Malegaon:
In a seemly event organized by Divyang Education & Welfare Society (DEWS), at Municipal School No.1 ground, Malegaon, self-employment crutches and handloom donated by Leela Mahatre Pratishthan (LMP) were handed over to persons with disabilities in presence of Smt. Maya Devi Patole, Addl. Collector, Malegaon, Shri N.D. Mhatre, Chairman LMP, Mr. Ramesh Ovalekar, Uday Kulkarni, Trustees LMP, Mr. Momin Musaddique Mujeeb, Advocate High Court and numerous dignitaries of town.
“DEWS, has been actively working for protection of rights of persons with disabilities in Malegaon since its inception. More than 1500 disabled persons are registered with the Society. DEWS is consistently making efforts to secure rights of persons with disabilities besides representing the plight of disabled persons to concerned authorities with a view to implement various government schemes and facilities dedicated to persons with disabilities under guidance of its Advisors Momin Musaddique Ahmed, Advocate Bombay High Court and Advocate Momin Mujeeb Ahmed” said Mudassir Raza, President DEWS.
In another landmark achievement in the interest of disabled persons, DEWS had invited Mr. N.D. Mhatre, Chairman LMP and Director ITAMMA, a couple of months ago and apprised him of plight of disabled persons of Malegaon. After fruitful deliberation, LMP in association with DEWS proposed to launch “Mission Self Reliant” under which persons with disabilities will be provided with newly developed crutches and handloom to enable them earn their bread and butter and lead the life with dignity.
The function started with inaugural introductory speech by Mudassir Raza, President DEWS followed by welcome address by Mrs. Shabana and Mr. Rakesh Bhamre, members DEWS. Adv. Salik Ansari presented bouquets to all guests. Mr. Ziya Hakeem, businessman, presided over the function.
Advocate Momin Musaddique in his address to gathering, expressed gratitude to LMP on behalf of DEWS and highlighted the importance of restoring self-respect and dignity of disabled persons by making them self-reliant. “It is duty of the Government under Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 inter alia to provide employment and equal opportunities for disabled persons but the first ever mission self-reliant has been effected by two non-governmental entities” Adv. Momin said.
Guest of Honor, Smt. Maya Devi Patole, Addl. Collector, Malegaon expressed her delight to witness such initiative and lauded the efforts of DEWS. She emphasized on social stigma attached to disabled persons where persons with disability are not looked up at equal pedestal. “I always restrain to refer such persons as ‘handicap’. I rather prefer to call them ‘special persons’” added Smt. Maya Devi Patole. She profoundly extended her helping hands and promised active participation and support through her office for any endeavor in the interest of persons with disabilities.
In his keynote addressed, Shri N.D. Mhatre recalled promise to his mother to help the person in need and stated that he is more empowered with the blessings of his mother to take up such initiatives. “Malegaon city and DEWS is proving to be lucky for me as whatever commitments I am undertaking at Malegaon are rapidly seeing the light of the day. I along with my team have developed a handloom which can be conveniently operated by disabled person. I am exploring the ideas of weaving material for bullet proof jackets and color sarees which will bring more fortunes to disabled persons” Shri Mhatre acclaimed.
Mr. Ravish Maru and Mr. Jamil Kranti, also expressed their views and endorsed the positive approach of DEWS and its members.
Afterwards, Advocate Momin Musaddique Ahmed was conferred with ‘Legal Warrior Award’ by LMP for his services and guidance to DEWS to achieve rights of persons with disabilities. Mr. Mudassir Raza, President DEWS was also conferred with ‘Leadership Award’ for fearlessly leading the society.
Mr. Mhatre and Mr. Ramesh Ovalekar handed over the employment crutches to members of DEWS and inaugurated the first handloom designed for disabled persons.
The occasion also marked presence of Mrs. Radhika Boddu, Asst. Director, Ms. Jagruti Bandarkar, Marketing Executive ITAMMA, Raju Gadodiya, Chairman, Lions Club, Hanif Shawwal, Nasir Royal, Imtiyaz Khalil, Advocate Momin Mujeeb, Ziya Hakeem, Shahid Yeole Wala and other dignitaries of Malegaon.
The event concluded with vote of thanks by Mr. Mudassir Raza.
