Patna: Bihar marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025 with a state-level celebration in Patna on Wednesday, where officials honoured disabled artists, athletes and students and reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and accessible state.
The event, organised by the Directorate of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, was inaugurated by Bandana Preyashi, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department. Speaking at the ceremony, she praised the “courage, skill and determination” of persons with disabilities, calling them “a source of inspiration for society”.
“There are countless examples of individuals who have achieved remarkable accomplishments through talent and perseverance,” she said, adding that with the right environment and opportunities, disabled citizens “can excel in every field”.
Among those recognised were Madhubani artist Jyoti Sinha, visually impaired cricketer Annu Kumari, singer Menuka Paudel of Indian Idol fame, and para-sport achievers. Families of disabled students, department officials and representatives from disability rights organisations attended the ceremony.
Preyashi emphasised that dignity, equality and opportunity—not sympathy—must shape policy for persons with disabilities. She highlighted ongoing work to expand access to education, skill development and employment, alongside efforts to make public infrastructure fully accessible.
Government outlines ongoing initiatives
The Director of the Disability Empowerment Directorate, Yogesh Kumar Sagar, said the day’s theme — “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress” — reflected the need for sustained efforts to strengthen rights and inclusion.
He noted that the state is running a wide range of schemes, including the Chief Minister Divyangjan Empowerment Chhatra Yojana, disability certification drives, free assistive devices, pensions, and special schools for visually impaired, deaf-mute and mentally challenged children across Patna, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and Munger.
Under the newly approved Divyangjan Civil Seva Protsahan Yojana, disabled candidates appearing in BPSC and UPSC exams will receive financial assistance of Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for interview preparation. The Chief Minister’s Disabled Entrepreneur Scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities.
Performances and closing ceremony
The programme also featured performances, including a wheelchair dance by the Nav Utthan Group and a musical presentation by Menuka Paudel. Officials including Sparsh Gupta, Managing Director of the Bihar State Seeds Corporation, and Dr Shivaji Kumar, President of the Bihar Para Sports Association, addressed the gathering.
Certificates were awarded to winners of competitions held a day earlier, concluding the state’s two-day observance of disability rights and inclusion.
