Rally and Cultural Event by SSEPD Department
Bhubaneswar: Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) observed World Autism Awareness Day to celebrate the contributions of persons with autism and promoting their inherent rights. Sri Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister, SSEPD, while flagging off a huge rally today morning, emphasized upon early diagnosis and interventions that can lead to improved outcomes for individuals with autism. Sri Panda also described the day an opportunity to raise a collective voice in support of persons with autism.
Starting from Ram Mandir square, the Rally reached Capital High School. Students from Special Schools and State Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SIEP) along with volunteers, teachers and guardians participated in the rally. Students holding Placards shouted slogans to spread the essential message of autism by wearing blue apparels. Sri Ananta Narayan Jena, Hon’ble MLA, Smt. Sulochana Das, Mayor, BMC, Sri Bhaskar Sarma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, SSEPD Department and senior officers were present in the programme to encourage the students.
As a unique initiative to create awareness on autism, “Light it up Blue” campaign was taken up in Lok Seva Bhawan and SIEP buildings. Besides, cultural programmes presented by persons with autism was held in Ekamra Haat in the afternoon. Awareness hoardings were placed at 15 locations of Bhubaneswar to disseminate autism awareness message.
