Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday attended the Purple Fest 2025, at Raj Bhawan. The event was aimed at fostering awareness, inclusion and empowerment for Divyangjan.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor lauded the resilience and talents of Divyangjan. He assured them of his commitment to build a more accessible and inclusive Jammu Kashmir.
“We have worked with dedication for empowerment of Divyangjan and major initiatives have been taken in the last few years to ensure dignity, rights and well-being of Divyangjan. I am fully committed about their integration in every aspect of social, economic and cultural life,” he said.
Sinha highlighted the key initiatives taken by the government to create a supportive environment for the Divyangjan, fostering their innate potential and enabling them to lead a dignified life.
“We must ensure equal opportunity for Divyangjan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi through reforms made sure that every public or private establishment should follow the equal opportunity policy and systematically address the challenges faced by Divyangjan”, he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said, “Divyangjan have immense potential to achieve extraordinary success in life. They are gifted and dedicated to bring positive change in the society. They are not seeking welfare but their rights provided by the constitution. I have always focussed on policies and decisions which prepare them in a manner that they integrated into the mainstream”.
He sought the support of all the stakeholders, civil society organisations to complete the education of Divyangjan in an inclusive environment.
“Education is crucial for Divyangjan because it is the powerful medium which will provide them opportunities for employment and advancement”, he said.
Sinha observed that today skilling is equally important for Divyangjan for their empowerment and to achieve their goals. He said, a multi-faceted approach for skilling and a multiple collaborative effort to make them self-reliant will help the Divyangjan to realise their full individual potential.
He also made a special mention of Para-Archers, Ms Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar. He said their incredible journeys, and sheer determination and unshakable willpower have become inspiration for all.
The Lieutenant Governor impressed upon the officials of Social Welfare Department and other stakeholders for making dedicated efforts for identification of beneficiaries and ensuring 100% saturation of Unique ID Cards for Divyangjan.
“J&K Government has already requested the Government of India for organizing Two Mega Camps for Divyangjans one each in Jammu and Kashmir Division,” he said.
The event featured cultural performances and martial art demonstration by the children from Composite Regional Centre Jammu, Directorate of Social Welfare and various organizations. They also presented the Lieutenant Governor with the Mata ki Chunni of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and handmade flower pots and bouquets.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated officials and members of various organizations including Composite Regional Centre Jammu, Jigar foundation, Muskan Charitable Trust, Muskan Foundation Vijaypur, Swami Vivekanand Educational trust, Directorate of Social Welfare, Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (PWD), J&K Samaj Kalyan Kendra Jammu, Voluntary Medicare Society Srinagar and Residential School for the Blinds Roopnagar Jammu.
A Pledge to safeguard the rights and interests of the Divyangjan was also administered.
Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Sanjeev Verma, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare; Rupesh Kumar, Director, Social Welfare, Jammu; Iqbal Lone, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; senior officials, Divyangjan, representatives of various NGOs and civil society members were present.