The 32nd International Day of Persons with Disabilities organized successfully, in initiation of the Rangeli Municipality. A total of 198 individuals actively participated in the program, comprising 118 women and 80 men. Notably, over 140 people with disabilities from the municipal area were actively engaged in the event. The program has been chaired by Gayatri Gautam, President of Pragatishil Apanga Sanstha and Bhuma Parajuli, Deputy Mayor of Rangeli Municipality presented as chief guest. Similarly, representatives from local security agencies and different organizations also attended.
For the completion of the program, technically and financially supported by LWF Nepal/LCWS, Karuna Foundation and other stakeholders also. An integral aspect of the event was the distribution of medical kit boxes to 130 students belonging from poor and oppressed communities, including those with disabilities. These boxes contained essential cleaning and first aid items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, bandages, dettol, nail cutter, and soap.
Speaking at the program, President Gayatri Gautam said- ‘the rights given by the constitution to people with disabilities should be implemented immediately at the municipal level. Whatever structures there are at the municipal level, all of them should be made disabled-friendly. Organizations with disabilities should not be interfered unnecessarily, as today’s program could also be organized by organizations with disabilities, if given the right. But even though we are capable, the municipality has organized itself. Thank you for the initiative of the municipality, but we could have done the work if we had been provided with the resources. Therefore, empowering people with disabilities and giving full rights is our main need of today.’
Similarly, the chief guest Bhuma Parajuli said during her speech – ‘It is the main responsibility of the state to address the needs and demands of people with disabilities. What we have learned while serving the people is that we have to plan separate programs for people with disabilities and allocate the budget accordingly. I want to assure you that in the future, the municipality will move forward by creating separate programs for people with disabilities.’