HT Correspondent
DEMOW, Dec 4: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was observed at Rajmai Bagan Primary School near Demow on Wednesday under the patronage of Samagra Shiksha Assam, Demow Education Block in association with the Block Guardian Committee. The programme featured a series of activities highlighting awareness, inclusion and community participation.
The event began with the flag hoisting by Pulindra Kalita, Headmaster of Rajmai Bagan Primary School. Santana Barua, Assistant Teacher, offered the smiti tarpan, while Sarju Begum lit an earthen lamp before the photograph of cultural icon Zubeen Garg. Buddeswar Borah, Secretary of the Guardian Committee, planted a sapling to mark the occasion.
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Naranath Gohain, Block Elementary Education Officer, inaugurated the competitions and the health camp. An open session followed, presided over by Tulan Bezbarua and anchored by resource person Prasanta Dehingia. Resource person Dipu Kumar Gogoi spoke briefly about the objectives and importance of the programme.
Dr Rupam Borkakoty, Deputy Superintendent of Demow Model Hospital, delivered the keynote address. Chief guests—including Nilima Devi Child Development Project Officer (ICDS), Dipak Borah District Programme Officer of Samagra Shiksha Sivasagar, persons with disabilities Hemanta Borah and Ranjit Borah, also addressed the gathering, stressing inclusion, empowerment and continued support for differently abled individuals.
During the open session, ten specially abled meritorious students who cleared the HSLC Examination 2025 were felicitated for their achievements. The programme also saw participation from Block Accountant Dipti Borah, the RBSK team of Demow Block Primary Health Centre and several community members, marking a meaningful observance of the day.
Our Tezpur Correspondent adds: The North Assam Divyang Association (NADA) in collaboration with the Sonitpur District Administration, observed the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Bhupen Hazarika Kalabhumi on Wednesday. Known for its vocal advocacy for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in the region, the organisation hosted a day-long programme celebrating ability, inclusion and awareness.
The event began with the unfurling of the organisational flag by Mridul Borah, Chief Secretary of NADA. This was followed by a swahid tarpan led by president Reyaz Ansari and a plantation drive initiated by Working president Jitu Nath. The cultural programme was inaugurated by District Social Welfare Officer Rubi Kalita, who opened the event with a rendition of Zubeen Garg’s song “Mayabini.”
Performers Dimpi Saikia, Trishna Devi, Talibul Hussain, Chitra Devi, Biki Borah, Binita Borah and Nayani Borah captivated the audience with their performances, showcasing the artistic talents of persons with disabilities.
The open session was chaired by noted Tezpur-based social worker Jagannath Bora. Among the speakers were local MLA Prithiraj Rabha, senior journalist Pankaj Baruah, media persons Prashanta Kumar Mahanta and Dip Kumar Kalita, Dipu Bhuyan from the District Legal Services Authority and Parash Nath Ray from the Tezpur Municipality Board. Speakers highlighted the significance of the day, with Pankaj Baruah expressing concern over the continued struggles faced by persons with disabilities in securing their rights and MLA Rabha stressing that their special abilities must be recognised and prioritised by society.
In a special felicitation ceremony, Para-Olympic players Abhijit Pegu, Saddam Hussain and Tarangita Das—who won gold, silver and bronze medals respectively while representing Sonitpur were honoured for their achievements. Media person Hemanta Kumar Nath announced that beginning next year, he will institute a special annual award in memory of his parents, Late Maheswar Nath and Late Rupeswari Devi. The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 10,000, will be presented to a person with disabilities excelling in sports, art, or culture.
In a separate function held at Rashtrabhasha School, three physically disabled students were felicitated with phulam gamosa and pens by Headmaster Bijay Kandulana in the presence of the school’s teaching staff, marking a meaningful tribute to the day’s spirit.
