The Governor of Nagaland, Nand Kishore Yadav, attended the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet 2026 hosted by the Nagaland Parents Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) at RCEMPA, Kohima, on October 1, 2026. The gathering was organised under the theme, “From Care to Empowerment: Building Inclusive Communities through Strong Families and Collective Action.”
Addressing the gathering, the Governor described the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet as a significant milestone in a sustained journey of dialogue, advocacy, solidarity and collective action for the dignity, opportunity and inclusion of persons with disabilities. He emphasised that while care begins within the family, it must lead to empowerment, enabling persons with disabilities to learn, participate, work, create and lead with dignity and independence.
The Governor stressed that inclusion is a shared responsibility and called for coordinated efforts by the Government, schools, healthcare institutions, local bodies, employers, civil society and communities. He said inclusion must be reflected in schools, public buildings, transport, workplaces, digital platforms and community spaces, with persons with disabilities receiving equal access to education, skills, employment and public services. He also underlined the importance of universal accessibility as an essential component of an inclusive, humane and equitable society.
Emphasising the importance of early identification and intervention, the governor called for closer coordination among families, Anganwadi centres, schools, health workers and medical professionals. He said education must remain at the heart of inclusion and highlighted the need for trained teachers, accessible infrastructure, appropriate learning materials and informed parental support. He also stressed the importance of translating the principles of the National Education Policy 2020 on inclusion and equity into meaningful action on the ground.
The Governor further called for strengthening the pathway from education to skills, skills to employment and employment to economic independence. He emphasised vocational training, skill development, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, while encouraging workplaces to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to be recruited, trained, entrusted with responsibilities and advance on the basis of their abilities and performance.
Highlighting Nagaland’s challenging terrain and dispersed settlements, The Governor said inclusive services must reach beyond State and district headquarters and become a reality in every village and community. He called for decentralised and innovative approaches to bring specialised healthcare, rehabilitation, assistive devices and inclusive education closer to people, noting that technology, tele-consultation and stronger coordination could help bridge geographical gaps.
The Governor also called for a change in social attitudes towards persons with disabilities, stressing that they need respect, equal opportunity and removal of barriers rather than sympathy alone. He underscored that persons with disabilities must be at the centre of decisions concerning their lives and that their voices and experiences should guide policies, programmes and actions.
Marking the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet as a moment of reflection and renewal, The Governor called for stronger partnerships, greater accessibility, more inclusive schools and workplaces, stronger support for families and wider opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate fully in society. He particularly acknowledged the dedication of parents, who often overcome significant challenges to secure therapy, education and accessibility for their children.
The Governor congratulated PARIVAAR-NCPO, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, NAPAD and all partner organisations for bringing the landmark event to Nagaland. He expressed hope that the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet would open a new chapter in the collective journey towards inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
(PRO Lok Bhavan)
