HD Foundation calls for equitable society

IMPHAL, April 30: The Handicapped Development (HD) Foundation organized its annual general assembly (2012-2013) at Manipur Press Club today.

Delivering the keynote address of the occasion, Dr S Jasowanta Singh, Secretary General HD Foundation said it is a non-profit making NGO established in 1999 and got the status of a registered trust under the India Trust Act 1882 in 2002 in the state.

Its objective is the social inclusion of persons with disabilities by providing educational assistance, livelihood promotion activities, community awareness, healthcare services, parents counselling, legal aid, etc working with the persons with disabilities and their family members, village community and social activists of the state and national and international non-government organizations, he added.

He continued to say that HD Foundation envisages a welfare society where poorest of the poor, weaker section and especially the handicapped persons of the society could enjoy full justice and democratic values in life. In the past 14 years our dedication, commitment and meaningful intervention have improved the quality of life for hundreds of the persons with disability across the state, Dr S Jasowanta Singh added.

We recognize the rights of every individual irrespective of their physical strength and mental ability and self respect in a just and equitable society, and the need to develop the capacities of individuals and communities to improve the quality of their lives and enhance their ability to negotiate from a position of strength that would come from being educated, in good health and having the capacity to be engaged in productive works, Dr S Jasowanta added.

He also said, "The year 2012 was remarkable for its own way  as we have started towards health care sector by opening a health care unit – Health Care and Rehabilitation Centre (HCRC) and we started giving Direct Child Assistance (DCA)."

A resolution was taken at the occasion which said, number of wheelchairs will be increased, physiotherapy infrastructure will be added, and awareness will be spread by conducting such functions in the remote and rural areas.

The occasion was attended by Kh Ghanashyam and Sapam Bheigo Singh, and P Khogendro, Advisors and Vice President respectively of HD Foundation.