Shillong, November 14: The Raj Bhavan, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, on Friday celebrated Children’s Day with a special programme that brought together children with different abilities.
Governor of Meghalaya C. H. Vijayashankar, accompanied by his wife, joined the event along with Social Welfare Director Camelia Doreen Lyngwa, officials of the department, caregivers, and invited guests.
Addressing the gathering, Governor C. H. Vijayashankar extended warm greetings to the children and highlighted the significance of celebrating the day with those coming from different schools and living with physical challenges. He described the occasion as meaningful for the Raj Bhavan, which was able to host children with diverse needs.
Vijayashankar noted that some children who have lost their eyesight due to accidents or medical conditions may still have the possibility of regaining their vision. He emphasized the need for donor support and appropriate medical intervention. The Governor asked the Social Welfare Department to compile a detailed list of all visually impaired children in the state, those blind from birth and those who became blind later, so that suitable measures can be explored to help them.
He informed that certain hospitals, particularly in Kerala, are equipped to treat children below 14 years with eye-related conditions and are known for offering specialized Ayurvedic treatment for the eyes. For partially blind children, he said, a 15-day treatment regimen could significantly improve their vision if properly followed. The Governor assured that the government would request the hospital to accept children from the state in batches for treatment.
Reaffirming the state’s responsibility toward the welfare of children with disabilities, Vijayashankar said every possible support will be extended. He urged the department to identify and nurture the talents of these children, noting that many could excel as musicians, swimmers, or singers with proper training and guidance.
The programme featured lively performances, including songs by the GTC band, a presentation by students of Jyoti School, and musical numbers by two differently-abled young children from ASHA School, Shillong.
