STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: “The International Day of persons with disability is observed every year to promote awareness about the issues faced by persons with disabilities worldwide and to advocate for their rights and well-being. There are many people around us who are differently-abled but they never lose their hope and transform every opportunity into a milestone. Our J&K has such personalities amongst us”. With these reflections Swara Sharma from Grade 4th Kaveri alongwith her classmates conducted the morning Assembly on World Disability day at JK Public School, Kunjwani.
Adding more glory to the achievements of differently abled sport people from J&K, Rishita highlighted the outstanding persona of J&K’s ace para-athlete, Chandeep Singh, “Despite all odds, he converted his disability into ability to emerge Golden Boy of the country and the UT as well, by winning Two Gold Medals for India in Kimunyong Cup Taekwondo Championship, which was held in Korea”.
“J&K feels proud of its arm-less odds-defying ace archer Sheetal Devi from Bhaderwah. She won a bronze medal in the mixed team compound event at the 2024 Paralympics becoming the youngest Indian Paralympian medalist. She is also a recipient of the Arjuna Award and was ranked first in the para world archery rankings in 2023”, added Hammad.
“Ishrat Akhter, a wheelchair basketball player from Jammu & Kashmir is an example of a disabled person from the region, who has been honoured with an International recognition. Ishrat Akhter is the first International wheelchair basketball player from J&K”, added Avyuket.
Under the segment Quotations, Dashampreet quoted Stephen Hawking, “Disability need not be an obstacle to success”. Naksh Sharma quoted Scott Hamilton, “The only disability in life is a bad attitude”. Naitik Angurana quoted Sudha Chandran, “Never ignore a person with disability, you don’t realize how much they can inspire you”. Siddhansh Singh quoted Stephen Hawking again, “Concentrate on the things your disability doesn’t prevent you doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit as well as physically”.
Harshita quoted Aimee Mullin, “We all have weaknesses or disabilities that undermine our belief and confidence in our abilities. Embrace them as opportunities to grow”. Virat Bhagat quoted Robert Hense, “I choose not to focus on my disability but on my ability”. Medhansh Singh quoted Benjamin Snow, “Disability is natural and it doesn’t prevent a person from achieving anything. Believe in your abilities”.
Principal JKPS Kunjwani Rajesh Rathore lauded the presenters from Grade 4th Galaxy for making the audience proud with admiration for the specially-abled people. Children with Special Needs (CWSN) look for inclusive education, which is not just about providing educational access to them but creating an environment where every child, regardless of her/his abilities, feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive”.
“Progressive schools play a pivotal role in fostering inclusivity by ensuring an encouraging school environment, providing educators with training in special education methods, empathy, and tools to support diverse learning needs; encouraging interactions among all students through group activities that promote empathy, teamwork, and mutual respect; tailoring curricula to address individual strengths and challenges (IEPs); establishing buddy systems to build friendships and foster understanding among students; regularly acknowledging and celebrating achievements of differently-abled students to inspire confidence and acceptance”, he added.
“Let’s re-affirm our social commitment of empowering every Divyang Jan on this World Disability day today. With love, encouragement, and the right support systems, children with special needs not only flourish academically but also contribute richly to the learning environment. They teach everyone the value of empathy, perseverance, and inclusivity”, he concluded.