News

Volume 2 Issue 22 - November 15, 2004

NCPEDP joins hands with Bhagidari for WDD celebrations

DNIS News Network - This year, World Disability Day will be associated with the Delhi government's Bhagidari Scheme.

This year, December 3 - or World Disability Day (WDD) - holds immense significance for the disability sector. The Delhi government will be associated with the celebrations under the 'Bhagidari' scheme. The Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit, will be the Chief Guest at the event.

The celebration of disability every year on December 3 has imparted a special focus to the rights of disabled people. It is celebrated by disabled people from every region and every religion, a common bond shared by millions across the country. The constant efforts of National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) have made sure that many more people will now walk in step with disabled people.

Since the first 'Walk to Freedom' organised in Delhi on December 3, 1997, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the independence of our nation, WDD has now been celebrated for eight successive years. This day has always been a memorable and special day for all disabled people and their supporters. The 'Walk' symbolises the distance that disabled people still have to cover to achieve true freedom - freedom, which can come with self-reliance and economic independence.

Last year more than 7,000 people were present at India Gate to celebrate WDD. Delhi's Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and former State Disability Commissioner Neeru Nanda graced the event with their presence, enabling the disability sector and disabled people to voice their concerns and outline their demands in front of them. Solidarity booths were set up at prime places across Delhi with the purpose of generating awareness about the event amongst the general public.

The celebration this year is going to be bigger and better than ever before. This year the WDD theme of inclusion will be expressed through the medium of arts and culture. It will highlight the fact that disabled people should not be denied the fulfilment of their creative, artistic and intellectual potential, thus enriching society as a whole.

This year a huge event is being planned for the day, to take place at India Gate; more than 10,000 people, along with extensive attendance from both the print and electronic media, are anticipated. To make this year's WDD truly memorable, NCPEDP is inviting disabled and non-disabled artists to participate jointly in the celebrations.