The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities was “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world”. The main objective of celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is to create awareness around the issues, needs and aspirations of persons with disabilities.

In line with this objective, Caritas India – Community Based Rehabilitation (CI CBR) celebrated its Diamond Jubilee and the International Day of Persons with disabilities across three states in India in the month of February 2023.

Kolar Dist. Karnataka

On 15th February 2023, Caritas India CBR celebrated its Diamond Jubilee and the International Day of Persons with disabilities at Mulbagal, Kolar Dist. Karnataka. Over 232 participants consisting of Persons with Disabilities, their family members and other community stakeholders took part in the event held at Church of Our Lady of Compassion, Mulbagal, Kolar Dist. Karnataka.

Mr. Robert, the State Programme Associate of Caritas India, set the context of the event in his inaugural address and shared the journey of Caritas India. He briefed on how Caritas India has reached out to the most marginalized and disadvantaged communities for the past six decades through its programmes and services.

The Chief Guest at the event Ms.Nagarathna, DCPO from the Department of Women and Child Development, spoke on emphasizing the needs and rights of children towards their development and inclusion in the community as equal citizens. Other dignitaries present included:

• Mr. Arun Kumar, President, Rotary Club, Mulbagal
• Sr. Mary Jaya, Secretary, Sunanda Organization
• Mr. Narasimha Murthy, PDO, Rajendrahalli Panchayat
• Mr. ChennaKesavappa, President, Spinal Cord Injured Differently-abled Persons Welfare Association.
• Mr. Dhanaseker, Vice President, Spinal Cord Injured Differently-abled Persons Welfare Association.
• Mr.Venkataswmy, PDO, Kangandlahalli Panchayat
• Ms. Manjula, President, Kangandlahalli Panchayat
• Mr. Prasad, President, Hunkunda Panchayat
• Mrs. Shoba, President, Alongur Panchayat

Ms. Nagarathna, DCPO appreciated the work done by Caritas India. She assured to extend her support to the field staff. The panchayat presidents, panchayat development officers and others also promised to extend full cooperation in assisting Persons with Disabilities.

The event saw the distribution of various relief funds and services to PwD community. Mr. Aruan Kumar, President of the Rotary club, Mulbagal donated 2 wheelchairs worth Rs. 31,000/- to Persons with disabilities. Ms. Manjula, President of Kangandlahalli Panchayat distributed 80 cheques of Rs. 2000/- each from the 5% reserved fund for PwDs. Mrs. Shoba, President of Alongur Panchayat distributed 220 blankets.. Mr. Nagaraj from BESCOM donated books and stationery for 15 children with Disabilities. Mr. Chenna Kesavappa, President of the Spinal Cord Injured differently-abled Persons Welfare Association also donated drinking water for the event.

Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu

On 17th February 2023, Caritas India CBR celebrated its Diamond Jubilee and the International Day of Persons with disabilities at Chengalpattu Rural Development Society – CRDS Campus, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu. Around 200 PwDs from 4 Blocks and 100 other community stakeholders, volunteers, and staff participated in the event.

Fr. (Dr). Jolly Puthenpura, Asst., Executive Director of Caritas India briefly introduced Caritas India and its services, and the importance to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.

His Excellency Most. Rev. Dr. A. Neethinathan, Bishop of Chingleput Diocese, graced his presence and gave the Chief Guest Address appreciating the work and efforts in the diocese. He was impressed by the work done and motivated our SHG members and staff to continue their service to the community.

Special invitees present were:
• Tmt. J. Senthilkumari, DDAWO – Chengalpattu,
• Tmt .Preetha ,Technical officer DDAWO – Chengalpattu
• Fr. Anthony Raj, Executive Director CRDS
• Dr. John Arokiaraj, TN Sate Coordinator and Thematic Lead – Dalit Development,
• Mr. Siluvai, CI Consultant, Resource Mobilization,
• Rev. Fr. Thomas H A, Parish Priest of Tiruporur
• Mr. Livingston, President Vasantham Federation for Differently Abled – Tiruvallur Including 12 Panchayat leaders from Field area

NUH, Haryana

On 28th February 2023, Caritas India CBR celebrated its Diamond Jubilee and the International Day of Persons with disabilities at NUH, Haryana. Over 300 participants consisting of Persons with Disabilities, their family members and other community stakeholders took part in the event.

Rev. Fr. Shushil Modi, the Administrator of Caritas India, set the context of the event in his inaugural address and shared the journey of Caritas India. He stressed the humanitarian service rendered by the Organization for the past six decades has left an indelible positive impact on the disadvantaged section of our society.

The Chief Guest at the event Mr. Ashwani Kumar, Sub Divisional Magistrate of Nuh District, Haryana spoke on emphasizing the need to work towards the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the community as equal citizens. Noted dignitaries present at the event included:

• Mr. Neeraj Yadav, Asst. Chief Judicial Magistrate
• Mr. Surjeet Thaper, Chief Medical Officer
• Rev. Fr. Irudaya Kumar, Manager of Manzil Senior Sec. School, Nuh
• Ms. Rekha, Counselor, District Child Welfare Officer
• Mr. A.R. Ansari, District Project Manager, National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM)
• Mr. Gaurav Jain, Director, Roop Automotives Ltd and Team
• Mr. Harinder Singh Kund, DTO Red Cross Society
• Mr. Hatodi, Sarpanch, President of Sarpanch Association, Nuh

Mr. Gaurav Jain, Director of Roop Automotives Ltd, and other dignitaries present were very appreciative of the work done by Caritas India and gave their assurances to support people with disabilities in the area. Rev. Fr. Irudaya Kumar of Manzil Senior Sec. School, Nuh distributed blankets and the Red Cross Society donated a wheelchair.

The highlight of the programme was that Persons with Disabilities shared their personal testimonials sharing their struggles and how the CBR programme made a difference in their lives. CBR aims at promoting empowerment, inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities.

Children with and without disabilities also showcased their talent by performing cultural dance. The skill and talent displayed was widely appreciated by the audience and judges.