Savishesha to help in achieving objective of disabled-friendly Kerala: Pinarayi

‘Savishesha – Carnival of the Different’ is a fresh step towards achieving the objective of disabled-friendly Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the valedictory of the three-day fete for the differently abled organised by the Social Justice department here on Wednesday.

“Savishesha carnival was not just a celebration, but also a proclamation by the differently abled that there was nothing they could not do,” the Chief Minister said.

The differently abled from various districts had showcased their talents in arts, literature, and sports the past three days and shown that talent knew no limits. The determination shown by them was a lesson for the younger generation, Mr. Vijayan said.

A job fair organised by the Kerala Knowledge Economy Mission and the Labour department for the differently abled saw a good response from job-seekers and employers. “Standing on own feet brings not just financial independence but also an increase in self-confidence,” he pointed out.

He urged parents at the event to bring their children out of the four walls of homes and identify and develop their talents and impress upon them that they belonged in this world as much as anyone else did. Differently abled did not mean one was any less; just that one had a different talent, the Chief Minister said.

Students also had a role in recognising the special talents of those who studied with them and seeing them the same as everyone. Teachers should equip students to do that, he said, urging all to utilise events such as the carnival to their maximum.

Mr. Vijayan pointed out that attitudes towards the differently abled had changed and people recognised that they wanted equal rights. This was the reason why there had been a shift from welfare of the differently abled to ensuring their rights.

Mr. Vijayan said the government had increased reservation and pension for the differently abled and implemented initiatives such as Barrier-free Kerala and Anuyatra to send the message that society was with them.

Congratulating the participants and winners at the festival, the Chief Minister expressed hope that their successes would inspire others too.

Minister for Social Justice R. Bindu said the carnival would be celebrated in the coming years too.

Dr. Bindu said the government had sanctioned ₹23.85 crore through additional authorisation for providing three-wheelers, electronic wheelchairs, and other assistive devices to applicants through Kerala State Differently Abled Welfare Corporation Ltd. These would be made available this financial year itself.

Malappuram district won the first position in overall performance. Thiruvananthapuram bagged the second position and Kottayam third position.

The Minister gave away prizes to district teams and the winners of the literary competitions and inclusive sports events as well as the winner of the contest for designing the carnival logo.