Press Information Bureau

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today laid the foundation stone for the building of 'Shri Parasmal Bohra College for the Visually Impaired' and a hostel for students in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat along with several distinguished guests, was present on the occasion.

In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that when a person dedicates their life to service, especially for the differently-abled, that life inspires countless others. He said that God has bestowed unique strengths upon the differently-abled, and by recognizing these strengths, the effort to simplify their lives has been embraced by thousands through the life of Sushila ji.

Shri Amit Shah said that three projects, worth approximately Rs. 15 crore, had their foundation stones laid today. He expressed confidence that, based on the institution's track record, all three projects would be completed on time, bringing new light to the lives of hundreds of children. He highlighted that Sushila ji has spread the light of knowledge and vision in the lives of hundreds of visually impaired students through five schools, two colleges, free hostels, meals, audio books, recorded lectures, a Braille printing press, screen readers, a computer lab, and a library.

Shri Amit Shah said that Parasmal Bohra College for the Visually Impaired became Rajasthan's first college for the visually impaired in 2022. He emphasized that true work for the differently-abled begins when they are seen not as objects of pity but as symbols of divinity. He mentioned that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was the first to use the term "Divyang" instead of "disabled" for the entire country in 2015. He said this term itself signifies that a single decision by Prime Minister Modi has transformed the perspective of the people of India, all state governments, and the central government toward the differently-abled. He added that Prime Minister Modi has instilled new self-respect, identity, and the aspiration for self-reliance in all differently-abled individuals across the country through the term "Divyang."

Union Home Minister said that the Modi government has provided a platform for the sporting talents inherent in all differently-abled individuals across the country. He said that the Paralympic Games began globally in 1960, and until 2012, India had won only 8 medals in all Paralympic Games combined. He highlighted that in the last three Paralympic Games, India secured 52 medals, which has inspired our athletes to strive for greater achievements. Shri Shah emphasized that when society, government, and voluntary organizations work together for the welfare of the differently-abled, nothing is impossible. He said that winning 52 medals in the Paralympics demonstrates that our differently-abled individuals can achieve anything, provided they are given support, their inner strengths are recognized, and they are provided with the right platform.

Shri Amit Shah further stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has increased the budget for the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities from Ra. 338 crore in 2014 to Rs. 1,313 crore today. He added that the Modi government has made numerous facilities available for the differently-abled. Under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, Rs. 563 crore were spent to make 1,314 central government buildings accessible for the differently-abled. Furthermore, 1,748 other buildings have also been made accessible. He mentioned that 35 international airports and 55 domestic airports have been made accessible for the differently-abled. Shri Shah said that before Prime Minister Modi assumed office, the central government had provided artificial assistive devices to only 7 lakh people, but in the last 10 years of the Modi government, 18,000 camps were organized to provide artificial assistive devices to 31 lakh people.

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