News and Pics by Hemanath Padubidri 
Daijiworld Media Network—Udupi (RD/CN)
 
Udupi, Nov 24: The district unit of the State Federation of Physically Handicapped was inaugurated on Sunday November 23, by Sri Vidhyavallabhateerta Swami of Kaniyoor Math, in a function held at Town Hall, located at Ajjarkad..
 
Swami Vidhyavallabateerta, said that we should not undermine the capabilities of the physically disabled and instead be compassionate enough to bring them into the mainstream of society. The change in mindset is the need of the hour.
 

State home minister Dr V S Acharya said that it is the responsibility of society to provide a platform for the struggle for justice by the physically-challenged. The state government is committed to devising special schemes for their welfare. A meeting will be held Iin Bangalore shortly, chaired by chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, with office-bearers of the Federation and department officers, to discuss special benefits for the physically handicapped, he added.
 
Dr Acharya said that able persons should not misuse the special reservations. Fr Mathew Vas, parish priest, Mother of Sorrows, Moulana U K Mustafa Saadi, manager, Muloor Sunni Education Centre, also graced the occasion and delivered their messages.
 
MLA Raghupathy Bhat, MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary, Vijayalaxmi Shenoy, deputy director, women and child welfare department, Niranjan Bhat, welfare officer, district physically handicapped, as well as district unit honorary advisors U Chandrashekar Holla and K S Jaivittal, and honorary president Dr Edward Lobo were present on the dais.
 
District unit president Wilfred V Gomes delivered the introductory address.  Honorary president B Pundalik Marate proposed vote of thanks. Sadhana S Kini compered the programme.