BHUBANESWAR: A state level celebration of White Cane Safety Day was observed under the aegis of State Institute of Special Education and Research (SISER) at its campus at Delta Square here Monday.
The White Cane Safety Day is celebrated October 15 every year. The purpose is to educate the world on how the blind and visually impaired can live and work independently. It is also to celebrate the success achieved by blind people.
State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Minati Behera, Under Secretary of SSEPD Dept. Ambika Prasad Pattanaik, Sannyashai Behera, OAS, DSSO, Headquarters and social activist Prafulla Kumar Panda jointly flagged off the rally.
The event kicked off with a mass conch blowing and drums beating by visually challenged students of Louis Braille School for the blind. A grand White Cane rally followed by an Awareness meeting was organised on the theme of the occasion. The rally was aimed at making the public aware about the safety of white cane users.
Under Secretary, SSEPD Ambika Prasad Pattanaik said, “White cane is the symbol of equality in an inclusive society and strength of visually challenged individuals. Worldwide celebration of this day is a step towards the empowerment of section.”
Asst Prof, SISER Premananda Mishra welcomed the guests and delivered concept note of the day, which is being observed since 1964. 450 white canes were distributed among the visually impaired by SISER on the occasion.
Two street plays From darkness to light and We are all able were staged on the occasions. Other cultural programmes also marked the celebration. More than 600 individuals participated in the rally. Students from various universities, colleges and schools across the state participated in the celebration.