The Hindu : New Delhi News : Mela offers jobs to the disabled

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Monday, Dec 03, 2007
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New Delhi

Mela offers jobs to the disabled

Staff Reporter

50 organisations participate in event

NEW DELHI: Over a dozen differently-abled people participated in the two-day Abilities Mela that concluded here on Sunday. The event was organised to showcase products, including handicrafts and garments, made by differently-abled persons, while about half a dozen private sector companies in a path-breaking initiative offered employment to the differently-abled at the job fair section of the mela.

The event organised by the Blind Relief Association of India and the National Trust along with other supporters, saw the participation of over 50 organisations from across the country dedicated to the disability sector. National Trust chairperson Poonam Natarajan said: “It is really heartening to see people with disabilities chosen for regular job. Such steps are important to bring people with disabilities into the mainstream.” The Abilities Mela marks World Disability Day, which is observed on December 3. Forty-five prospective candidates were interviewed by human resource representatives of several private companies at the mela. “Contrary to popular belief, differently-abled people can perform just as well as the others if they are given the right impetus and opportunity,” said Nalini Paul, a volunteer with Handicap International, a disability relief organisation, which was part of the job fair.

The Delhi Taxi Auto Rickshaw Sangharsh Samiti also supported the mela and about 200 auto-rickshaws carried the mela’s slogan “Hum Kisi Se Kam Nahin”, spreading awareness about the event.

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