Governor of Nagaland, Nand Kishore Yadav has called for a collective shift from care to empowerment of persons with disabilities, stressing the need for equal access to education, skills, employment, healthcare and public services.
The Governor was speaking at the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet 2026 hosted by the Nagaland Parents Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) at RCEMPA, Kohima, on October 1. The landmark gathering was held under the theme, “From Care to Empowerment: Building Inclusive Communities through Strong Families and Collective Action.”
Describing the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet as a significant milestone in a sustained journey of dialogue, advocacy, solidarity and collective action, Yadav said the occasion reflected the continuing efforts towards ensuring dignity, opportunity and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
He emphasised that while care begins within the family, it must ultimately lead to empowerment, enabling persons with disabilities to learn, participate, work, create and lead with dignity and independence.
The Governor said inclusion was a shared responsibility requiring coordinated efforts by the Government, schools, healthcare institutions, local bodies, employers, civil society and communities. He stressed that inclusion must be reflected in schools, public buildings, transport systems, workplaces, digital platforms and community spaces.
He also underlined universal accessibility as an essential component of an inclusive, humane and equitable society, calling for equal access to education, skill development, employment and public services for persons with disabilities.
Emphasising the importance of early identification and intervention, Yadav called for closer coordination among families, Anganwadi centres, schools, health workers and medical professionals. He said education must remain at the heart of inclusion and highlighted the need for trained teachers, accessible infrastructure, appropriate learning materials and informed parental support.
The Governor further stressed the need to translate the principles of inclusion and equity under the National Education Policy 2020 into meaningful action on the ground.
Calling for a stronger pathway from education to skills, skills to employment and employment to economic independence, he highlighted the importance of vocational training, skill development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
He also encouraged workplaces to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to be recruited, trained, entrusted with responsibilities and advance on the basis of their abilities and performance.
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Highlighting Nagaland’s challenging terrain and dispersed settlements, Yadav said inclusive services must reach beyond State and district headquarters and become a reality in every village and community.
He called for decentralised and innovative approaches to bring specialised healthcare, rehabilitation, assistive devices and inclusive education closer to people. Technology, tele-consultation and stronger coordination, he noted, could play an important role in bridging geographical gaps in service delivery.
The Governor also called for a change in social attitudes towards persons with disabilities, stressing that they need respect, equal opportunity and the removal of barriers rather than sympathy alone.
He emphasised that persons with disabilities must be at the centre of decisions concerning their lives and that their voices and lived experiences should guide policies, programmes and actions.
Marking the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet as a moment of reflection and renewal, Yadav called for stronger partnerships, greater accessibility, more inclusive schools and workplaces, stronger support for families and wider opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate fully in society.
He particularly acknowledged the dedication of parents, who often overcome significant challenges to secure therapy, education and accessibility for their children.
The Governor congratulated PARIVAAR-NCPO, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, NAPAD and all partner organisations for bringing the landmark event to Nagaland.
He expressed hope that the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet would mark the beginning of a new chapter in the collective journey towards greater inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
