Day of Persons with Disabilities observed at Babina Hospital

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 3: A joint ceremony marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 6th death anniversary of Advocate Leishangthem Roshmani was organised today at the auditorium of Babina Hospital, Khabeisoi.
The event was organised by Handicapped Development Foundation (HD Foundation), Babina Hospital in collaboration with Advocate Leishangthem Roshmani Memorial Trust (ALRMT) under the theme 'Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress' at the auditorium of Babina Hospital, Khabeisoi.
Main highlights of the day include blood donation, lectures on topics related to disability by experts, talent show by students from special schools and offering of floral tribute on the portrait of Advocate Roshmani.
Notable personalities graced the event, namely, Dr Thangjam Dhabali, Chairman and Managing Director of Babina Group of Companies; Khogendra Khomdram, president, Editors' Guild Manipur; Indira Oinam, patron member of ALRMT and Dr Sapam Jasowanta, president, HD Foundation.  
Addressing the gathering, Dr Sapam Jasowanta shared that as per a resolution of the UN General Assembly, December 3 was observed as World Disabled Day from 1982. Later, the UN proclaimed the day as International Day of Persons with Disabilities from 1992 onwards.
Highlighting the plight of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) throughout the years, he said they have been subjected to ostracization, discrimination, and in many cases, being confined to a room within their own homes owing to superstitious beliefs.
Now people are motivated to empower them and create an inclusive society.
However, merely changing people's vocabulary to accommodate PwDs will not help in their upliftment. It needs to be accompanied with a change in people's mindset and sincere efforts for their welfare.
According to the 2011 census, there were 58,747 PwDs in Manipur as classified under the 7 categories of the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995. This has been replaced by the Rights of PwDs Act, 2016 which has expanded the  disability category to 21.
As such, it is probable that the number of PwDs has grown manifold, said Dr Sapam Jasowanta.
Sharing his insights as a veteran journalist, Khogendra Khomdram spoke about due Government assistance and benefits not being given to the PwDs, as shown by frequent press releases complaining about such issues through the media.
Offering encouragement to PwDs, he said many famous personalities such as renowned theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking and bodybuilder turned Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone have disabilities.
Instead of feeling dejected, he urged PwDs to help contribute in building and bringing the society forward.
At the event, Dr Nomita Keisham, Clinical Psychologist, Babina Hospital delivered a speech on "Parenting a child with neurodevelopmental disorder (challenges and success)" and Dr Shyamkumar Laishram, Paediatrician, Babina Hospital on "Developmental monitoring of high risk in infants in the first year'.
Dignitaries presented meritorious awards and prizes to students.