Provide Persons with Disabilities the Means to Live with Dignity: Social Activist Rahul Deshmukh Urges Government

Special Program Organized on the Occasion of World Father’s Day through Jai Ganesh Vyaspeeth

Pune : Merely honoring persons with disabilities who have overcome physical challenges and achieved excellence in various fields is not enough. The government must also ensure that they are provided with opportunities and resources to earn a dignified livelihood, said social activist and NAWPG chief Rahul Deshmukh.

He was speaking at a special World Father’s Day program organized through the Jai Ganesh Vyaspeeth by Sainath Mandal Trust, Ekta Mitra Mandal, Shri Shivaji Mitra Mandal, Veer Shivraj Mitra Mandal, and Achanak Mitra Mandal. The event honored the fathers of differently-abled children who have achieved remarkable success in various fields.

Among the dignitaries present were author Dr. Sangeeta Barve, Uday Jagtap, Sachin Pawar, Vikram Gogawale, Harshad Navale, Narendra Vyas, Vinayak Ingawale, Govinda Varandani, Amit Jadhav, and organizers and presidents of various mandals including Piyush Shah, Kiran Soniwal, Sudhir Dhamale, Prahlad Thorat, and Rishikesh Bhujbal.

The program felicitated the parents of several inspiring achievers. Those honored included Nandkishor Toshniwal, father of blind Chartered Accountant and classical singer Bhushan Toshniwal; Keshav Sahane, father of hearing-impaired Bharatanatyam dancer Prerana Sahane; Nandkishor Agawane, father of differently-abled dancer Sayali Agawane; and Shekhar Gadgil, father of national-level swimmer Gauri Gadgil, whose inspiring life story gained recognition through the film Yellow. The felicitation was carried out by Rahul Deshmukh and Dr. Sangeeta Barve.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Deshmukh said, “Despite their disabilities, these children have accomplished feats that even many able-bodied individuals may find difficult. The government should formulate a special policy to provide them with quality government jobs, financial assistance, and honorariums. It must also ensure that they are able to live with dignity and security even after their parents are no longer there to support them.”

In her address, Dr. Sangeeta Barve noted that today’s youth are increasingly facing challenges such as depression, mental stress, and negative thinking. In such circumstances, differently-abled children who have overcome their limitations and achieved success, along with the parents who nurtured them, serve as an inspiration to society. She emphasized that public Ganesh festival organizations should take the initiative to showcase the achievements of such successful differently-abled individuals before society.

During the program, the parents of the awardees also shared their personal journeys and struggles. In his introductory remarks, Piyush Shah introduced the chief guests and honorees. The event was anchored by Ashish Jarad, while Sudhir Dhamale delivered the vote of thanks.

Prahlad Thorat, Kiran Soniwal, Piyush Shah, and Sudhir Dhamale made special efforts to ensure the successful organization of the event.