Divyangjan deserve equal opportunities, dignity and encouragement, not sympathy: Kavinder Gupta
SHIMLA 4 November, 2026
Says PM Modi’s vision transforms divyangjan from ‘Recipients of Sympathy’ into ‘Partners in Progress’
Honours Himachal’s special athletes, coaches for their outstanding performances at International sporting events
Lauds Central Government for including Special Olympics Medal Winners in Cash Award Scheme since 2015
Urges people to purchase, support products made by Special Children under ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative
Governor Kavinder Gupta today called for collective efforts to build an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are provided equal opportunities, dignity and encouragement to realise their full potential.
The Governor was addressing a gathering on the occasion of Deepawali Fest 2026 – celebrating the Abilities of Special Children, organised by Special Olympics Bharat, Himachal Pradesh, at Sundernagar in Mandi district. He said that the outstanding performances of Himachal Pradesh’s special athletes at international sporting events had brought laurels to the state and the country. Their achievements, he said, reflected the true spirit of determination, inclusion and excellence.
The Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inclusive development and social participation had been accorded special importance, with a clear emphasis on ensuring that no section of society was left behind. He lauded the decision of the central government to include Special Olympics medal winners in its cash award scheme for the first time in 2015, addressing a long-standing gap in the recognition of their sporting achievements. He said that the subsequent revision of the scheme in 2025 further reflected the union government’s commitment to recognising and encouraging the talent of divyangjan.
He said that the Prime Minister had consistently emphasised that persons with disabilities deserved equal opportunities, dignity and encouragement rather than just sympathy. Platforms such as Special Olympics, he observed, translated this vision into action by providing young athletes opportunities to showcase their abilities, achieve excellence and contribute to nation-building.
Samagra Sikhsha
