Bengaluru, Jan 15 (NationPress) Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, marked the Sankranti festival with the families of over 600 differently-abled employees from various sectors of Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) and Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) at his farmhouse in Bidadi, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, this Thursday.

For seven consecutive years, the minister has been hosting these employees and their loved ones to join him in celebrating this festive occasion.

During the celebration, he interacted warmly with the families and shared the traditional Sankranti Ellu-Bella (a mix of gingelly seeds and jaggery), reflecting his joy.

The differently-abled employees attended with their families, joyfully offering Ellu-Bella to the minister as part of the celebrations.

“Seeing all of you fills my heart with emotion. God gave me a small opportunity to help you, and the love and affection you continue to show me by keeping this close to your hearts has given true meaning to my life,” remarked Kumaraswamy.

His emotional response left many attendees momentarily speechless, expressing concern for his health and wishing for his continued wellbeing.

“You are role models for everyone. Your hard work has helped you build dignified lives with the salaries provided by the government. Your progress is an inspiration to society. I wish for you, your families, and your children to reach even greater heights,” he added, extending heartfelt wishes.

Back in 2006, during his tenure as Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy initiated Janata Darshan programmes which allowed many differently-abled individuals to approach him seeking employment. Moved by their circumstances, he appointed over 600 differently-abled individuals on a contract basis within various divisions of BESCOM and KPTCL.

However, their services remained unregulated until 2018, when Kumaraswamy, upon returning as Chief Minister, ensured the regularization of those employees appointed in 2006. Employment was granted in the Energy Department to 300 SSLC-pass individuals and 300 graduates. On January 14, 2019, coinciding with the Sankranti festival, he issued orders to regularize their services, bringing joy to more than 600 families.

Speaking to the gathering, he stated, “I have always tried to assist whenever possible. I will continue to advocate for the differently-abled. In the future, my heart will always respond to those lacking physical strength, and I will earnestly work for their welfare.”

He emphasized that society should move beyond merely feeling sympathy and focus on financially empowering the differently-abled and physically challenged. “Whenever I have the chance, I will work for them. To me, they are equivalent to God,” he said.

Kumaraswamy acknowledged that many differently-abled individuals still face difficulties in society and emphasized the need for greater efforts towards their empowerment. He expressed hope that God would provide more opportunities in the future, urging parents to educate their children well and wishing them a prosperous future.

The employees expressed their gratitude, stating that while they earned only Rs 3,000 on a contract basis, after regularization, their salaries have now increased to between Rs 80,000 and Rs 90,000, with some exceeding Rs 1 lakh. They shared that they have built homes, purchased cars, and are providing quality education for their children, thanks to Kumaraswamy's support. This is why they celebrate Sankranti with him every year.