ITANAGAR: Every individual has a talent and the ability to dream. No one should determine the limits of those dreams. Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan told students at the Donyi-Polo Mission School for Specially Abled Children during a visit here.
Moreover, addressing the students, Radhakrishnan said their circumstances should never become a measure of their aspirations. Moreover, every person is unique. Every individual possesses talent, he stated. He urged students to believe in themselves, work hard, and pursue ambitions with confidence.
The Vice-President cited Srikanth Bolla’s journey as a noteworthy example. It showed how steadfast determination can overcome formidable barriers. He encouraged the students to draw inspiration from people who refused to let physical or social challenges dictate their lives. Their example showed what determination can achieve.
The visit also brought into focus the wider role of institutions that work with children with disabilities. Radhakrishnan said the Donyi-Polo Mission School was providing more than education. Moreover, such institutions, he said, give children hope, dignity, opportunity, confidence, and the ability to become self-reliant.
He stated that these efforts are key to the broader aim of an inclusive Viksit Bharat by 2047. We must ensure opportunities are not limited by disability or circumstance.
Technology, he said, could play an important role in making education more accessible. Artificial intelligence, digital tools, and assistive technologies have the potential to reduce barriers to learning and provide children with more personalized educational support.
He appreciated the mission’s initiatives towards developing AI-enabled learning materials and providing holistic support to students.
Radhakrishnan also acknowledged the contribution of teachers, rehabilitation professionals, and other staff members, describing their patience, compassion, and commitment as central to the development of children with special needs. He also recognized the role of parents, whose continued encouragement and support remain crucial to the children’s progress.
The students’ rendition of Vande Mataram during the visit left the Vice-President deeply moved. At the conclusion of his interaction with them, he said, “Today, you have taught me a lot of things.”
He appreciated the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the Donyi-Polo Mission, the school management, teachers, rehabilitation professionals, and staff for their work. He said the initiatives of the State Government under Chief Minister Pema Khandu covered “every spectrum of society.”
The Vice-President was accompanied by Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General (Retd.) Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Social Justice and Empowerment and Tribal Affairs Minister Konto Jini, senior state government officials, and representatives of the Donyi-Polo Mission.
Earlier, Radhakrishnan visited the J. N. State Museum in Itanagar and highlighted its role in preserving the ethnographic and cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and the wider North-East.
He said museums serve as bridges between generations by preserving traditions, knowledge, and memories for future generations. He commended the efforts of those associated with the museum in documenting and showcasing the region’s rich indigenous heritage.
The two visits underlined a common theme—the importance of preserving identity while creating opportunities for the future, whether through education and technology or through the protection of cultural heritage.
