Children of a lesser God
Success stories particularly of those who have managed to overcome their physical and mental short comings to script a life worth emulating have inspired the human race through the ages and the story of Helen Keller, the blind, deaf and mute girl, continue to be a source of inspiration and encouragement not only to the physically Challenged people but to even the fully able bodied men and women.
The story of this unique, determined and gutsy American girl will continue to inspire people of all generation and is a fitting tribute to what mankind can do with the required support system and of course personal grit.
Seen in this backdrop, the 1st State Special Olympic Games For the
Physically and Mentally Challenged organized by The Special Olympic Bharat, Manipur Chapter is a laudable move and should be encouraged from all quarters. Such an event is not only about bringing together the physically and mentally challenged people under one platform and participate in a game or sports festival but has more to do with the fact that society recognizes the need to organize such events and make the less fortunate people feel wanted and loved and cared.
While institutions like the BB Paul Mental Development Home, Ch Ibohal Institute of Mentally Retarded, Mangwa School for the Handicapped and Special School of Disabled, Khongman and other such institutions are contributing their mite in imparting training and education to the mentally and physically challenged people, society as a whole need to step out and take a more pro-active role in providing opportunities to the less fortunate people.
Being a welfare State, the Government too needs to come forward and frame a policy for the mentally and physically challenged people and implement the same effectively and not merely let it rot away in the labyrinths of “babudom” and the bureaucratic structure.
While extending co -operation and help to the less fortunate is certainly needed, care should be taken to see that it is not reduced to acts of pity, for nothing hurts the sentiments of people as much as when they are made to feel that their state of existence is pitiable. On the other hand what is needed is to extend the hand of co-operation and encouragement to make them stand on their own feet and help them find their rightful place in society.
Economic independence is certainly the topmost priority to make them feel wanted and special. Local clubs, NGOs and other voluntary organizations too should spare a though and do something on this front. Parents and family members of children with physical and mental deformities too need counseling on how best to bring up their wards and help them stand on their own feet. What we are now talking about involves human beings whose blood is as red as anyone's and whose existence here should at least have some meaning.
And for this, society as a whole need to take the first step in assuring all that they are part and parcel of human society. The point to be realized is physical and mental deformities are not handicaps that should tie come and the onus is on all of us to meet the challenge.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
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