“विकलांग” के स्थान पर “दिव्यांग” ??? नहीं चलेगा।
Say “NO” to “Divyang “, a new term given by PM Modi to persons with disabilities in place of “vikalang” is against the rights based approach.
In his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ radio programme Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday proposed the people to start using the term ‘Divyang’ instead of ‘Viklang’ for the physically challenged people. Reacting on the suggestion by PM Modi, Mr Ajai Srivastava – Shimla based disability right activist said “Say “NO” to “Divyang”, “विकलांग” के स्थान पर “दिव्यांग” ??? नहीं चलेगा। शायद प्रधानमंत्री को नहीं पता कि उनके मन में उपजी दया भावना की बजाय विकलांगजनों को समान अधिकारों, समान अवसरों और पूर्ण भागीदारी की आवश्यकता है। विकलांगजन भी अन्य मनुष्यों की तरह ही हैं और उनमें कोई विशेष शक्तियां आदि नहीं होती। उन्हें “दिव्यांग” कहना अपमानजनक है ठीक उसी तरह जैसे गांधी जी ने एक नया शब्द “हरिजन” गढ़ा था। एक वर्ग के लोगों को नाम मिल गया कि वे भगवान् के जन हैं और हकीकत में उन्हें छूने तक से गुरेज़ होता रहा। नए नए नाम देने के पाखण्ड की जगह बराबर के अधिकार और अवसर की बात करो भाई।
“The disabled people need no “divinity” but equal rights, equal opportunities and full participation as per the Constitution of India.” Mr Srivastav said.
Mumbai based visually impaired girl Shireen Iraani said “So now after the holy cow, it is us! Divine bodies with super powers. So the next time you see a blind person on the road, do Not ask them if they need help. Just touch their feet, and walk on. And thou shall be blessed with the brilliance that rules our land!!!
What is most unfortunate is, that most people Do believe that whole nonsense about us having a 6th sense and extra-ordinary abilities. so the charismatic PM saying it, makes it even more authentic. i wonder why the necessity to have a scientific temperament is so completely shoved under the carpet. its a constitutional mandate. and yet we have such people thriving right on the top. how can we expect Any one to take us seriously after this.
Akhil Paul, founder Director of Sense India that work in the areas of deafblindness said, “If calling people with disabilities दिव्यांग is going to bring acceptance in society and make them equal citizens….then call them by any name!”
Punjab based visually impaired girl Divya Sharma said “I don’t understand why authorities are more concerned about changing terminologies and names than changing ways and methods. Whether powerful or weak, enchanting or prosaic , names or terms are hollow until the objectives are met, responsibilities are taken and laws are implemented”.
According to Jagdish Chandra Nigam “Changing names has become a fashion for Indian leaders. Change of city name province names and road names is common. I disagree with the new Name given Divyang and support for the equal rights not by law but by heart”.
Nishu Dulta say “Mr. Prime Minister, this Lip Sympathy hardly serve any pupose, and one more thing is there Dr. Srivastava, not only PM but the whole authorities have become deaf and dumb and they don’t have the words like Right and Equality in their dictionary.”
मेरे कई दोस्त ब्लाइंड है. कुछ यहॉ फेसबुक पर भी जुड़े है. मेरे दोस्तो में बैंक अफसर, आई बी एम में प्रोजेक्ट कोर्डिनेटर और पीएचडी स्कालर है. ये सब अपनी मेहनत और काबिलियत से इस मुकाम पर पहुंचे है नाकि कि किसी के रहम के सहारे. ये ठीक है कि ये लोग बहुसंख्य विकलांग से अलग है पर बड़ी संख्या में विकलांग इन जैसे बन पाये उसके लिये कानून और नीतियो में बदलाव की ज़रूरत है लेकिन उससे भी ज्यादा और पहले समाजिक नज़रिया बदलने की, जिसकी शुरुआत दोस्ती से होती है. मैं अपने दोस्तो को दिव्यांग कभी भी नही कहुंगा.”
Arun Sharma Such an apathetic & irresponsible statement from the person at the helm of authority shouldn’t merit any serious discussion. The change in terminology is not going to make any difference. Rather we should salute the awe-inspiring fighting spirit of ‘viklangs’ and the success stories of the ones who have carved a niche for themselves in this heartless society by their sheer determination. We should also at least appreciate the voluntary efforts of such human dynamos who spend their considerable time and energy for creating an inclusive society.
Say “NO” to “Divyang, YES to equal rights, equal opportunities and full participation as per the Constitution of India.
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