By The Editor
On Saturday December 3, International Day for persons with Disabilities (PWDs) was observed across the state with various programmes being held in which differently- abled persons took part by showing their talents non-chalantly. Montfort Centre for Education in Danakgre, Tura West Garo Hills is the biggest and only institution that imparts education and training for specially challenged children from across Garo Hills. Since inception of civilization the society had looked and treated with indifference at people who were physically handicapped but nowadays the misconception has been cleared and fresh understanding has emerged. Nations are developing and progressing to such an extent that all sections of population are considered vital irrespective of their age and physical conditions. A welfare society is keenly observed and judged at the ways and manners in which it deals with the three broad categories of population those in the down of life, that is, the young, those in the twilight of life, namely, the elderly; and those who are in their shadows of life, the disabled who are the most neglected and worst sufferers.
Taking serious note of the disabled many of whom suffer in silence, the United Nations (UN) had declared 1983-92 as United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons with main aim of allowing them access to various amenities and facilities so that they too will be able to play vital role in society. Government of India, not lagging behind, has incorporated relevant points in National Health Policy by providing all types of care for their well-being especially children who needs special attention in health care, education, rehabilitation, etc. Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has started several institutions for benefit of differently-abled persons and has also encouraged non-government organizations (NGOs) to work for specially-abled persons. The Centre has extended facilities to disabled candidates appearing for central Civil Service jobs by increasing number of attempts from four to seven and relaxation of age by another 10 years in the upper age limit. These are but a few of the benefits enjoyed by differently-abled persons. Quite a number of differently-abled persons in the world have proved that given the opportunities and facilities, they too have risen to the top.
School and Centre for the Handicapped Children (SCHHC), Shillong has rendered valuable services to specifically-abled youths who have earned merit and distinction. The great day for PWDs was solemnly observed in its premises and felicitation ceremony was held for notable youths who have proved their worth. These were Hubert Paliar, ex-student SCHHC, national winner of Arm Wrestling competition 2021 and Alexander Lyngdoh, ex-student and international winner of International Arm Wrestling competition 2022. In the mean time, commemorating the “International Day for Persons with Disabilities” on Dec 3, special facilitation desk was opened for PWDs at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International (LGBI) Airport at Borjhar, Guwahati.