New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reiterated his government’s commitment to boosting accessibility, and equal opportunity for disabled persons (Divyang).
PM Modi said that the fortitude and accomplishments of ‘Divyang’ brothers and sisters have made the country proud. PM Modi said while nine years of ‘Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan’.
Celebrating divyang achievements
“Today is a significant day which is celebrated globally as ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities’. The day serves as a special occasion to honor the courage, determination, and achievements of persons with disabilities,” PM Modi said while writing on his blog.
PM Modi reiterated, “This is like a sacred day for India. Respect for persons with disabilities is deeply ingrained in India’s culture and philosophy. In our religious scriptures and traditions, one can find respect for persons with disabilities.”
PM Modi invokes verse from Ramayana
PM Modi also quoted a verse from Ramayana which said “Utsaaho Balavaanarya, Naastyutsaahaatparam Balam, Sotsaahasyaasti Loke’smin, Na Kinchidapi Durlabham” (For a person filled with enthusiasm, nothing impossible for him or her in this world).
He also said that persons with disability in India have become an embodiment of enthusiasm and a source of pride for the nation.
Constitution and policy initiatives for disability rights
PM Modi said this day is all the more relevant as it marks the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution which inspires to work for equality and upliftment of the last person in the society (Antyodaya).
“Taking inspiration from the constitution, we have laid a strong foundation for the persons with disabilities in the last 10 years of our government. During this period, we have made many policies and taken various decisions for their welfare,” said PM Modi.
“I have always tried to work for the welfare of the persons with disabilities since I entered in public life. After being sworn in as PM, I made this work into a national resolve. Our first resolve was to remove the term Vilkang and replacing it with ‘Divyang’,” PM Modi added.