Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Dec 4: "Specially challenged people are God's children. So, we can see God in them. I will ensure that sufficient amount of funds are set aside in next budget session for the welfare of those with disabilities and I assure support through my Trust as well," said home minister Basavaraj Bommai at World Disabled Day programme held on Thursday, December 3 at Smt Ammani Ramanna Mini Hall, Udupi.
He was addressing on the occasion that was jointly organised by the district administration in association with Udupi zilla panchayat, women and child welfare department, specially challenged and senior citizen empowerment department, district legal services authority, Udupi district Bar Association and associated NGOs and organizations.
"Do not use the word 'disabled' instead use 'specially-abled', so that they are not looked down upon but rather get inspired. They are those who blessed with special talents. We should use humanity as a weapon to fight against disability. The society does not present them with a lot of opportunities which is why they are lagging. The focus should be on the upliftment of these communities. If anyone looks after those who are specially-abled they are doing a noble job and will be blessed by God," he added.
"There is no compromise when it comes to the welfare of specially challenged people." He remembered the famous Puttaraja Gawai, who was a visually impaired musician but had the ability to shine a light on many people like him.
"A specially-abled person is blessed with special talents. They have even made a name for themselves in the Olympics. They just need encouragement and a platform to explore their talents. Let us all encourage them and help them come forward in the mainstream of society," the home minister said.
"I will urge the government to provide the required facilities to help them become independent," Bommai added.
G Jagadeesha deputy commissioner, Dr Naveen Bhat CEO, zilla panchayat, Raghupathi Bhat MLA Udupi, Lalaji Mendon MLA Kaup, Dinakar Babu president, zilla panchayat, Sheela K Shetty, vice president, Sumithra Nayak president, City Municipality Council, Sandhya Kamath president, taluk panchayat, Sesappa deputy director, women and child welfare department and others were present.