Int’l Day of Persons with Disabilities
Our Bureau
SHILLONG/TURA/NONGPOH, Dec 3: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said Meghalaya is transitioning “from a mindset of charity to one grounded in rights, dignity and ability” at the state-level celebration EMPOWERFEST 3.0 held at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong as Meghalaya observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on Wednesday with a series of state-wide events that highlighted achievements, celebrated talent, and renewed the call for an inclusive society.
Addressing hundreds of participants, he credited flagship government initiatives for transforming public perception and expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
Sangma highlighted several milestones, including the Eastern Brook Band, formed through the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project—an ensemble of musicians with disabilities now representing the state internationally; Meghalaya’s first Disability Anthem, which is now a symbol of hope and inclusion; an inclusive debate competition that opened doors for neurodivergent students; identification of 30 PwD entrepreneurs, with financial support of Rs 2.5 lakh each for eight of them; the Northeast region’s first PwD-run Common Service Centre; accessibility upgrades in 41 government buildings and 84 government websites; the nationally recognised Meghalaya Sign Bank App with 10,000 signs; a community-based rehabilitation network covering all districts and 46 blocks, achieving over 70% UDID enrolment and issuing ID cards to 32,000 PwDs; and annual merit-based scholarships benefiting 370 students.
He stressed that Meghalaya is the first state in the Northeast to integrate mental well-being into governance. “Today, we celebrate extraordinary ability—the power to overcome, to create, and to inspire,” he said.
Adviser to the Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh lauded the achievements of PwDs in varied fields and encouraged society to rethink its understanding of disability. Drawing a parallel to artistes like Stevie Wonder, he praised the performances of Kennedy Rynjah and the Eastern Brook Band, calling them “beacons of hope.”
During the programme, the Chief Minister felicitated outstanding PwDs and presented awards to winners of the Inclusive Film Festival.
Call for inclusive devp in Ampati
In Ampati, the District Social Welfare Office organised a district-level observance that drew participation from over 196 persons with disabilities.
Chief guest Torali K Marak, Assistant Commissioner and BDO of Zikzak Block, urged society to recognise that every individual has limitations, and that PwDs are “different but secondary to none.”
Senior M&HO Dr Bethel Marak highlighted health-care initiatives for PwDs, noting free check-ups across hospitals and improved accessibility measures such as ramps and wider doors in offices. Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel Salsado Ch. Marak explained the provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which expanded recognised disabilities from seven to 21. He emphasised equal treatment under the law. PwD representative Pantom M Sangma encouraged fellow participants to make full use of government schemes and opportunities. Sports events were also organised to mark the celebration.
Community commemorates occasion in Ri-Bhoi
In Nongpoh, the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) of Ri Bhoi, in collaboration with the Nongpoh Area Women Welfare Association (NAWWA), held a commemorative programme at the Nongpoh Dorbar Hall.
Chief guest MLA Mayralborn Syiem, along with Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal and other officials, participated in the event, which included cultural activities, competitions, and free medical check-ups.
Syiem lauded the organisations for honouring PwDs and reaffirmed that they possess equal rights and dignity. He urged children and youth not to be discouraged by physical limitations and reminded them that both the State and Central governments offer several welfare schemes for their upliftment.
