Government hosts 'raahgiri' for persons with disabilities

NEW DELHI: In a first-of-its-kind endeavour, a ' Raahgiri' day for persons with disabilities was organised today in the national capital by the government, which now plans to replicate the event in the major cities like Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

'Raahgiri' day provides citizens with an opportunity to reclaim their streets, connect with their community and celebrate their city. The concept is inspired by the 'Ciclovia' event held weekly in Bogota, Colombia and now popular all over the world by different names like 'Open Streets' and 'Summer Streets'.

The gathering this morning at Connaught Place was special because it involved predominantly involved participation in cultural and sporting activities by differently-abled people.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment keeping in mind the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas", an official statement said.

Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Thawar Chandra Gehlot, and the Minister of State in the department, Krishan Pal Gurjar, witnessed the activities at the event.

The department, in collaboration with the various state governments, will soon be organising similar events for persons with disabilities in cities like Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

There were activities like wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby for the children and persons with disabilities as also cricket and tandem cycling for blind students. There were also street plays by students with disabilities.

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police brass band, too, was at hand to add a unique flavour to the special event.

According to the 2011 Census, there are 2.68 crore persons with disabilities in India, including those with visual, hearing and speech disabilities.