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World Disabled Day
Dehradun, December 3 These are the day-to-day problems that the disabled face as they move out of the confines of their institutions. Most vocational institutions are not disabled friendly. Most buildings, banks and educational institutions do not have ramps. “While constructing buildings, attention must be paid to making provisions for the disabled so that they can move with ease. Ramps and other facilities area must. “ I came all the way from Lucknow to study here because I had heard that there are several institutions dedicated to my kind of problem, but now I realise my battle actually begins when I venture out. I feel dependent and dejected,” said Shukla. Experts say that states that lag in health services also lag in care for the disabled. Eight years into existence, Uttarakhand has failed to draft a policy on disability. Even appropriate data about their numbers does’nt exist. The figures are debatable too. The official figure stands at one lakh but NGOs put it at two lakh. The number of visually disabled in the state is around 84,668. The needs of the disabled are taken care of by the welfare department and state nodal agencies for central government schemes. Every World Disability Day, the welfare department issues pension to the disabled. As many as 7, 718 certificates have been issued by the Dehradun CMO to be given to disabled persons. The disability pension comes to Rs 400 per month. Government rules specify that those with 40 per cent or more disability are entitled to reservation in jobs. Those with multiple disabilities do not come under this purview. The Nirmaya Scheme of the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons provides insurance cover of up to Rs 1,00,000 per year for those suffering from autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and multiple disabilities. To complete the reservation form, these persons are tossed from one centre to another. For procuring the medical form, they have to approach the village pradhan and councillors. “One wonders if the rules have been framed for our convenience at all,” says Rakesh Kumar. The hostile attitude of families often deter the disabled from taking an active part in society. A caring, empathetic society that applauds success stories of people with special needs can challenge these deep-rooted negative perceptions. “With a highly developed third sense, these persons do not want patronising or sympathy. What they need is boosting of morale and help to bring out the best in them as most are blessed with some talent,” said Shaswat Singh, founder president of Inspiration, an NGO working with autistic children. In years to come, the number of disabled in the state is bound to rise as age-related disabilities and traffic incidents increase. The state needs to be attuned to the needs of the disabled to provide them quality life comparable to able-bodied citizens. Then alone can they be brought into the mainstream.
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High-flyers reach Assan
Dehradun, December 3 Among the other migratory birds that have arrived in Assan, the Ruddy Shelduck, popularly known as Surkhab, outnumber the rest. Few know that 10 per cent of the world population of Ruddy Shelduck comes to Assan and surrounding Yamuna valley areas each year. The Marble Teal and Bears Poachard and the white-tailed Sea Eagle from Korea are some of threatened species that have recorded their presence in Assan in recent years and are expected this year too. Ornithologists will be on the lookout for the long-tailed duck that comes from the Tundra. It registered its presence in 1990. Similarly, bird lovers are awaiting the Lesser White Fronted Goose that was seen last winters for the first time after 27 years. The Golden Eye Bird was also spotted after decades last year. Being a conservation reserve dedicated to migratory birds, Assan’s importance has grown over the years. While many birds from across the Himalayas spend their winters here, some among them move on to other wetlands of the country after a brief halt here. “Of course, Assan is a bird watcher’s paradise as migratory birds, including some rare ones, visit this wetland,” says Arun Pratap Singh, a scientist and bird watcher. He spotted the Lesser White Fronted Goose last year. The Uttarakhand Yamuna circle forest authorities have constructed four eco huts to promote tourism. Two hides for bird watchers have been constructed with two artificial lakes at either side of the dam. In order to attract tourists, two camping sites and track routes have been made at a safe distance from the barrage.
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Drumming up support
Dehradun, December 3 The drummer plays the drum at happy occasions like the sanskar ceremony of a child as well on the solemn occasion of death. But the dholis have fallen on bad days.“There are very few dholis in Uttarakhand now,” informed Sohan Lal, a well-known drummer. Sohan Lal was facilitated by the Akhil Garhwal Sabha with Garh Vibhooti Award at the recently concluded Uttarakhand Mahotsav.Hailing from Pojar village in Chanderbadni Tehri, Sohan Lal is credited with reviving the dhol and encouraging dholis to take to their traditional occupation. “ At 13, I picked up the drums. I had seen my father play the drums at the temple. It was this tradition that I wanted to carry forward. Later, I honed my skills under the stewardship of Bhag Das and Har Das, renowned dhol players,” he said. Dholis from Garhwal belong to the Das community. Many among them were forced to live hand to mouth, as people in the hills began to rely on marriage bands. Migration too killed the custom of calling the dholis on festive occasions. “There is no effort made by the government to revive the dhol, nor provide assistance to the dholis who may have fallen on bad days. We need to be encouraged to take up the occupation that our forefathers nurtured for years,” informed Sohan Lal. Some social organisations have lent support to the cause of the dholis. “ Shri Bhuvneshwari Mahila Ashram, a Tehri- based NGO, has lent support to us from time to time. I am busy composing Dhol Sagar. It will be in a book form containing instructions on how the drum must be played and it’s grammar,” said Sohan
Lal.
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Petrol plant of a different kind
Dehradun, December 3 Top officials of the company led by chief executive officer Seuk Kee Hong met Chief Minister Maj Gen B.C. Khanduri recently. Seuk Kee Hong had requested Khanduri to provide 60 acres of land besides facilitating power arrangements for the proposed unit.The company’s managing director Mrinal Doval told that the meeting with the CM was fruitful. He also disclosed that the total capacity of the proposed plant would be 100 million tonnes per year while adding that plant will also provide employment opportunities to the youth here. Meanwhile, Khanduri assured that the state government would provide all support to the company. The Chief Minister also said that he is making all efforts to ensure that industrial package is extended by another three years.
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The red plant wonders
Dehradun, December 3 “My ancestors started the handicraft business and in my teens I joined the business,” said Babu Mangang, owner-cum-designer of Khangabok Craft Centre at Manipur. Sturdy read plant items such as bags, door mats, shoes, hats, sofas and stools attract visitors in large numbers. "The response has been very good and we are left with only a few bags and stools,” said Mangang. The handicraft items are priced between Rs 100 to Rs 4,000 with a life span of 10 years. The Manipuri handicraft made a niche for itself in 1989. Babu Mangang was facilitated with a national award in 2004 by former President
Abdul Kalam for his artistic creations. “I was delighted when people recognised our work and I received the award,” said Mangang. However, in spite of a few items being priced high, Manipuri handicraft business has been doing well all over India. "I purchased a hat because it’s so different,” said Reena a college student. “We have been appreciated for our quality products. Price doesn’t matter to most customers as they know how much time and effort goes into making these products,” said Mangang. Creating manipuri handicraft depends on the availability of the red plant. "The red plant, a water grass, is found at few places in Manipur. The plant stems are dried and then later given various shapes. A sofa takes 10 days whereas a hat takes a day or two,” explained Mangang. “This is our first time here and we plan to come again,”
said Mangang.
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The task is daunting. The coaching institute is not disabled-friendly.
