President: Sensitivity towards marginalised defines society

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said no country or society was defined solely by what it had accomplished for the privileged sections, but by the extent of its sensitivity towards the marginalised sections.

She was addressing participants at Rashtrapati Bhavan which today hosted ‘Purple Fest’ to celebrate the talent, achievements and aspirations of differently abled people.

During day-long celebrations, over 8,000 persons with disabilities visited Amrit Udyan which was open exclusively for them today.

They also participated in several games and learning activities through stalls set up by various organisations working for the Divyangjan.

In the evening, President Murmu graced the festival and witnessed cultural performances by participants at the open air theatre in the President’s Estate.

“If we look at Indian history, we find that sensitivity, inclusivity, and belief in harmony have been the defining elements of our culture and civilisation. The Constitution of India provides us with ideal social standards. The Preamble to our Constitution establishes the ideals of social justice, equality of status and dignity of the individual. The Directive Principles of State Policy grant Divyangjan the right to education, work and public assistance,” she said.

The President said that the empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) was crucial for building an inclusive society but this could not be achieved solely through the efforts of the government.

“It requires the active participation of every individual and institution in the society,” she said.

The President added that we are moving forward with the collective goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by the year 2047.

“Divyangjan are equal partners in this journey. It is the responsibility of every member of society to provide them with the opportunity to progress with equal prospects and dignity,” she added.

The ‘Purple Fest’, organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, aims to raise awareness about different disabilities and their impact on people’s lives and to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of persons with disabilities within society.