Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday called upon the families of differently abled persons and the society at large to change the attitude to enable the PWDs to march ahead with self-confidence.
The Chief Minister said this while extending his compliments to differently abled persons of Odisha in a message at the valedictory programme of 3-day celebration of International Day for PwDs, organised by Social Security and Empowerment of PwDs Department, at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
He said differently abled persons have shown their potential in various fields and created their special identity in art, literature, education, sports and others. Praising internationally acclaimed badminton player Pramod Bhagat, he said the para shuttler has emerged as an icon for the youth of the country and enhanced the pride of the nation.
“Physical disability is not a barrier in individual growth and success. Everything depends on attitude and will power,” Naveen added.
Minister of SSEPD Ashok Chandra Panda, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das and Bhubaneswar (North) MLA Sushant Kumar Rout also spoke on the occasion. Principal Secretary of SSEPD Department Bisnupada Sethi, Principal Secretary of Skill Development and Technical Education Usha Padhy and Director Niyati Patnaik participated in the programme.
Different PwD personalities were felicitated by the guests for their contribution in various fields on the occasion. The mega event included a huge assembly of PwD students, teachers, NGO representatives, social engineers, civil society workers who were involved in activities like athletic competition, seminar, art exhibition, photography show and film festival to showcase the achievements of PwDs in Odisha.