Negative attitudes towards PwDs still exist — Nakhro

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Oct. 30 (EMN): State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Diethono Nakhro has lamented that a lot of misconceptions and misunderstanding about disability still exist among the people even today as they continue to face and experience negative attitudes like bullying and humiliations on a daily basis.

Nakhro stated this while speaking at the Naga Musicians Collective (NMC) presentation programme for the ‘Upcoming talented musicians of Nagaland 2020’ on Friday, at RCEMPA, Jotsoma.

She stated that there is nothing abnormal or extraordinary being a disabled person. But she said “there are people out there thinking that disability makes a life useless and hopeless and that a disabled person cannot achieve anything”.

Nakhro also stated that a lot of shame and stigma is dumped on people who live with disabilities, adding that it is particularly tough on young disabled people. She particularly commended one of the gift recipients, Kilang Jamir, for embracing his disability and following his passion.

“Having a disability is nothing to be ashamed about and it is nothing abnormal and there is nothing wrong with being disabled as disability is just part of one’s identity,” she said.

Nakhro said that she has many identities; a mother, a daughter, a sister, a disabled person, and a women. She said ‘all these identities define who I am as a person and I am really proud of my identity as a disabled woman because it has made me who I am at this moment’.

She further shared a message to all young people to be proud of who they are, love themselves, embrace their disability, flaws, and imperfections.

Speaking about music, she said that music as a universal language is true because it is like the language of the soul where everybody could understand it and anywhere regardless of many differences.

She also stated that musicians are blessed with a powerful talent as music has the power to change the world- the power to touch and move people to do positive things and to change. She added that once people change, the world can change too.

She mentioned that a few years ago, creative professions did not get much encouragement in the society. She lauded NMC for using their knowledge and experience to reach out and make a difference and to positively impact the lives of other people. She further shared that young musicians are really privileged to have a good mentor to support them.