Udupi: ‘World Disabled Day’ was held by Women and Child Welfare Department in association with Disabled and Senior Citizens Welfare Department, District Disabled Union and District Disabled Self Help Organisations at Shamili on Wednesday, December 3.

Vinay Kumar Sorake, Minister in-charge, in his inaugural speech said that “disability is not a curse, they are blessed with special qualities”. In our society, there are many examples of physically challenged people who have achieved a lot in their life.

He added that they are not a burden to the society. They should believe in themselves.  The society should come forward to give them a chance to prove themselves in the mainstream of life.

“They need empathy not sympathy, they should be given enough opportunities and support which will help them to gain more confidence”, he added.

M Kanagavalli CEO, ZP said that there are thousands of schemes for disabled people like special Insurance, Rs.50,000 aid for the ones who help the disabled and mothers who deliver special babies will be given aid Rs. 2000 per month up to 2 years and so on.

She added that though there are good schemes, very few beneficiaries approach to get the scheme. The reason behind this,  is lack of knowledge or information. She called upon the officials and public to help them.

Many people were honoured on the occasion for their achievements in various fields.