MARGAO: Senior journalist Prakash Kamat said that unless the society takes the initiative to realize their rights with inclusive empathy, the rights-based disability law made for the disabled will remain only on paper.
He was speaking as the main speaker on the topic of the Divyang Rights Act 2016, at a program organized jointly by Saksham Goa and Gujarati Samaj Special School, Margao on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at the Gujarati Samaj Hall.
Saksham Goa President Abhay Prabhu, member Ashok Pawar and Gujarati Samaj Special School Manager Ranjan Naik were present on the platform.
He said that providing ramps instead of stairs for the disabled does not mean that this collective responsibility ends.
He explained the background before and after the Divyang Rights Act 2016 and shed light on how the law came into being post India signing the Rights-based disability convention of United Nations.
All the rights of the general public have been granted to the disabled through the above Act. He said that if this Act is to be implemented, there is a great need to make special efforts to ensure that the disabled are treated equally in society and to provide them with opportunities for higher education from the primary level. For this accessibility in all public spaces is a must.
Prakash Kamat appealed to the society to work seriously and sensitively on this issue, not only expecting from the government, for the rights of the disabled, and that the society should understand its responsibility to amplify their voice and take up this sacred task.
Speaking from the chair, Ranjan Naik asserted on the need for educational institutions, government, non-governmental organizations and relevant sectors of the society to take the initiative to make them financially capable to lead a normal life.
Pooja Mali, Dooming Goyash, Pushpa Pujari and Sunil Asukar, persons with diverse disabilities, who are working in different areas for livelihood, were honored by dignitaries on this occasion. Member of Saksham Ashok Pawar presented the vote of thanks and Hanumant Mavzo moderated the event.