Sri Vijaya Puram, May 28: A significant step towards inclusive empowerment was witnessed today with the formal inauguration of the PM-Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) at the Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Andaman & Nicobar Islands initiated by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India , Public Sector undertaking by DEPwD, MSJ&E. The ceremony was graced by the Honorable Minister of State, Mr. B.L. Verma, representing the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, the presence of Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, as the Guest of Honor and the distinguished Special Guests Mr. L. Kumar, IAS Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, A&N Administration, Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman & Dr. Abhijit Roy, Deputy Director, Directorate of Health Services (DHS).
The event commenced with a warm and graceful welcome address by Mrs. Sumithamol S, Director, CRC A&N Islands, who highlighted the commitment of CRC towards the upliftment and welfare of Divyangjans across the region.
Mr. Tarun Kumar, Incharge, Regional Marketing Centre (RMC), ALIMCO, Kolkata, addressed the gathering and shared valuable insights into the achievements and milestones of the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra all over India.
Following the opening remarks, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Honourable Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, addressed the gathering with heartfelt concern for the needs and rights of persons with disabilities. He elaborated on the wide-ranging services extended by CRC A&N to Divyangjan, expressing pride in the ongoing efforts and future aspirations of the centre.
In his keynote speech, Minister of State Mr. B.L. Verma lauded the milestones for Divyangjan have been achieved by the Government of Honorable Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi and stated that “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, and guided by the mission of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’, the Government is ensuring that no one is left behind. He appreciated the commendable work undertaken by ALIMCO and CRC in establishing the PMDK unit. He emphasized the significance of this centre in providing assistive aids, rehabilitation support, and comprehensive care to persons with disabilities & Senior Citizens. Mr. Verma reaffirmed that no requirement of any special camp for distributing aids and appliances. The PMDK unit will provide the materials directly making any delay.
A vibrant and touching cultural performance by children with disabilities from the CRC captivated the audience and highlighted the talents of Divyang children. The energy and enthusiasm of the performers deeply moved all dignitaries and attendees.
The highlight of the program was the distribution of assistive devices, including hearing aids for Hearing Impaired, mobility aids for Locomotor Disabled and Visually Impaired kit (Smart Phone & Accessories) for visually Impaired, in total 34 beneficiaries got benefitted. These aids were handed over personally by the Minister, marking a moment of dignity, support, and empowerment for each recipient.
Mr. Rath, Nodal Officer, PMDK (All India) from ALIMCO, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of all stakeholders – the Minister of State, Members of Parliament, IAS officers of the A&N Administration, staff of CRC and ALIMCO, and most importantly, the beneficiaries who travelled from all corners of the islands to witness and be part of this historic occasion.
The event concluded on a high note with collective appreciation for the successful implementation of the PMDK unit. It marks a transformative milestone in the lives of Divyangjan in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and reaffirms the Government’s resolve toward an inclusive India.
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