On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in New Delhi. Highlighting the awards as a commendable tool for empowerment, she emphasized the importance of recognizing both individual and institutional efforts, urging achievers in various fields among persons with disabilities to support others.
President Murmu stressed the significance of empowering the approximately 15 percent of the global population with disabilities, expressing satisfaction at the evolving societal attitude towards them. She conveyed confidence that, with proper facilities, opportunities, and empowerment initiatives, all individuals with disabilities could lead lives of equality and dignity.
Notably, the President took pride in the accessibility of every part of the new Parliament building for persons with disabilities, urging others to emulate this example and prioritize the needs of individuals with disabilities from the outset. Emphasizing innovation over renovation, she envisioned a society where everyone could thrive.
Linking the empowerment of persons with disabilities to Sustainable Development Goals, President Murmu commended India’s commitment to achieving goals related to poverty alleviation, health, education, gender equality, sanitation, and drinking water. Celebrating India’s exceptional performance at the Asian Para Games, she hailed the players’ indomitable spirit, citing Dr Deepa Malik and Ms Avani Lekhara as inspiring figures in the realm of sports.
