GUEST COLUMN-“Know me for my abilities, not my disability” –On World Disability lets pledge to honour the abilities of disables -Puri
Jaswant Singh Puri/ royalpatiala.in News/December 3,2025
Celebrating World Disability Day on 3rd December every year as International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) and recognised by the United Nations since 1992 is not merely a ceremonial celebration, but to ensure the fundamental human rights of over one billion people in the world for their holistic well-being with disabilities in all the aspects of life like political, social, economic and cultural. The 2025 theme, “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”, marks social progress, poverty eradication, employment and social integration with the befitting involvement of persons with disabilities. World Disability Day has now become a powerful platform to assess the contributions of persons with disabilities as active innovators, leaders, and contributors.
This day carries vital importance for renewed dedication. Disability is not a discredit but a world of human diversity and a better world for them. So a separate department called “Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities”was formed. India has introduced many schemes for the upliftment of Disabled Persons. The Scheme for Implementation of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (SPIDA) is a comprehensive “Central Sector Scheme” that encompasses ten sub-schemes. The Divya Kala Mela is a national-level fair that represents a remarkable rejuvenation in India’s journey for disabled individuals. There is one PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojna) for skill development of Persons with Disabilities. Moreover, the Divyagjan Kaushal Vikas and Divyangjan Rozgar Setu platforms are tagged with information on skill training and empowerment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a broadcast to the nation in 128th edition of ‘Mann Ki Bat ’spoke with immense pride and happiness that the Indian Blind Women’s Cricket Team recently won the first-ever T-20 World Cup for the Blind, a victory that was well-applauded. PM Modi met India’s Blind Women’s Cricket Champions, which remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, and presented the PM with an autographed bat. At the same time, he reciprocated the team by signing a cricket ball. The PM called the achievement a “shining example of hardwork, teamwork and determination”. PM Narendra Modi also congratulated the team of the 2025 Summer Deaflympics held in Tokyo, Japan in which India won 20 medals (nine gold, seven silver and four bronze medals) and finished sixth in the standings. The Deaflympics is an international “Olympics for Deaf People”. It is a multi-sport event for deaf athletes held every four years.
It is a matter of pride and pleasure that Dr. Kiran Kumari,presently working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology and Coordinator of Centre for the Empowerment of Persons with Disability, Punjabi University, Patiala received a one-year ICSSR Project in October, 2025 titled ‘Exploring Media and Cultural Influences on the Identity Formation of Differently-Abled Women in Punjab’. She also attended a Symposium on Bhashini Technologies for the Visually Impaired on 28 November, 2025, organised by the Research Centre for Technical Development of Punjabi Language, Literature and Culture at the Senate Hall of Punjabi University, Patiala.
It deserves mention here that physiotherapy can help to avoid disability and restore functioning by improving the movement of limbs. It can help us to strengthen our muscles to lead a fine and fit life.
Dr. Narkeesh Arumugam is Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Ex. Dean Medicine, Punjabi University, Patiala who speaks that Physiotherapy helps at primary level to promote physical activity, ergonomics, and safe mobility of body and reduces the risk of disease. Moreover, it functions in rehabilitating after illness or trauma to limit loss of mobility, strength and endurance. It is also useful to prevent deformity, pressure sores etc. By using targeted exercise, manual therapy and physiotherapy can optimise movement.
There is a need to mention the name of Dr. VJS Vohra, CEO and Senior Consultant, Nevedac Prosthetic Clinic, Chandigarh, Multiple Paul Horris Fellow has been carrying forward for over 52 years the legacy of his late father, Padmashri Col. DS Vohra in the field of Disability Empowerment. His aim is to restore mobility by providing artificial limbs to redress the sufferings of disabled persons. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a highly significant occasion to reinforce the importance of promoting the rights, dignity and well-being of persons with disabilities. It is essential to remember, however, that this commitment should not be confined to a single day. Every day and night of the year must ensure that disabled people lead a life of pride and equality like others.
It is nice that Rotary Chandigarh, Tricity is celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December, 2025 at 4 p.m. at Nevadac Prosthetic Clinic, 1134, Sector 44-B, Chandigarh. Donation of artificial limbs to needy individuals with disability is being sponsored by Rotarian Amrit Pal Bhambra.
There is a need to recognise 21 categories of disabilities and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, enacted in India, aims to uphold the dignity of people with disabilities and prevent discrimination. Some of the inspiring quotes are given below to inspire the disabled people:
“People with disabilities are just as worthy as those without disabilities to live happy, productive lives”. (Sydney Badeau)
“Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength” (Anonymous)
“Know me for my abilities, not my disability” (M. Hensel)
So, let the disabled participate fully, equally and effectively in society with others and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives.
NOTE: The views expressed by the author, writer are personal.
