SRINAGAR: Hope Disability Centre, a non-governmental organisation on Thursday celebrated ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2020’ with an aim to reinforce the belief among masses that persons with disabilities are as much a part of the mainstream as any.
In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the theme conceived this year included COVID element as well. The theme for this year is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19”.
An official of the organization said the objective of organizing this event is to encourage social inclusion with equal opportunities for persons with or without disability in order to endorse the fabric of social integration.
The event commenced with the recitation of Quran (Tilawat) by a visually impaired person followed by recitation of Naat.
The event featured also four success stories depicting grit and courage of persons with disabilities and their ability to overcome odds to live a fulfilled life.
An inclusive traditional song and dance performance enthralled the audiences while a painting competition was concurrently going on. The painting competition was participated by both children with and without a disability.
The skits with the theme “toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19” highlighted the importance of building back better disability-inclusive world post-covid-19.
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Baseer Ahmad Khan was the Chief Guest on the occasion while the event was attended by many dignitaries across Kashmir and more than 300 people from different walks of life including people with disability.
The speakers laid stress on a society which doesn’t discriminate on the basis of any form of disability. They also threw light on the rights of persons with disabilities and stressed on the need to protect them.
Children participating in the art competition were given special art kits while mementoes were also given away to selected guests.
