The Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) have enormous energy beyond imagination and they only need support to activate their powers, opined Governor Prof Ganeshi Lal at the 3rd Youth Leadership Training and Empowerment Programme (YLTEP) and Odisha Youth Conclave (OYC) held here from October 1 to 5.
The conclave was organised by the Swabhiman (State Disability Information and Resource Centre) and was supported by Orissa State Beverages Corporation Limited (OSBCL).
Stressing on role of youth in the nation building, NYP founder and national convener Dr Subarao urged all the youths with disabilities to make efforts to be a leader.
Swabhiman CEO Dr Sruti Mohapatra spoke about the present time being exciting for disability with the CRPD, new rights based law in India and the inclusive SDGs.
Taking on Accessible India Campaign, New Building Code, Skill Development programme with emphasis on disability, Start Up India, and other schemes, Mohapatra said youth must take benefit of these schemes to carve a life of dignity for themselves.
In the second session of conclave, a debate on Socio-Economic Development of Odisha was held wherein Times of India Odisha former head Rajaram Sathpathy, Water Rights and Conservation Movements green crusader Ranjan Panda attended as guests.
While Sathpathy spoke on the education system, health care, infrastructure and other aspects, Panda emphasised the fact that water scarcity has escalated to a grim situation. Climate change at the global and local levels is reducing water flow in the Mahanadi river which is severely impacting agriculture, Panda added.
Later a learning programme on ‘Accessible Elections’ was held where National Election Commission of India Consultant Smitha Sadasivan was the speaker.
Mentioning about the importance of accessible election for the PwDs, Sadasivan said, “Making elections accessible is not just about laws and the rule book but about reaching out and taking initiative. The Election Commission is doing a lot in that regard,” she added.
Among others, OSBC MD Dwijraj Kara, Swabhiman president Nivedita Scudder, MP and Ollywood actor Siddhant Mohapatra and visually impaired Anita Sabat and Divyanshu Gantara shared their views.