Differently abled excel in academics, computer, sports
Shillong: December 3 is observed as International Day for Persons with Disabilities. This is a constituency that few are interested in. But increasingly due to international attention and United Nations covenants the disabled have been able to claim their rights.
This time six persons with disabilities who have excelled in their respective fields despite great hurdles are being awarded at a special function at the U Soso Tham Auditorium on December 3, informed Bridget Warshong, Assistant Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
The awardees include Isabelle Marbaniang who was afflicted by Poliomyelitis in her childhood and suffers from locomotor disorder. Isabelle has completed her PhD in Political Science from NEHU and is currently senior lecturer in the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Sohra.
Bijoy Thangkhiew a hearing impaired young man with a degree in computer engineering has created videos for the Commissionerate and designed the website for the office. Then there are two arm wrestlers Mai Mai Laloo and Hubert Paliar who won in the 70 and 60 Kg category respectively at the recently held 40th Arm Wrestling Games at Pune.
Kevin Suting, a blind person is an entrepreneur dealing with handicrafts. He has employed five other persons under him. Suting is now doing online sales of these handicrafts.
Polgen Sangma, who is also blind, is a social worker who works as a community leader trying to rehabilitate other blind people in Garo Hills.
“All these are examples of people who have transcended their disabilities to give hope to themselves and others. Many have not heard of them and we are trying our best to locate these brave young men and women to assist and enable them to make better progress,” Warshong informed, adding that the Commissionerate is now trying to assess all public buildings to make them disabled-friendly.