Shri A. Shajahan IAS, Secretary, General Education Department,
Shri P. Vijayan IPS, Inspector General of Police,
Dr. J. Prasad, Director, SCERT,
Dr. P.A. Mary Anitha, Chairman, CEFEE,
Shri Brahma Nayakam Mahadevan, Chairman, OJASS
Dear Children and Parents,
Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,
Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,
I am extremely happy to be amongst you to inaugurate ‘UNIQUELY ME’, the socialization programme for the Differently Abled, organized by the Centre for Empowerment and Enrichment.
Let me at the outset, compliment the Centre for Empowerment and Enrichment for regularly organizing such programmes for the benefit of the differently abled population, especially children. I recall that two years ago, I had inaugurated the Childrens’ Day celebration organized by this organization in Kochi. On that occasion, I was greatly impressed by the progress made by our children in their social interactions.
I am informed that the Centre for Empowerment and Enrichment has been providing to the differently abled, socializing support, therapy and medication support, and providing them equipments and finance since 2011. Today, by conducting this Day Out for the Specially Abled, this Centre aims to build confidence among the differently abled by giving them a platform to perform with professionals from the industry.
I am also happy to release the syllabus which has been specially designed for the differently abled, by the State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT)with the support of experts in the field. This is a very positive and laudable initiative.
All these actions indicate a positive change in the society’s perception of disability and approach towards it. Years ago, people had a tendency to confine a differently abled person to the four walls of the home, denying education and even social recognition as an individual. Today, thanks to the dedicated efforts of many people and organizations the problems related to disability have been taken up as challenges to be bravely addressed. The very presence of almost 800 people, at this gathering is an indication of that positive change in society’s attitude.
Most of us would be aware that under the Article 253 of the Constitution, our nation has enacted ‘The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995’, in an effort to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities and their full participation in nation-building. Besides, under Section 57 of the Act, the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has been set up to take steps to safeguard the rights of the differently abled.
We all know that it is the lack of normal functioning of physical, mental or psychological processes that makes a person differently abled. Learning difficulties or difficulties in adjusting socially also hinder a person’s normal growth and development. As per the Census of 2011, over 26.8 million people in India face some kind of disability. Kerala has over 7.6 lakh differently abled people and we have implemented the Anuyatra scheme to ensure opportunities for them.
As a former Judge of Supreme Court who gave the verdict on providing 3% reservation and various directions for the benefit of the differently abled friends to all Governments in respect of Persons with Disabilities – of course, it has recently been increased to 4% by Parliament – I feel that we muststrengthen our resolve not to allow disability of any sort to hamper the growth of a child. But, this resolution has to be supported by strong actions in various ares.
The presence of a differently abled child in our family or neighbourhood should encourage each of us to be activists for their rights. First of all, the differently abled have a right to get facilities that would ensure their safe mobility and independent functioning in schools and other places.
It is also important to note that 75% of the persons with disabilities are in the rural areas. This calls for extending our concern and the special facilities to the rural areas also so that differently abled children in the villages are not left out.
In schools, much more than the physical aids, we need a positive environment of psychological support to children. And that support must start with the psychological empowerment of the parents of the differently abled. Involving parents of children with disabilities in the school management committee is essential. Our teacher training system should also be re-oriented to ensure participation of differently abled children in classroom activities and interactions.
Personally, I can vouch for the abilities of some children in need of special care. Last week, I had seen how the children in National Institute of Speech and Hearing [NISH] overcame barriers through effective sign language. They even presented the National Anthem in sign language. Earlier, a little boy, named Nayan had visited me, with a book he had compiled. On another occasion, I had watched children from the Centre for Empowerment and Enrichment performing dance with professional artistes of Kerala & Himachal Pradesh professionals at Kerala Rajbhavan. The message we get is that Disability may be a reality, but our search should be for the beauty of the different abilities that lie hidden in a person. Let that search be our first step towards the creation of an inclusive society.
I understand that Dr. Mary Anitha had first organized a programme for the differently abled, under the name UNIQUELY ME in 2012 with 125 children. I am happy that the participation and involvement of children in the celebration have improved considerably over the years. I compliment the people behind the Centre for Empowerment and Enrichment for their sincere efforts in making this his unique celebration a success. The innocent but confident smiles of the children who have assembled here reflects the satisfaction of that success.
I sincerely hope that recognition, empowerment and rehabilitation of the differently abled becomes a priority of our society.
I once again greet all the parents and children who have assembled here. My love and regards to all those who presented programmes on stage.
Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal
Nanni
Jai Hind
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