IMPHAL, June 27: The 133rd birth anniversary of Dr Helen Adams Keller was today observed at the Zonal Education office, Imphal West Zone-1 as a day for “reaffirmation of the challenges accepted”.
During the function, 17 Children with special needs (CWSN) who had passed the HSLC and HSSLC examinations with high marks were felicitated.
A music video titled “Meeni Eikhoisu” dedicated to the services of several people rendered for the cause of the CWSN (children with special needs) was also released during the observation.
Speaking as the guest of honour, Dhanabir Laishram appealed to the education Minister Moirangthem Okendro to improve the ZEO, Imphal West District.
He alleged that in some government schools mid-day meals are not provided properly to the students while the provided items have been siphoned off by the concern school authorities.
The CWSNs of the state also require the dedication of the teachers who had taught Helen Adams Keller, he said while adding that CWSNs should not be neglected.
In his presidential speech, Pheiroijam Kripa Meitei, CWSN activist said differently abled persons need support from the normal persons to improve themselves and gain recognition in the society.
He further appealed to all not to mock CWSN as it is really humiliating for them and to encourage them.
Meanwhile, the Handicapped Development Foundation Manipur has issued a press release that the foundation in association with the Domini English School Longmai, had organized a “One Day Public Awareness cum Distribution of Aids and Appliances” in connection with the 133rd Birth Anniversary of Hellen Keller at Domini English School Longmai, Noney in Tamenlong District.
It further said that the programme was attended by Meldon Gangmei, chairman of the Longmai Village Authority as the guest of honour, Kenen Kamei chairman of the Longmai Area Village Authority Council as the chief guest and presided by Dr Ch Rupachandra Singh, chairman, HD Foundation, it said.
While giving his key note address, Dr Sapam Jasowanta Singh, secretary general of the HD Foundation highlighted the importance of the observation so as to motivate the differently abled to come forward and encourage them to live independently with dignity in the mainstream.
The HD Foundation presented Julia the first payment of the Merit Scholarship which will be conferred to her till her studies continues.