Manipur Marks Disability Day with Felicitations, Aid Distribution and Cultural Showcase in Imphal

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 was observed today at the City Convention Centre, Imphal with an inclusive programme highlighting equal rights, accessibility and opportunities for persons with disabilities. The event was organised by the Department of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur.

Held under the global theme “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” the observance stressed the importance of ensuring that persons with disabilities are included in education, employment, public life and community growth.

Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS attended as Chief Guest. Social Welfare Secretary Shri Robert Singh Kshetrimayum, IAS presided over the function, while State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Shri Waikhom Birahari Singh and Director of Social Welfare Smt. Anna Arambam were present as Guests of Honour.

As part of the programme, sportspersons with disabilities who brought laurels to the State were felicitated. These included:

• Manipur Women Wheelchair Basketball Team, 1st Runners-up at the National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament, Gwalior (1–10 September 2025).
• Manipur Cerebral Palsy Football Team, 2nd Runners-up at the 3rd National Cerebral Palsy Football Championship, Goa (October 2025).
• Medal winners of the 12th National Abilympics Skill Competition held in Delhi (20–21 November 2025).

The Department also distributed aids and assistive devices in collaboration with the Composite Regional Centre (CRCSRE), Takyel. Beneficiaries included recipients of motorised tricycles, auxiliary crutches, wheelchairs, walking sticks and hearing aids.

Students with disabilities presented cultural performances, adding colour and expression to the event.

Government officials, NGO representatives, educators, students and families attended the programme, creating a strong collective platform for advocacy and support. The Department of Social Welfare reaffirmed its commitment to building a more accessible and inclusive Manipur where persons with disabilities can live with dignity and equal opportunity.