Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that specially-abled (Divyang jan) do not need sympathy but they need to be given opportunities as they have different talents. He said this, while addressing a function as a chief guest at Himachal Pradesh University organised by HPU and Umang Foundation to honour the specially-abled persons at Shimla today. He directed to waive off the hostel fees to the specially-abled students living in the hostels of the university. He said that specially-abled persons are also an important part of the society and they have special talents. Many of them are guiding the society with their significant contribution. So we need to change our attitude towards them. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken this initiative by providing computers, laptops and other facilities to specially-abled.
The Governor appreciated the efforts of Umang Foundation in this direction and said that other social organizations should come forward by taking inspiration from Umang Foundation. He also appreciated the university administration for providing facilities to specially-abled and said that more work should be done in this direction. He also directed to construct a ramp in the university auditorium. The Governor also felicitated the Divyang talents on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Sikander Kumar while welcoming the Governor said that we need to be sensitive and work for welfare of the weaker sections of the society. An attempt has been made to provide justice by setting up a legal cell in the university. He said the university is working for all-round development of the specially-abled students. He appealed to the general students to maintain the academic environment and assured to resolve their problems.
The special guest of the function and Member of U.G.C. Prof. Nagesh Thakur said that despite all the adverse circumstances, specially-abled persons have set an example in the society. It is the duty of all of us to facilitate him so that they could move forward. He appreciated the efforts of Umang Foundation. Earlier President, Umang Foundation Prof. Ajai Srivastava welcomed the chief guest and detailed about the activities of the Foundation. Expressing his gratitude towards the Governor, he said that this is the first time that a Governor has attended a function of specially-abled persons, which shows his sensitivity towards them. He said that Himachal Pradesh University would probably be the first university in the country which is specially-abled friendly and is providing opportunities to such students to move forward. On this occasion, visually challenged persons also shared their views and displayed their talent by singing.
