Shillong, Nov 3 (NationPress) Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday spearheaded the state's observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He utilized this platform to emphasize his administration's unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, rights-oriented society that empowers every citizen to reach their fullest potential.

While addressing attendees at the U Soso Tham Auditorium in Shillong, Sangma articulated that the essence of a society is not defined by its treatment of the robust, but rather by its efforts to uplift those confronting daily adversities.

“Today, we honor extraordinary abilities — the strength to overcome, innovate, and inspire,” he expressed.

Positioning his government's initiatives within a broader social transformation, the Chief Minister stated that Meghalaya has consciously transitioned from reliance on charity-based approaches.

“Our main initiative has shifted the narrative from charity to rights, from pity to dignity, and from labels to abilities,” he remarked.

He shared inspiring success stories, highlighting the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project, which facilitated the formation of the Eastern Brook Band, a group of musicians with disabilities now representing the state on national and international platforms.

Sangma also mentioned that the state has introduced its first Disability Anthem, symbolizing hope and significantly altering public perception. Furthermore, he noted Meghalaya's advancements in inclusivity across various sectors.

The inaugural inclusive debate competition opened doors for neurodivergent students, while 30 entrepreneurs with disabilities were identified, with eight receiving funding of Rs 2.5 lakh each. Additionally, the region's first PwD-run Common Service Centre was launched.

He also announced that Meghalaya hosted its first blind football tournament to foster unity through sports.

On governance, the Chief Minister highlighted that the state has fully enforced the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, alongside the Meghalaya Rules and the State Policy for Empowerment. A total of 41 government buildings have been made fully accessible, and 84 government websites now comply with accessibility standards.

He pointed out the nationally recognized Meghalaya Sign Bank App, which features 10,000 signs, and a community-based rehabilitation network that encompasses all districts and 46 blocks.

With over 70 percent UDID coverage, 32,000 individuals with disabilities now possess identity cards. Annual merit scholarships are awarded to 370 students, and District Resource Centres provide essential services such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, audiology, and early intervention across the state.

Sangma also stated that Meghalaya is the first state in the Northeast to integrate mental well-being into governance frameworks. He acknowledged several individuals with disabilities who have triumphed over considerable challenges to achieve success in various fields.

Discussing EMPOWERFEST 3.0, Sangma described the event as a movement that has “turned isolation into participation and sympathy into empowerment.”

He called for collective action to dismantle barriers—physical, digital, educational, and economic. “Let us vow that in Meghalaya, no dream will be too distant, no voice too quiet, and no ability too insignificant to be valued,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also honored remarkable achievers with disabilities and awarded winners of the EMPOWERFEST Inclusive Film Festival. The program included the inauguration of the K-9 Sniffer Dogs Canine Unit and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Sankaradeva College for a statewide drug survey.