A state-level seminar-cum-open forum was organised today by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Government of Odisha, at the conference hall of SOA University to observe the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Inaugurating the programme as the chief guest, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of SSEPD, Shri R.S. Gopalan, emphasised that transformative change in the lives of persons with disabilities can only be achieved through collective responsibility and forward-thinking implementation of schemes.
“The progress of the state and the nation is directly linked to the development of persons with disabilities,” he said, urging greater inclusion of beneficiaries in various welfare schemes and stressing the need for accountable and inclusive service delivery.
Shri Gopalan expressed hope that the interaction with delegates from Goa would help Odisha learn from successful initiatives implemented there, further strengthening efforts towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities.
Prominent speakers at the event included Dr. Shruti Mohapatra (Executive Director, Swabhiman), Prof. P.K. Nanda (Vice-Chancellor, SOA University), Justice Durgaprasanna Choudhury (Chairman, Lingaraj Temple Administration), Smt. Parul Patawari (Director, SSEPD), and Mr. G. Subramanyam (Member, Sight Savers India).
The open session featured insightful presentations by experts from across the country:- Shri Taha Hajik, Secretary, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa; Adv. Kanchana Pamnani, Solicitor, Bombay High Court; Ms. Pallavi Kadam, Executive, NAB India, Mumbai; Dr. Bijayini Mishra, Assistant Professor, Maitri College, University of Delhi; Prof. Dayal Singh Panwar, National President, Saksham; Dr. Mahantesh G.K., Founder Managing Trustee, Samarthanam Trust, Bengaluru; and Prof. Dr. Duryodhan Nahak, University of Delhi.
The programme also recognised outstanding para-athletes who have excelled at state and national levels. A vibrant cultural performance by students with disabilities enthralled the audience. Shri Sanyasi Behera, Deputy Secretary, welcomed the guests, while finance consultant Ms. Jayshree Tripathy proposed the vote of thanks.
