Specially abled kids celebrate Umang fest

SHILLONG,AUG 24: Specially-abled children celebrated the Umang festival at SMELC in Dakopgre, Tura on August 23 where deputy commissioner Pravin Bakshi graced the occasion a chief guest.

The programme was organized by North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with the department of Art and Culture, Government of Meghalaya and Dokakku Art and Culture Association, Tura.

Speaking on the occasion, Bakshi acknowledged the endurance of the differently abled students and their teachers, adding that they are different and special which are brilliantly reflected in various forms of art showcased befitting the occasion. Further, he asserted the need for a state of mind to connect with these children, understand them better and discover the creativity portrayed in their lives.

NEZCC programme officer Oliver T Pongen while delivering his keynote address highlighted about the functions of NEZCC and informed that it also conducts various programme for the differently abled students including the National Cultural Exchange Programme, Discover North East, Border Area Programme, Theatre Workshop amongst others.

The NEZCC with its headquarters at Dimapur, Nagaland has been working throughout the years with concerted effort towards achieving its objectives by vigorously implementing various schemes and programme of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India by organizing various types of Folk Song & Dance Festivals, Craft Fairs & Exhibitions, Workshops & Seminars, etc especially for the Persons With Disabilities.

Specially-abled students from Shiyaka School, Assam, Gilead Special School, Mizoram, Monfort Centre of Education, Tura and different schools from in and around Tura participated and presented songs and dances along with a display of Taekwondo during the cultural programme.-By Our Reporter