On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday, various trusts and non-Governmental organisations led a procession with hundreds of disabled children from KanakDurga Temple at Jharsuguda Railway Station to Bus stand at Mahatma Gandhi Chowk.
Under the aegis of the District Social Security and Disability Empowerment Department, the event was organized in which district Collector Saroj Kumar Samal attended as the chief guest.
In his address, Samal praised the work of four differently-abled institutions in JharsugudavizJhadeshwari Special Divyang School, BrindamaalMukbadhir School, PrernaDivyang School and Mission Ashra. Samal said that the district administration has always stood by the disabled members of the community and will continue to remain on their side as their staunchest ally.
The other dignitaries in attendance were Additional District Collector LankeshwarAmat, Deputy District Collector M Padhi, District Legal Services Authority Secretary Neha Das, Second Battalion Additional DurgapatiMandhata Sai, JharsugudaMukBadhir Association president Tapas Kumar Roy Choudhury, Jharsuguda Engineering School Principal Ranita Das, District Sports Association vice president JeevanMohanty and Additional District Medical Officer DrLaxman Kumar Karmi.
For the students of special schools, waterball, mini-goal, and musical chair mastery competitions were held. At the same time, dance, music and street play enthralled spectators and visitors.
Deputy Social Security Officer PratibhaBehera presided, while Block Social Security Officer MithaliRana proposed the vote of thanks. Some disabled youths were awarded a marriage allowance of Rs 2.50 lakh by the district Collector.