Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to empowering persons with disabilities, stating that Odisha is focused on ensuring dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all differently-abled citizens.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of a three-day programme organised by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities-2025. The event was held at the SOA Auditorium in Bhubaneswar.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that disability is never a barrier to talent and achievement. With the right support from family and society, many differently-abled individuals have excelled in diverse fields, proving that physical limitations cannot hold back determination.
He highlighted that after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office in 2014, initiatives for Divyang persons have expanded significantly across the country. While only seven lakh persons with disabilities received assistive devices from independence until 2014, the number has increased to 31 lakh in the past 11 years. He also recalled that the term “Divyang” was introduced in 2015 to emphasise dignity.
Majhi said the state government, through the SSEPD Department, is working tirelessly to make differently-abled citizens self-reliant and socially and economically empowered.
Appealing to employers and industries, he noted that many differently-abled youths in Odisha possess remarkable skills and are contributing across sectors. It is essential, he said, to create more opportunities so that their talent can flourish.
Differently-abled persons seek not sympathy, he stressed, but the right to live with dignity, which society must uphold. Encouraging them directly, he added, “Your dreams are at the heart of our development. Never limit yourselves—challenge the boundaries others set for you.”
On the occasion, the Chief Minister felicitated 33 sportspersons with disabilities who have excelled in national and international competitions, including four members of the T20 Visually Impaired Women’s World Cup cricket team. He also launched a laptop distribution programme for meritorious students.
Speaking at the event, SSEPD Minister Nityananda Gond said the three-day festival showcased the outstanding talent of differently-abled participants.
He noted that the Chief Minister is giving top priority to expanding services and support—ranging from enhanced allowances and housing under the Antyodaya Griha Yojana to scholarships and upcoming appointments of more special educators.
Gond encouraged the participants to pursue their goals with confidence, saying that clear determination always paves the way to success.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary R.S. Gopalan delivered the welcome address, while Special Secretary Rajani Dani proposed the vote of thanks. Director Parul Patwari was also present at the event.
