Nagaland State Commissioner for Person with Disabilities (SCPD), Diethono Nakhro has reminded churches, tribal bodies and civil organisations to include the PwD community in social events and to provide them with equal opportunities to participate in every walk of life.
The commissioner was speaking at the awareness program on person with disabilities organised by Mokokchung District Administration and Mokokchung District Disabled Forum (MDDF) with support from SCPD on Friday at DCs Conference Hall, Mokokchung, DIPR informed.
Nakhro emphasised on the Rights of Person with Disabilities Act 2016 and said that everybody seems to know what disability is but many are not aware about what needs to be done. She lamented that till today most of the disability laws have not been implemented that huge neglects in the disability sector continues to exist.
She said that all the governments have failed to address the disability issues, but she also maintained that it is not only the responsibility of the government but the entire society. The Commissioner said church is so central to our lives therefore it has a huge role to play in helping the PwDs to participate in social events. Taking the example of celebration of different festivals in our society, she asked how those with disabilities are participating. The SCPD reminded that tribal bodies/civil societies too have a huge role to play to include the disabled in every walk of life saying that pity is not the thing they need but equal opportunities is what they want.
Short speeches were delivered by Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, representative from the Ao Senden and District Welfare Officer, Mokokchung. A song was presented by Akangmongba.
During the second session, Project Associate, Caritas India, Arenlila Jamir presented the Status of Person with Disabilities, Formation and Function of DPOs which was followed by interaction session.
Invocation was said by Pastor, Chang Baptist Church, Mokokchung, Ngaku Chollen, vote of thanks was proposed by President, MDDF while the programme was chaired by EAC, Mokokchung, Vitolu.
