The 3rd of December has been designated as a day of persons with disabilities by United Nations to celebrate them across the world. To commemorate this day, Hope Disability Centre, a local NGO is celebrating the ‘International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2020’ to felicitate these brave souls and to reinforce this belief among masses that persons with disabilities are as much a part of mainstream as any. In view of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the theme conceived this year includes COVID element as well. The theme for this year is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19”. The objective of organizing this event is to encourage social inclusion with even opportunities for persons with and without disability in order to endorse the fabric of social integration. The event commenced with the recitation of Quran (Tilawat) by a visually impaired person and a Naat. The event featured four success stories depicting grit and courage of persons with disabilities and their ability to overcome odds to live a fulfilled life. An inclusive traditional song and dance performance enthralled the audiences while as a painting competition was concurrently going on. The painting competition was participated by both children with and without disability. The skits with the theme “toward a disability- inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19” highlighted the importance of building back better disability inclusive world post covid-19. Advisor to Governor Mr. Baseer Khan was the Chief Guest and the event was attended by many dignitaries across Kashmir and more than 300 people from different walks of life including people with disability. The speakers laid stress on a society which doesn’t discriminate on the basis of any form of disability. They are also likely throw light on the rights of persons with disabilities and the need to protect them. Children participating in the art competition will be given special art kits while mementoes will be given away to selected guests.
