Rourkela/ Susanta behera :International Day of Persons with Disabilities’ was observed at Home & Hope an institute for the differently abled running under the patronage of Rourkela Steel Plant on 3rd December. Mr. Raj Vir Singh, ED(P&A), RSP was the Chief Guest of the function. Present on the occasion were Mr. Gautam Banerjee, ED(Works), Mr. D K Mohapatra, ED(MM), Dr.S S Pati, Director, (M&HS), Mr. N K Samantray, GM(TA) and Secretary, Hope and Hope, Mr. Paramananda Sahoo, Former ED(MM) many General Managers and many other Senior Officers of RSP, members of Parents’ Association, large number of students and teachers of Home & Hope, Rourkela School for Deaf, Asha and parents were present on the occasion. The function commenced with lighting up of the ceremonial lamp amidst the invocation song sung by Saurav Panda, a student of Home & Hope.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Singh applauded the efforts of the Principal, teachers and parents in training and taking care of the children with special needs. Describing education and training of differently abled children as a challenging as well as a fulfilling task, Mr. Singh exhorted everyone to lend a hand in bringing these children to the mainstream.
Addressing the gathering Mr. Banerjee appreciated the skills being imparted to the children in Home and Hope. Mr. Mohapatra emphasised upon the need for identifying and nurturing the hidden talents and potential of the differently abled children. Dr. Pati described the children as unique creations of God and assured that all possible medical help would be extended to the institution.
During the function, Mr. Singh presented awards and Trophies to the students of Home and Hope for their outstanding achievements in academics and extracurricular activities. A transport subsidy were also provided to four students. Earlier, the dignitaries visited an exhibition showcasing the laurels won and handicrafts prepared by the students of the institute. The highlight of the occasion was a vibrant cultural programme presented by the students of Home & Hope, Asha and Rourkela School for Deaf.
Mr. G.B.Dhal of Parents Association proposed a vote of thanks. Mr. G.S. Das, DGM (Finance), RSP as well as Treasurer, Home & Hope coordinated the programme while Mrs. Nivedita Ray, DGM, HRD and Joint Secretary, Home & Hope, was the Master of ceremony.
In the morning Mr. D K Mohapatra, ED(MM) flagged off a rally of students as well teachers of various schools at Bhanja Bhawan. Many senior officers and employees of RSP also took part in the rally.
