Visually Challenged Persons Get Musical Instruments, as part of post COVID-19 Rehabilitation Initiative
Bureau,Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar,20/04/21:The Centre for Advocacy and Research (CFAR) has today distributed musical instruments and other items to 106 visually impaired persons. This is in partnership with the Odisha Association for Blind. Senior officials from Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) participated in the event. It was organised at Durga Mandap, Satya Nagar, Bhubaneswar.
At this event, 35 digital weighing machines were distributed to unemployed visually impaired youth. Additionally, 65 tarpaulin sheets were provided to persons without shelter, while 6 visually impaired students pursuing music at college level were given musical instruments including 2 tablas, 2 harmoniums and 2 tanpuras.
In a statement, Mr Sanyashi Behera, District Social Security Officer (HQ), SSEPD, said, “This was a unique event for inclusion of person with disabilities as part of the disaster response program. It is a way of impressing on the the national and state disaster management agency that they should give priority to persons with disabilities in their rescue, relief and rehabilitation activities.”
Mr Behera said the support would help shelter-less people during the harsh summer months, while musical instruments would help develop musical skills of students.
Mr Prasanna Kumar Mallick, District Social Security Officer, SSEPD, Cuttack, said that: “This is good step taken by CFAR and in many ways will help rehabilitate people economically. I am glad I participated in this event because we all have one mission which is the economic rehabilitation of visually impaired persons.”
A recipient of harmonium, Ms Rashmita Barik, said, “I am glad to receive the harmonium as it will help me master the instrument and earn my livelihood, feed my family as well as fulfil my aspirations.” A recipient of tanpura, Ms Madhusmita Sahoo, said she will pursue music in a professional way to make a living.
Another visually impaired person, Mr Dilip Nayak, said, “I have skill and expertise to play tubi tabla but did not have the instrument. Today I got the tubi tabla and this will help me to earn with dignity.”
Ms Jyoti Moharana who got a weighing machine, said, “I will not depend upon anybody to get monetary support. I will use it for checking weight of people on a chargeable basis,” she said.
Ms Sabita Samal, who received tarpaulin, said she was happy to receive tarpaulin. “It will protect me from the summer heat and rain.”
