Shillong, March 25 : Paul Lyngdoh, Minister of Social Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, officially launched the “Sugamya Yatra” (Accessible Journey) today at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. This initiative, aimed at promoting accessibility and inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), is organized by the Office of the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with the State Resource Center on Disability Affairs (SRCDA), Shillong, and the Composite Regional Center, Shillong.
The Sugamya Yatra is part of the broader Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign), an initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.
During the launch, Minister Lyngdoh announced that the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Virendra Kumar, has assured funding for the Center for Disability Sport at Mawkhanu, New Shillong, following discussions with Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. He expressed hope that this will enable PWD athletes to participate in the National Games 2027, hosted by Meghalaya.
Bridget Warshong, Deputy Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, highlighted that the Sugamya Yatra will involve teams visiting various buildings to identify accessibility gaps. The initiative will utilize the “YesToAccess” app for uploading accessibility-related information. The audit will be conducted with the involvement of various government departments, NGOs, PWDs, and sign language interpreters.
The event also celebrated the success of the Empower Fest, an entrepreneurship initiative for PWDs. Eight entrepreneurs were felicitated for receiving financial support from PRIME Meghalaya, totaling ₹22 lakhs.
The honored entrepreneurs are:
- Larikyrpang Nongrum (Lari Cyber and Stationery)
- Ferdinand Lyngdoh (EKANBHA)
- Donrisha Mawrie (Cultivating high-quality sustainable flowers)
- Dispi Kharbuli (blacksmith)
- Batskhem Kharkamni (Furniture)
- Bansuklang N. Sohlang (Steel fabrication)
- Bandarisha Rynjah (Custom embroidered products)
- George Eric Campbell Marbaniang (Electrician and wiring)
The event was attended by dignitaries including L. Kynjing, MCS, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities & CEO, SRCDA; Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, MCS, Joint Secretary, Social Welfare Department; and Dr. N.P. Laloo, MS Ortho, Project Director & State Coordinator, SRCDA.
