The International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 was observed, as part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival 2025, at Heritage Bamboo Hall, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima on 3rd December 2025 under the theme “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.”
Special Guest and Advisor for Social Welfare, Wangpang Konyak, highlighted the deep-rooted Naga belief that every individual possesses a unique gift. He noted that many persons with disabilities are already inspiring leaders within society. However, he lamented the continued existence of barriers such as inaccessible infrastructure and limiting social attitudes, stressing the urgent need for change.
Konyak outlined the State Government’s commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable Nagaland. He informed that government buildings, public spaces and transport hubs are being retrofitted for accessibility, including efforts to make the Naga Heritage Village fully accessible. He added that new projects now follow universal design standards with ramps, elevators, tactile paving, accessible washrooms and audio-visual signals. In the education sector, he said that government schools are being made barrier-free, teachers are being trained in inclusive education, and assistive devices and digital learning resources are being provided to ensure that no child is left behind. He also affirmed the government’s enforcement of job reservations, shifting the focus from charity to genuine empowerment.
The Advisor reiterated that the ₹1 Crore CM Corpus Fund for PwDs announced in 2023 has been utilised as seed capital to help persons with disabilities start businesses and achieve economic independence. He said that inclusion must be seen as justice rather than charity. He urged the public to promote accessibility across all districts and to work hand-in-hand with persons with disabilities towards a more equitable future for Nagaland.
During the event, financial assistance of ₹200,000 each under the Chief Minister’s Corpus Fund for Persons with Disabilities was awarded to Francise from Kiphire, Tsuweng from Noklak, and three sister: Loyinv, Premy, and Liyani from Wokha. The ₹1 crore fund, announced by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on World Disability Day 2023, is maintained in a fixed deposit, with the interest used to support eligible beneficiaries on a rotational basis across the districts of the state.
In his welcome address, Secretary of Social Welfare & ex-officio State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Limawabang Jamir, IAS, described the day as one of global solidarity and commitment. He emphasized that inclusion must become the norm and that true social progress can only be achieved when every individual enjoys equal rights, opportunities, and access. He also expressed appreciation to the Social Welfare Department, district administrations, civil society organizations, advocates and caregivers for their ongoing efforts.
The programme featured a guitar performance of “You Raise Me Up” by Ketoulhoutuo Zuyie, a visually impaired performer, followed by a poem recitation by Keyirenialule. Director of the Social Welfare Department, Tosheli Zhimomi, delivered the vote of thanks. The event was chaired by Supervisor, SCPD office Ruvuorieno Juliana Medom while Ruokuokhrienuo Vizotha and Catherine Thong were the sign language interpreters.
The day also included a Disability Pride Fair, where stalls were set up and services such as Aadhaar registration, Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme enrollment, and Unique Disability ID registration were made available to the PwDs and caregivers. The event saw the active participation of persons with disabilities and caregivers from across the state, various inclusive schools and institutions, and government officials.
(Wepre Kronu, APRO)
