Deputy Commissioner Mr Ravi Bhagat today said that physically challenged children need society's empathy rather than sympathy. He said that these children are no less than anyone and our society should change its approach towards them. Mr Bhagat said this while attending a function organised to distribute scholarships to physically challenged children at Vocational Rehabilitation Training Centre (VRTC), Hambran Road, here today. This function was organised by an NGO, Bal Vikas Trust. Mr Meetpal Singh Dugri, Director, Youth Development Board, Punjab, was the guest of honour.While addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said that rather than having a sympathetic approach towards physically challenged children, people should rather support them socially, emotionally and financially. He appreciated the efforts of Dr Rachna Sharma, Chairman, Bal Vikas Trust, as well as her team for adopting 100 such children. He also appreciated the efforts of some industrialists and businessmen for this noble cause.
On the occasion, a cheque worth Rs 6 lakh was also handed over to Mrs Sara Johnson, Director, VRTC. This amount has been collected by Bal Vikas Trust through donations by several individuals associated with the trust.DC Mr Ravi Bhagat also assured the members of trust as well as VRTC that the District Administration would also help and contribute for this social cause. He said that the trust as well as VRTC members should give him a list of their requirements and assured that the District Administration and Punjab Government would extend maximum support.Mr Ravi Bhagat also honoured a physically challenged girl named Jyoti Malik, who has been a student of VRTC and after pursuing her MA Political Science is now pursuing her PhD. With the help of five others, she is also successfully running a radio show named "Udaan" on an internet radio station.Prominent among those present on the occasion included Mr Ganga Mittal, Mr Madan Goyal, Mr Vinay Jain, ACP Mr Surinder Mohan, besides several others.