New Delhi: Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, President Droupadi Murmu today conferred the National Awards on 33 individuals and institutions for their exemplary contributions to empowering persons with disabilities. The ceremony, held in New Delhi, was graced by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar and Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Rajesh Aggarwal.
In her address, President Murmu praised the resilience and determination of persons with disabilities, describing them as a source of inspiration for society. “These awards celebrate not only the achievements of the recipients but also their ability to motivate society to foster inclusivity,” she remarked. The President stressed the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship, skill development, and leadership among persons with disabilities.
She also highlighted India’s stellar performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where athletes with disabilities won 29 medals, a remarkable leap from just one medal in 2012. This progress, she said, reflects growing awareness and support for athletes with disabilities and underscores the need for an inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities.
The President commended the Accessible India Campaign and efforts by various ministries to ensure an enabling atmosphere for persons with disabilities. She proudly noted that the Rashtrapati Bhavan website now stands as the country’s first inclusive platform, adhering to accessibility standards for visually impaired users.
Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the government’s commitment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to the social, economic, and educational empowerment of persons with disabilities. He highlighted key initiatives, including the promotion of Indian Sign Language and the distribution of assistive devices, which have significantly improved the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
Dr. Kumar applauded the awardees for their outstanding achievements, emphasizing their role in contributing to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed and self-reliant India by 2047.
In his remarks, Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal announced the establishment of Prime Minister Divyaasha Kendras across the nation to provide comprehensive support to persons with disabilities. He also celebrated the diversity among the awardees, which included young achievers like 13-year-olds Prathamesh and Janhavi, alongside senior citizens like 75-year-old Saroj Arya.
The ceremony, attended by students with disabilities, family members of the awardees, senior diplomats, industry leaders, and government officials, served as a testament to the courage, resolve, and talent of persons with disabilities.
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