In connection with the celebrations of 207th birth anniversary of world’s greatest source of inspiration for the blind, Louis Braille, an impressive function was organized by the Department of Social Welfare at Residential School for Blinds (RSB) at Roop Nagar, here today.Minister for Social Welfare, Forest, Ecology & Environment, Mr. Bali Bhagat was chief guest on the occasion.Director Social Welfare, Jammu, Mr. Veerji Hangloo, Special Secretary Social Welfare, Mr. Mohammad Saleem, District Social Welfare Officer, Jammu, Mr. Kulraj Singh, General Secretary, National Federation of Blinds, Mr. Ram Dass Dubay, Chairman SAHYOG, Mr. Ashwani Jojra, large number of social workers, prominent citizens, field functionaries of the social welfare Department, management and inmates of RSB and LBM School were present on the occasion.
Paying rich tributes to the unique personality and greatest source of inspiration for the worlds blind, Louis Braille, the Minister said that his contribution shall ever remain alive in history, who despite being himself blind, struggled greatly and wrote a golden chapter for millions of blind. He described him messiah of blind and said that whatever he has done for the blind is not an ordinary thing and people will remember him as long as this universe will exist.
Maintaining that blind and other physical challenged people are extra-ordinarily talented in various fields and are even doing better than the normal people, the Minister said that they don’t require the sympathy but support of the society so that they become self-sustained and live a dignified life like others. He said Government has kept a provision of reservation in the government jobs and in competitive exams and they are contributing in the Government sector nicely. The Government has also launched several welfare and rehabilitation schemes for these special people and Social Welfare Department takes care of these schemes. He said soon a camp will be organized to provide artificial limbs and other aids and appliances to the physically challenged people in Jammu, for which registration has been done, said the Minster.
Responding to the demand for enhancement of seats in the RSB in view of the increased demand of such special children, the Minister assured that the Government will take immediate steps to increase the present seats from 25 to 50 or 60 as per the feasibility and infrastructure. He also assured to upgrade the existing infrastructure and other basic facilities for the inmates to make their stay more comfortable. He also directed the management to write to the Director School Education for conducting the inspection of the school enabling its upgradation from primary to middle level.In view of the persistent demand of the physically challenged people, the Minister said that State has taken up the matter with the Centre Government for setting up of more such special schools across the State to accommodate these special children.On the occasion, the Minister also honored the former inmates of the RSB by presenting them mementos for their valuable contribution in the society in different fields.The former and present inmates and renowned artists including Mr. Suraj Singh, Master Kartar Chand, Mr. Rahul Kumar Bhagat and Mr. Sanjay with the active support of the artists of Information Department presented a mesmerizing performance of cultural items and songs that enthralled the audience.