By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 30 Sep: The National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) hosted the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, BL Verma, as the Chief Guest for its “Swachhata Hi Seva” programme.
Er Manish Verma, Director of the Institute, addressed the gathering and highlighted the institution’s various achievements.
In his speech, Minister Verma emphasised the importance of not only external cleanliness but also internal and behavioural cleanliness. He stressed that cleanliness is essential not just on a physical level but also at the mental and social levels.
The Minister lauded the institute’s continuous efforts in empowering individuals with visual impairments. He remarked that the institute plays a crucial role in the uplift of persons with disabilities. Furthermore, he commended the Prime Minister’s initiative to replace the term “viklang” with “divyang”, calling it a powerful step towards ensuring dignity and respect for persons with disabilities in society.
The Minister also expressed pride in the institute’s achievements, mentioning that this esteemed institution has produced three visually impaired IAS officers, which is a matter of great honour for the nation. He further highlighted that students of the institute have excelled in various fields at, both, national and international levels, gaining recognition for their remarkable talents.
Verma assured the gathering that the Ministry would extend every possible support to the institute to enable it to continue its impactful work in empowering persons with disabilities.
In his concluding remarks, the Minister underscored the vital role of persons with disabilities in the nation’s progress, stating that their contribution to societal development is invaluable and must be encouraged.
As part of the “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign, the Minister presented awards to the winners of the poster competition held at the institute. He also honoured the institute’s sanitation workers for their active participation in the cleanliness drive by presenting them with mementos.
The Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed “Accessible Library” at the institute, which will significantly contribute to the educational advancement of visually impaired students.
Under the National Vayoshree Scheme and the ADIP Scheme, Minister Verma distributed assistive devices to beneficiaries to aid them in their daily lives.
In a strong commitment to environmental protection, the Minister planted a tree as part of the “Ek Ped, Maa ke Naam” campaign. Additionally, he inaugurated an ‘Eco Brick structure’ within the institute’s premises, made from 63.5 kg of plastic waste collected by visually impaired students, marking a significant step towards environmental conservation. He also visited the institute’s Early Intervention Centre, where he observed various services and activities being provided.
Present were Er Manish Verma, Director of NIEPVD; Jag Prasad, General Manager, Food Corporation of India, Uttarakhand; along with other officials, staff members, and students of the institute.
