Mounesh Vishwkarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal
Bantwal, Mar 2: The Dakshina Kannada (DK) District Divyang Conference was held on Sunday at Rotary Hall, B C Road, under the aegis of Saksham Dakshina Kannada district unit.
Speaking after inaugurating the programme, Dr Krishna Prasad Koodlu, managing director of Prasad Netralaya, Mangaluru, said that research and treatment methods related to hereditary (gene) conditions are progressing in India and that if successful and affordable schemes are implemented for the general public, it would greatly benefit persons with disabilities. He said that persons with disabilities possess special abilities and require appropriate support. He added that various deficiencies, including eye-related issues, can be corrected and announced that free treatment and physiotherapy would be provided at their institution for persons with disabilities referred by Saksham.
Presiding over the programme, Saksham district unit president Rajashekhar Bhat Kakunje said that Saksham is always committed to providing all necessary assistance to persons with special needs.
Chief guest Santosh Pai, human resources officer of BASF India Limited, announced support from his organisation. Saksham Karnataka South Region president Keshav Kumar explained the activities of Saksham in the state. Vikasam Seva Foundation co-founder Gopal Govindatota conveyed his best wishes. Vikasam co-founder Dharmaprasad Rai, doctor and lecturer and RSS taluk sanghachalak Dr Balakrishna Kumar were present. Saksham DK district unit secretary Harish Prabhu presented the report.
Special achievers M R W Girish Kumar A from the Department of Empowerment of Senior Citizens and Welfare of the Differently Abled at the taluk level and achiever Neha Rai from Puttur were felicitated.
Do not consider your children weak
Felicitated achiever Neha Rai said that her mother was the reason for her growth to this level. She urged parents not to consider their children weak, but to strengthen them, support them, provide education and enhance their skills, adding that with proper support, all children can grow like her.
Need for social responsiveness
Senior journalist Harish Mambady, speaking at the panel discussion held during the programme, explained the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the present system and stressed the need for social sensitivity and response. He called for free travel in government and private buses and reservation in employment.
Vikasam co-founder Ganesh Bhat Varanasi presented his views on early identification of disabilities and emphasised the need for timely identification. Ganaraj Bhat of Chetana Balavikas Kendra spoke about the Niramaya scheme, legal guardianship and the UDID card.
Ganesh Bhat Varanasi welcomed the gathering. Member Manjunath proposed the vote of thanks. Surekha Yalavar compered the programme. In the valedictory session, Bhaskar Hosamane delivered the vote of thanks and Satish Rao assisted. A magic show was presented by Lokaksha Jadu. Specially-abled student Kaushik Acharya drew the portrait of Bhagat Singh using his foot and drew attention. Distribution of assistive devices to eligible persons with disabilities was also carried out.