Kolkata Observes International Day for
Persons with Disabilities 2025. Pictures by Bibhash Lodh/BS News Agency.
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata,
1 December 2025: Nabajatak Child Development Centre, in association with
ANVolife Foundation, SkilledIQ Educational Trust, and the Rotary Club of
Kolkata Benevolence, successfully organised the International Day for Persons
with Disabilities -2025. The event brought together experts, parents, students,
and community members for an engaging evening dedicated to advancing inclusion,
accessibility, and empowerment.
The programme was held in the esteemed
presence of Dr. S. Govindaraj, Commissioner, PWD, Ministry of Social Justice
& Empowerment, Government of India, and Dr. Ramendu Homchoudhury, District
Governor, RID 3291. The evening opened with introductory remarks and a formal
welcome of dignitaries.
A wheelchair donation ceremony added
significance to the occasion, highlighting the collective effort to support
mobility and independence for children with disabilities.
The event featured two major panel
discussions. The first session focused on "Inclusive Healthcare: A
Multidisciplinary Approach to Accessibility," where specialists from fetal
medicine, neonatology, developmental physiotherapy, and optometry discussed the
growing need for integrated systems of care. The second panel explored
"From Awareness to Action: Education, Policy, and Community
Empowerment," offering perspectives from the fields of medical genetics,
dentistry, mental wellness, and organisational leadership. These discussions
emphasised the importance of collaborative, long-term strategies for
strengthening disability inclusion.
Interspersed between the discussions were
spotlight presentations that showcased the Kolkata Development Model,
highlighted collaborative work between Nabajatak, SkilledIQ, and Asha CDC, and
shared an inspiring journey of overcoming barriers through martial arts. These
presentations broadened the lens of inclusion by demonstrating real-life
progress, community initiatives, and individual achievements.
The programme concluded with an interactive
session involving parents, followed by a vote of thanks, group photographs, and
networking. The event collectively reinforced the commitment of all
participating organisations and stakeholders to work towards an accessible,
informed, and inclusive future for persons with disabilities.