the Department has also been implementing the Unique Disability Identity (UDID) Card Project since 2019 and that over 3000 UDID cards have been generated so far.

Additionally, she said that the State Government also provides grant-in-aid to private institutions for running special schools/inclusive schools and also to NGOs/Voluntary Organizations rendering commendable services for the welfare of persons with disabilities. During 2023-24, a total of 8 NGOs/Voluntary Organizations received the grants from the Department.

She also mentioned that with the initiative of Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR) a Composite Regional Centre will soon be operational at Eralibill Village in Chumoukedima. Apart from these she mentioned that the Nagaland State Transport Department has also introduced Free Travel Facilities in Nagaland State Transport (NST) passenger buses for persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBDs) across the state.

In the program, Anguzo Kense from Tabitha Enabling Academy presented, ‘I know a place’, Jo- foundation Inclusive School presented ‘The lion sleeps tonight’ and Vimethanuo presented the National Anthem.