Dimapur, December 3 (MExN): The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3. This United Nations-designated day aims to raise awareness about the rights and dignity of people with disabilities and to promote their social, economic, and cultural inclusion.
Along with the world, Nagaland also celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with the theme "Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.”
Wokha: Wokha district joined the global observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3. Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, Vineet Kumar, IAS, graced the occasion as the special guest. In his address, the Deputy Commissioner commended persons with disabilities for their unwavering determination and resilience. Kumar acknowledged their significant contributions to society, citing the example of renowned physicist Stephen Hawking as a symbol of brilliance and perseverance. As a gesture of appreciation and warmth, he also distributed blankets to the attendees with disabilities.
The welcome address was delivered by District Welfare Officer, Wokha, C James Ezung. The programme was conducted under the stewardship of Extra Assistant Commissioner, Wokha, Sangmou Khiamniungan.
Tseminyu: In Tseminyu the International Day of Persons with Disabilities was organised by the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Department under Social Welfare Department in collaboration with District Administration & Disabled people’s organisation Tseminyu, at DC conference hall, Tseminyu.
Delivering a keynote address, Deputy Commissioner Tseminyu, Japheth Woch, welcomed all the differently able persons and urged the Disable Union to change their nomenclature to "Differently Abled Union" in Tseminyu district. Woch also announced that a special people's cell is provided at DC Office, Tseminyu for the Differently Abled Persons to avail free certificates such as Scheduled Tribe Certificate, Indigenous Inhabitant Certificate, Permanent Residential Certificate, Aadhaar etc.
Welfare Inspector, DWO Kohima, Zahebeituo Kire, highlighted various schemes provided by the Government for the persons with disabilities. Centre Administrator, SAKHI-OSC, Tseminyu, Kenyuhyule Thong presented introduction to SAKHI-OSC and other facilities provided and available in the centre.
The program was chaired EAC Tseminyu, Molosangla Ozukum, who also proposed the closing remarks.
Kiphire: In Kiphire, the International Day of Person with Disabilities 2025 was held at DPDB’s Conference Hall, Kiphire. The programme was organised by the District Administration Kiphire in collaboration with District Disabled People's Organisation and the state commissioner for persons with Disabilities, Department of Social Welfare, Nagaland, reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity accessibility and empowerment for all.
Yokhase Sangtam, President Kiphire District Disability Association, delivered the keynote address and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts across departments to ensure that disability rights are upheld in all departmental initiatives.
Special Invitees Sienotho, CDPO Kiphire and Dr Tiakumzuk, MD Pathology, District Hospital Kiphire delivered their speech expressing appreciation for the ongoing initiatives and encouraged to continue advocacy to address barriers faced by the disable community. The speakers also emphasized on the available of scholarships and encouraged the community to avail the services and other benefits provided by the department
Zhavito, EAC Kiphire emphasized on the public to become the best support system for the disabled community. He also encouraged the community to take opportunities and uplift the society.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by Pisangla, KDDA member, where she also display the number of beneficiaries reached out by various schemes programs and incentives fostering better livelihood and inclusivity.
Shamator: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed at Shamator with the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Deputy Commissioner Shamator, Chubatemjen, NCS in his address appreciated the significant contributions made by special individuals toward the growth and development of Shamator District. He acknowledged their resilience, dedication, and positive role in strengthening the social fabric of the district. Chubatemjen also apprised the PwD community of their fundamental rights, emphasising that every person is equal and deserves dignity, opportunity, and inclusion. He reiterated the need for a society that removes barriers and fosters an enabling environment where persons with disabilities can actively participate in all spheres of life.
A presentation was made to the disabled persons by the District Programme Officer, Social Welfare, Shamator, as a gesture of recognition and encouragement.
On behalf of the Persons with Disabilities community, K Yinsoba Yimkhiung delivered a speech expressing gratitude to the district administration for organizing the programme. He also urged the Deputy Commissioner to explore possibilities for establishing an inclusive school in the district to ensure accessible and equitable education for children with special needs.
