11-12-2025 : Address of Hon’ble Governor on the Occasion of the Inauguration of the Divyang Rehabilitation Camp Organized by Harshal Foundation.

Jai Hind!

Honourable guests, distinguished citizens, officers of the medical and health departments, persons with disabilities and their family members, and the representatives of Harshal Foundation — my warm greetings to all of you.

It gives me immense satisfaction and deep contentment to be present among you today on the significant occasion of this Divyang Rehabilitation Camp.

The effort being undertaken by Harshal Foundation is not merely a service activity; it is an exceptional expression of human sensitivity, compassion, dedication, and social responsibility. This camp reminds us that true development can only be achieved when every individual in society receives dignity, opportunity, and respect.

I have been informed that this camp has been organized continuously for several years, and that more than ten thousand persons with disabilities have benefitted from it so far. The camp is providing artificial limbs, hands, legs, calipers, crutches, wheelchairs, tricycles, walkers, sticks, hearing aids, and special spectacles. Additionally, medical consultations, physiotherapy, health check-ups, treatment for foot and spinal ailments, and necessary guidance have been arranged.

Special provisions have also been made for skill development, employment assistance, and self-reliance programmes for Divyang persons. Senior citizens are also being provided with wheelchairs, knee braces, lumbar belts, collars, hearing aids, supportive sticks, and various other aids. These benevolent initiatives are highly commendable.

This extensive and well-organized arrangement clearly demonstrates that Harshal Foundation is not limited to distributing assistive devices; it is moving forward with a resolve to reconstruct lives and empower individuals to live with dignity and confidence.

When persons with disabilities receive appropriate assistive devices, their challenges reduce and their confidence grows. This confidence enables them to participate actively in society, in employment, in education, and in all opportunities of normal life.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the district administration, health department, social welfare department, and all officers, experts, and volunteers associated with the medical team.

The role of each doctor, technician, nursing staff member, and volunteer in such camps is extremely significant. Their dedication, spirit of service, and sense of duty are the pillars of this successful initiative.

The objective of Divyang rehabilitation is not only to distribute aids and appliances but also to cultivate sensitivity, respect, and inclusiveness in society. A society can be called truly progressive only when no individual is left behind in its march forward.

Disability does not mean a person is incapable; with the right opportunities, required support, and a positive environment, persons with disabilities can excel in every field. World history bears testimony to the fact that many individuals, despite physical challenges, have achieved extraordinary success in sports, science, arts, music, and technology.

In our country, renowned dancer Sudha Chandran reached great heights in classical dance with an artificial limb. In the Paralympics, athletes such as Avani Lekhara, Devendra Jhajharia, and Praveen Kumar won gold and silver medals, bringing glory to India on the world stage. Recently, the Indian Blind Women’s Cricket Team created history by winning the T-20 World Cup. Despite limited vision, these brave women displayed exceptional confidence, dedication, and courage — proving that disability is not a weakness, but a mark of inner strength and character.

Indian culture teaches us that humanity is not defined by living for oneself alone, but by illuminating others’ lives through compassion, empathy, and service. Harshal Foundation continues to embody this spirit of service and inspires society to advance with sensitivity, cooperation, and kindness.

The Government of Uttarakhand is committed to the empowerment of persons with disabilities. The state is continuously implementing disability pension schemes, distribution of assistive devices, educational support, reservation in government jobs, skill development initiatives, and accessibility programmes.

The primary objective of the Government of Uttarakhand is to ensure equal opportunities, equal facilities, and equal respect for every Divyang brother and sister. Continuous efforts are being made to make public buildings, offices, and educational institutions accessible. I urge everyone to benefit from these schemes and to help spread awareness among other Divyang persons.

The support of society plays an equally vital role in enabling persons with disabilities to progress. They do not seek sympathy — they deserve opportunity and respect. We must cultivate not only sympathy but empathetic understanding towards them.

A society can be called civilized only when it understands the struggles of others and stands with them. The collective support of family, society, and community enables persons with disabilities to advance in life and secure a dignified and self-reliant place in society.

I expect Harshal Foundation to continue expanding its outreach, benefitting more individuals, and contributing meaningfully to policy-level and social reforms for persons with disabilities.

I call upon all social organisations, NGOs, civil society members, and citizens to join hands with the government and various institutions in building an Uttarakhand where every individual can live with dignity, confidence, and pride.

In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all Divyang brothers, sisters, and senior citizens benefitting from this camp. I hope that this camp brings new hope, new energy, and a new direction in your lives. May your courage, your inner strength, and your determination inspire Uttarakhand and our nation with new vitality.

With this hope and conviction, I conclude my address by wishing you all a bright and prosperous future.

Jai Hind!