Kohima, 1st October 2026 (Nokinketer News): Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav has called for a decisive shift in society’s approach towards persons with disabilities—from care and sympathy to empowerment, equal opportunity and independence.
Addressing the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet 2026 organised by the Nagaland Parents Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) at RCEMPA, Kohima, on Thursday, Yadav said persons with disabilities must not merely be recipients of support but should be enabled to learn, work, participate and lead with dignity.
The landmark meet was held under the theme, “From Care to Empowerment: Building Inclusive Communities through Strong Families and Collective Action.”
Describing the 100th Regional Parents’ Meet as a significant milestone in the sustained efforts for dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities, the Governor said care begins within the family but must ultimately translate into empowerment and independence.
Yadav stressed that inclusion requires collective responsibility involving the Government, educational institutions, healthcare providers, local bodies, employers, civil society and communities. He called for accessibility to be made a reality in schools, public buildings, transportation, workplaces, digital platforms and community spaces.
He also emphasised equal access to education, skills, employment and public services, describing universal accessibility as essential to building an equitable and humane society.
Highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention, the Governor called for stronger coordination among families, Anganwadi centres, schools, health workers and medical professionals. He said education must remain central to inclusion, with trained teachers, accessible infrastructure, appropriate learning materials and informed parental support.
Yadav further called for strengthening the pathway from education to skills, skills to employment and employment to economic independence. He urged greater focus on vocational training, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities, while encouraging workplaces to recruit, train and promote persons with disabilities based on their abilities and performance.
Pointing to Nagaland’s difficult terrain and dispersed settlements, the Governor said inclusive services must extend beyond State and district headquarters to villages and communities. He advocated decentralised approaches, technology and tele-consultation to bridge geographical gaps in healthcare, rehabilitation, assistive devices and inclusive education.
Calling for a change in social attitudes, Yadav said persons with disabilities need respect, equal opportunity and removal of barriers—not sympathy alone. He stressed that their voices and lived experiences should guide policies and programmes concerning their lives.
The Governor acknowledged the contribution of parents, who often overcome considerable challenges to secure therapy, education and accessibility for their children, and congratulated NAPAD, PARIVAAR-NCPO, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and partner organisations on the 100th meet.
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