Arif Rashid
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a UN day that is celebrated every year on 3 December. The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life. WHO joins the UN in observing this day each year, reinforcing the importance of securing the rights of people with disabilities, so they can participate fully, equally and effectively in society with others, and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives.
At its headquarters in Geneva, WHO organizes an annual IDPD event to educate the public, raise awareness, advocate for political will and resources, and celebrate WHO’s achievements. In 2022, the WHO launched the Global Report on health equity for persons with disabilities. This report sets forth the approaches and actions that countries can take to address the health inequities that persons with disabilities experience.
On the World Disability Day, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a protest by the disabled class of the society. Demanding care, financial assistance and separate schools, the disabled class sought end in “discrimination” they face from “state authorities”.
On this day new schemes are created for physically challenged people all over the world and a lot is done for their welfare but luckily. In our state and country, only these people are remembered only on December 3rd, that is also for their publicity so that people consider them as sympathizers of physically challenged people. They create huge programs on the day and make high claims. First of all, the programs of the day offer huge sums of money along with luxurious food. The high claims are always open. There is no truth in these claims, this department has always been in the forefront of killing the right of disabled people, some ignorant disabled people and some selfish people are very successful in celebrating this day. CAPD Association declares this day as black day and protest for whom Eid or Diwali has no meaning for those who have nothing to eat or drink at home. Stumbling people are forced to eat those who have no income support without pension they are beggars who have many other problems they are also suffering from mental stress day by day so I appeal to all the disabled people. Do not go to any government program because it does not reduce our problems but increases them. You should celebrate this day as black day and protest so that on this day the message will reach the whole world that if no injustice is being done to the physically challenged people of Jammu and Kashmir, then these people today on the occasion of World Disability Day. Why are you protesting on the streets? We have no other weapon except protest. Inshallah one day we will all be successful. Some selfish people will try to mislead you but don’t fall for them.
(Author is working as Lecturer (Mathematics) in GDC for Women, Baramulla).