New Delhi, March 13 President Droupadi Murmu called on Friday for the active involvement of society in empowering persons with disabilities, saying it is important to ensure their equal participation in achieving the goal of 'Developed India'.
Addressing the Purple Fest at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Murmu said that any country or society is not known only by what it has done for those who are capable, but also by how sensitive it is towards the deprived and disadvantaged sections.
She said that empowering persons with disabilities is crucial to building an inclusive society. However, this cannot be achieved through government efforts alone; it requires the active participation of every individual and organisation in society.
The President said that Divyangjans (persons with disabilities) are able to contribute to nation-building with their full potential.
Highlighting the achievements of persons with disabilities, she said that they have made remarkable contributions in fields such as education, sports, science, arts, literature, and public life.
"Today, many individuals have contributed immensely to enhancing the country's pride on the global stage. People such as para-athlete Deepa Malik, Arunima Sinha, the first amputee in the world to climb Mount Everest, and Indian Paralympic rifle shooter Avani Lekhara are inspiring examples. They demonstrate that with dedication and strong determination, any obstacle can be overcome," the President said.
Murmu also referred to government initiatives for their empowerment, including the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which provides provisions related to education, employment, social security, and accessibility.
She said that programmes such as the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan and the Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchasing/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP) Scheme are helping to make public infrastructure more accessible and providing assistive devices to lakhs of beneficiaries.
"Today, technology and innovation are opening new opportunities for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Empowering persons with disabilities is essential for building a self-reliant and inclusive society. However, this cannot be achieved by the government alone. Active participation of every individual and institution in society is necessary," she said.
"Together, we are moving towards the collective goal of a Vikist Bharat by 2047. In this journey, persons with disabilities will also have equal participation. Providing them with respect, opportunities, and dignity is the responsibility of every member of society," she noted.
Encouraging persons with disabilities to move forward with confidence, Murmu said, “You will receive support from the government and society. Your dedication, hard work, and determination will not only lead you towards progress but will also inspire the entire nation."