The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed with great enthusiasm in District Poonch here today. The theme for this year's International Day of Persons with Disabilities was "United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities (Divyangjan)".
To commemorate this important occasion, a grand event was organized at Krishan Chander Memorial Degree College Poonch. At the outset, District Social Welfare Officer, Mohinder Paul warmly welcomed the Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Yasin M.Choudhary as the Chief Guest.
The program commenced with the singing of the National anthem, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the Deputy Commissioner to signify the beginning of the event. The Deputy Commissioner inspected stalls put up by different departments to showcase respective schemes.
District Social Welfare Officer, Mohinder Paul, highlighted different welfare schemes being implemented by the department to extend hand holding to the weaker sections of the society. A scintillating Cultural performance highlighting the core theme of the international Disability day was presented by the artists of Saraswati Sangeet Vidyala led by Master Kartar Chand while skits presented by students from local schools added vibrancy to the event.
In his address, the Deputy Commissioner commended the Social Welfare department for organizing the program to encourage and imbibe a spirit of empowerment among the individuals with disabilities. Emphasizing that the government is committed to their well-being, he highlighted the remarkable achievements of many disabled persons, emphasizing that courage and determination can lead to success.
The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the government's resolve for empowering persons with disabilities and highlighted various initiatives aimed at improving their lives. These include pension schemes, free education, free medical treatment, free travel facilities, and vocational programs.
These measures aim to provide better services and enable individuals with disabilities to live with dignity and respect in society. As part of the program, assistive devices such as commode chairs, hearing aids, crutches, walking sticks, Shawals and wheelchairs were distributed among the individuals with disabilities.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner, along with other officials, presented mementos and trophies to the disabled persons. Finally, the participants, including disabled individuals, were served lunch by the Social Welfare Department.
Among others present were Chief Medical Officer, Dr.Anees Altaf Nabi, Captain Indian Divyang cricket team, Sayeed Shah Aziz Shah, Bowler Indian Divyang cricket team, Niaz Ahmed, DEPO, Narinder Mohan Suri, Waqar Choudhary, professors Sarfraz Mir, Member DGPC, Surjan Singh, Chairman of Pir Panjal Awami Development Forum Mohd. Fareed Malik, all Tehsil Social welfare Officers, Mohd. and other concerned officers.