Terming the specially abled people as our real life heroes, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan, today emphasized the society to play its role earnestly to push them forward towards a prosperous and successful life.Advisor said this, while speaking as a chief guest at “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” function held at SKICC Srinagar.Terming these specially- abled persons as “real life heroes", Advisor said that many of them in Kashmir are insightful and talented. He said that despite facing all odds and hardships throughout their journey of life, they have excelled in different fields including sports, education and civil services and have been contributing majorly towards the society. He said their contribution is larger than the contribution of a normal person with no physical disabilities.He said that, “we both as a society and as a government must sensitize ourselves to know our responsibilities towards them.”He urged upon the specially-abled persons that instead of seeking help, they must fight for their rights and thrive hard to achieve their goals like many others like them who have been leading life successfully and have turned into job providers instead of job seekers.On the occasion, Advisor also felicitated winning students who participated in a painting competition.The young specially-abled persons enthralled the audience with their colourful performances they presented on the occasion while various renowned artists also performed couple of skits to sensitize people about their role and responsibilities towards these specially-abled persons.
On the occasion, specially-abled role models, athletes, players including Insha Bashir and Ishrat twin wheelchair basketball players were felicitated for their courage and achievement in various fields.The Sports Council also awarded a cheque of Rs. 80,000 to Mohamad Sultan Rather, a young athlete without upper limbs, who has been selected for ensuing International Wushu championship to be held in Istanbul Turkey.After their felicitation, Mohammad Altaf Chopan, truck driver from Baramula, Ashiq Ali from Ganderbal, Misra Banu Kangan, Showkat Ahmad Lone, Mudasir Ahmed from Budgam and others with major disabilities narrated their success stories.The programme was jointly organized by the department of Social Welfare and Hope Disability Centre in collaboration with J&K Rehabilitation Council, Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, Department of Information and Public Relations, Department of Culture and Department of Sports Council.Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul said that, “we must feel privileged to be among these specially-abled people who with their grit and passion have proved that they are able by their abilities to become superheroes.”She reiterated the resolve of the administration to help these athletes to overcome any difficulty to reach various podiums at national and international level.Among others, DG Welfare, Bashir Ahmad Dar, Executive Director Rehabilitation Council, Ishfaq Ahmad, Director Health Services Kashmir, Mushtaq Ahmad Rather and Director Hope Disability Centre, Sami Wani also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the dedication of these specially-abled persons to prove their mettle in different fields.Director Disaster Management, Amir Ali, Special Secretary, Khurshid Ahmad Sanai and Officer on Special Duty to Advisor, Mohammad Ashraf Hakak were also present on the occasion.The program was attended by specially abled persons, District Program Officers, Doctors, CDPOs, Supervisors, Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers and people from all walks of life.