State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Tongpang L Jamir, with members of Blessed Bonding, parents, and children during its 3rd Foundation Day celebration in Chümoukedima, on October 26. (Morung Photo)
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Blessed Bonding celebrates 3rd Foundation Day
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | October 26
Emphasising the need to move beyond a charity-based approach to a rights-based and inclusion-centred society, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Tongpang L Jamir, said persons with disabilities should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of welfare schemes but as equal citizens and rights-holders.
He was speaking as the special guest at the third foundation day celebration of Blessed Bonding, an NGO working for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which was held at CIHSR, Chümoukedima, on Monday, held on the theme ‘Inclusion Today, Brighter Tomorrows.’
He said the principle of “Nothing About Us, Without Us” must guide policies, programmes and decisions concerning persons with disabilities.
“Our responsibility is not only to provide services but also to remove physical, institutional, communication, digital, and social barriers that prevent persons with disabilities (PwDs) from participating fully in society,” he said.
Recognising the vital role of parents, who are often the first and strongest advocates for their children, navigating challenges in education, healthcare, rehabilitation, employment and social participation, he said Blessed Bonding represents the strength of this collective movement.
Referring to parents’ concerns about the future of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Jamir said love must go hand in hand with empowerment. He also said that preparing for their future should not rest solely on parents but requires collective efforts from families, schools, government agencies, NGOs and society.
Jamir called for greater attention to inclusive education, life-skills training, vocational opportunities, and long-term care planning to ensure that PwDs can lead dignified and independent lives.
Initiatives to strengthen disability services
The Commissioner also highlighted several initiatives and ongoing efforts of the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD), including the HITARTH Scheme, the Niramaya Health Insurance Scheme, the Chief Minister's Corpus Funds, help NGOs access Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, and promote the accurate enumeration of persons with disabilities in the upcoming Census.
He said the Commission would soon conduct disability awareness campaigns across all districts of Nagaland. It is also in discussion with the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority to facilitate disability certification and registration for the Unique Disability ID (UDID), for accessing various government schemes and benefits.
Other initiatives include a proposed workshop on Divyang SARTHI for educators, experts, institutions and parent organisations, focusing on inclusive education, assistive technology and effective teaching methods.
To create opportunities for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents, creativity and cultural expressions, the Commission is also in discussion with the NorthEast Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC) to organise a cultural event during the current financial year.
Calls for wider partnerships
Jamir also encouraged Blessed Bonding to register with PARIVAAR — National Confederation of Parents Organisation (NCPO), a national network which is made up of more than 300 parents' organisations with a combined membership of over three lakh.
He noted that the Nagaland Parents Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) is a registered member of PARIVAAR, providing opportunities to learn about schemes, policies and best practices.
He mentioned NAPAD’s recent regional parents’ week in Kohima, which brought together participants from across the Northeast, as an example of the benefits of such networks.
Jamir further suggested that Blessed Bonding broaden its membership to include non-parent members. Citing NAPAD, which was established in 2010, he said non-parents, including lawyers, teachers and professionals from other fields, play a significant role in advancing disability-related work.
While he himself is a non-parent member and a lawyer by profession, he said that such individuals contributed substantially to the organisation’s activities, demonstrating the importance of wider community participation.
Congratulating Blessed Bonding on completing three years, Jamir called for stronger partnerships to build a more inclusive Nagaland where persons with disabilities can participate in society with dignity, equality and independence.
Earlier, Inatoli V Zhimo shared a parent's testimony about her nine-year-old son, who is studying in a regular school.
The welcome address was delivered by Blessed Bonding chairman Anito Kiba, while Pastor Mukwang of Konyak Baptist Fellowship, Naga United Village, led the invocation. Petekhieno, chaplain of CIHSR, offered the closing prayer, and General Secretary Shanchamo Yanthan delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was chaired by Blessed Bonding treasurer Akahoto Jimo.
Blessed Bonding is an NGO formed by parents of children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilites (IDD) which includes but is not limited to Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, specific learning disabilities or multiple disabilities. Located at Duncan Road, Dimapur, it has more than 150 registered members.
