Jammu, Dec 28: In a groundbreaking initiative, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurated the first-ever festival of inclusion in Jammu and Kashmir, aptly named Purple Fest.
The virtual presence of Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar added a touch of technological connectivity to the event, which aims to spotlight the myriad abilities concealed within disabilities and honour the resilience of Divyangjan.
Attended by around 5000 participants, Purple Fest is designed to be fully accessible, serving as a platform to showcase the courage, strength, and determination of individuals with special abilities. The festival is not just a celebration but a call to action, urging society to take proactive steps in fostering a more inclusive environment.
During the event, Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the significant achievements of individuals with disabilities across various domains, such as music, films, sports, art, and literature. He emphasised that these remarkable personalities have not only demonstrated their capabilities but also showcased special abilities that contribute to nation-building.
The Lt. Governor expressed the administration’s commitment to creating an environment that provides equal opportunities and protects the rights of Divyangjan. He mentioned key initiatives, including the distribution of motorized scooties, taking over Abhinandan Home for specially-abled students, and the increase in job reservations from 3% to 4%. Furthermore, he announced plans to fill posts within six months and establish a legal framework to ensure employment opportunities for Divyangjan in the private sector.
Addressing the need for collaboration, Lt. Governor Sinha called for a multi-dimensional approach involving stakeholders, NGOs, and private companies. He urged private companies and innovators to develop user-friendly instruments that aid in the rehabilitation and empowerment of Divyangjan.
The Lt. Governor also took the opportunity to felicitate Divyangjan Ambassadors, including Para Athletes and Sportspersons, for their outstanding contributions. Wheelchairs and assistive devices were distributed to beneficiaries during the event.
The two-day Purple Fest will feature a range of activities, including the distribution of assistive devices, sports competitions, cultural events, a fashion show, talent hunt, and an exhibition. The event drew the participation of Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt. Governor; Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare Department; senior officials, members of social organizations, and a large audience. Overall, the Festival of Inclusion is poised to be a milestone in the empowerment journey of Divyangjan in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, inspiring collective efforts towards building an inclusive society.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the temporary Composite Regional Centre (CRC) for skill development, rehabilitation, and empowerment of Divyangjan in Jammu.
The newly established facility aims to provide rehabilitation services for various categories of Divyangjan, coupled with skill development training to enhance their empowerment.
Lt. Governor Sinha emphasized the transformative change in societal attitudes toward Divyangjan brought about by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji.
Underscoring the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir Administration, Lt. Governor Sinha outlined post-August 2019 initiatives, including the formation of District Level Committees and the appointment of grievance redressal officers and nodal education officers across all 20 districts.
Post the abrogation of Article 370, the Administration streamlined the issuance of disability certificates for accessing benefits and services. Notably, 176,355 UDID certificates have been issued, and 182,338 UDID cards generated, ranking J&K 6th in the country according to CCPD data.
Lt Governor Sinha emphasised efforts through self-employment schemes to facilitate facilities and opportunities for Divyangjan, ensuring they lead lives with dignity. Special electronic equipment is being provided for ease of communication and accessibility for those with visual and hearing disabilities.
In a virtual ceremony, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar laid the foundation stone of Composite Regional Centre (CRC) Samba. Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament, and Keshav Dutt Sharma, Chairman, District Development Council Samba, were also present. The CRC in Samba, to be constructed by NBCC on 38 kanals 18 marlas of land at an estimated cost of Rs 29 crores, is set to be completed within a year as per the signed MoU with NBCC.
Learn continuously, pursue entrepreneurship, learn from failures: LG
Urges SMVDU students to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047
Katra, Dec 28: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, addressing the 9th convocation of Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in Katra, urged graduating students to set clear professional goals and face challenges courageously to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, was the chief guest for the occasion.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan congratulated the students and highlighted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s emphasis on competency over degrees. He praised SMVDU as a research and design-centric university, expressing confidence that its students would play a pivotal role in the technological advancement of society, the nation, and the world.
Lt. Governor Sinha advised the graduates to be patient, pursue their dreams with passion, and seize opportunities to learn new skills in the rapidly changing world. Emphasizing the significance of continuous learning, he encouraged the students not to fear failures in life’s journey.
In his address, Lt. Governor Sinha remarked, “Never stop learning. If you want to start a business, go ahead and do it. Those interested in start-ups with new ideas must pursue it with passion. Don’t be afraid of failures. A person learns best from failures in his life.”
Discussing life beyond the campus, Lt. Governor Sinha likened it to a mirror, where students can discover their ideal selves, explore their passions, evaluate unique skills, and prepare to contribute to the nation’s growth in various fields.
Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, presented the university report during the convocation.
Notable attendees included members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Vice-Chancellors from various universities, Heads of Departments from educational institutions, senior officials from Civil and Police administration, and students and faculty members of SMVDU.
