Eknath Shinde celebrates Diwali with persons with disabilities at Nandanvan, distributes gifts

Diwali is a festival of lights and joy, a day to share happy moments with one's own people. Eknath Shinde celebrated this year's Diwali with persons with disabilities. A special get-together was organised for them at his residence, Nandanvan, where the mood was cheerful.

The event was jointly organised by the Shiv Sena Medical Aid Cell, the Dr Shrikant Shinde Foundation, the Ratnanidhi Charitable Trust and the Arogyadoot Foundation. Shinde had the Diwali breakfast with the guests, gave them gifts and extended Diwali greetings.

On the occasion, Shinde said, "Removing darkness from the lives of our own people and lighting a lamp of hope and trust is the true Diwali." He also said persons with disabilities have tremendous determination and dedication, and that standing with them is the duty of all of us.

Shinde said a separate department for persons with disabilities has been created in the state so that they get their rights and justice. He also said a decision has been taken to spend 1 per cent of the total funds of the District Planning Committee on welfare schemes for them.

He also spoke about the Anand Ashram at Tembhi Naka in Thane. More than 1,500 persons with disabilities have so far been given artificial limbs, Jaipur foot, walkers, hearing aids and other essential equipment there. Shinde said the intention is to run this initiative in the state's other districts as well.

At the event, Shinde also spoke of the difficulties faced by farmers. He said he would go to Jalna to celebrate Diwali with farmers in distress because of drought conditions.

He appealed to farmers not to lose heart and not to take any extreme step. Shinde said the government stands with them.