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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, attending the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Bocce and Bowling Competition as the chief guest at Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi on Tuesday, highlighted India's unique and ancient civilisation, emphasising its inclusivity and respect for specially-abled individuals.
"Our civilisation is unique in the world, spanning over 5,000 years. It reflects a profound ethos where we see divinity, sublimity, and spirituality in Divyangjan. These games celebrate something vital: inclusion and dignity for specially-abled persons across the Asia Pacific, reflecting India's cultural values. The Special Olympics epitomises our commitment to universal inclusion," Dhankhar said. The Vice President also raised concerns over the increasing digital obsession among the youth, cautioning against its detrimental effects. "I want to highlight a serious concern for society, which is becoming alarmingly worrisome. In today's fast-paced digital era, our youth and children are increasingly consumed by mobile phones--small plastic screens that pull them into digital playgrounds, taking them away from real ones. I urge every parent to ensure that children experience the joy, spirit, and enlightenment of real playgrounds, free from the grip of digital obsession," he said. Addressing the challenges faced by specially-abled athletes, Dhankhar praised their resilience and determination. "You are champions not just on the field but also in life, overcoming challenges most of us can only imagine. Observing your performance is inspiring, but reflecting on the effort behind it reveals the extraordinary hurdles you face daily. Despite this, your vigour, energy, and enthusiasm shine through," he remarked. The Vice President also highlighted various initiatives taken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to empower Divyangjans. "Several affirmative steps have been taken, such as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act passed in 2016, special queues, home voting, and braille features on EVMs, all aimed at making the electoral process inclusive. Education reservation for Divyangjans has been increased from three per cent to five per cent. Initiatives like the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), established in 2015, the National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) in 2019, and the upcoming Centre for Disability Sports in Gwalior underscore our commitment to empowering specially-abled citizens," Dhankhar added. (ANI)
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