Hope, resilience define Blessed Bonding’s 2nd year

Parents, officials call for inclusive education and awareness

DIMAPUR — Blessed Bonding, an NGO dedicated to supporting children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) and a parent-driven organisation, marked its second foundation day on Sunday with the theme ‘Resilience and Hope’ at JBC conference hall, Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Chümoukedima. The event was sponsored by the Alashi Foundation.

Akokla Longchar, executive member of Blessed Bonding, reflected on the organisation’s journey since its inception on October 24, 2024.

She highlighted the challenges faced by families of children with special needs, particularly working parents who often have to relocate in search of better opportunities and inclusive education for their children—mostly to Dimapur, Kohima, or Mokokchung, where specialised schools are concentrated.

Many parents, she said, are forced to live apart from their families to ensure their children receive better education and accessibility, sacrificing personal and familial ties for their children’s wellbeing.

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Longchar also pointed out that some parents live in denial, holding onto the hope that their children will “outgrow” their condition and, as a result, avoid registering or obtaining disability certificates—thereby limiting access to essential support and resources.

Criticising the state’s shortcomings, she called the scholarships for children with disabilities “meagre”, and said that they fall short compared to those offered in other states.

She also condemned discriminatory practices in some schools that charge extra fees for students with disabilities, lamenting that “inclusivity remains a mere slogan, lacking genuine implementation and spirit.”

‘Greatest mentors’

Dimapur Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Zakabo Rotokha, who graced the event as special guest, acknowledged the myriad emotions that parents of children with special needs experience daily.

He praised their resilience, saying, “Every tear, every struggle, every problem and every prayer is unique and memorable, made worthwhile by the joy and intelligence these children bring.”

The ADC maintained that every child is defined by their potential and urged parents to recognise and nurture their children’s unique talents. “You are your children’s greatest mentors,” he reminded, calling on parents to provide opportunities for each child to shine.

Rotokha stressed the need for collective support and active involvement, urging society to stand together for children with special needs.

He also called for transforming policies and laws to make them more inclusive and supportive, while encouraging parents to help children who are “different or shy” to pursue fulfilling lives.

Commending Blessed Bonding for its advocacy, he suggested that creating awareness at the individual level could amplify its impact and encouraged the organisation to utilise print media as a tool to raise awareness on disability and inclusivity.

Describing the journey as both “challenging and fulfilling,” he urged the community to continue supporting one another and to seek help when needed.

‘Strength in struggle’

Clinical Psychologist at CIHSR, Imlibenla Mongro-Domeh, in her motivational talk on ‘Finding strength in the struggle, speaking in the silence,’ underscored the need to break down barriers for children with special needs and advocate for equal opportunities regardless of ability.

Applauding Blessed Bonding as a unique, parent-driven organisation, she encouraged parents to play an active role in its mission.

She urged them to reflect on their role in promoting inclusivity and to take ownership of their part in supporting children with disabilities.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by societal ignorance, superstition, and inadequate institutional support, the psychologist encouraged parents to remain steadfast and resilient, refusing to give up on their pursuit of inclusivity and acceptance.