Khliehriat, October 15: World White Cane Safety Day 2026 was observed at the Ephatha Society compound in Moowakhu, East Jaintia Hills district, on Thursday, highlighting the importance of independence, mobility, dignity and safety for blind and visually impaired persons.
The programme was jointly organised by the Blind Lead Trust, Ephatha Society and Square Society, with support and funding from the District Administration, East Jaintia Hills.
As part of the observance, an awareness rally was organised from Lad Rymbai Dongwah to the Ephatha Society compound with assistance from the East Jaintia Hills Police Department. Participants carried placards urging traffic police and motorists to stop their vehicles when they see a person carrying a white cane.
The programme was attended by Dr. Nidakyrkhu Dkhar, Assistant Commissioner, East Jaintia Hills district; Ripaia Passah, Assistant Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Shillong; Emlang Sapuh, Director of Ephatha Society; Deibor Suchiang, Headman of Ladrymbai Dongwah; Gowing Swer, Headman of Dkhiah West; and Forester Pajuh, Local Director of Wonder Cement Limited.
Also present were Jitendra Dkhar, Managing Director of the Blind Lead Trust; students and teachers of Good Shepherd School, Ladrymbai, and Ephatha Society; visually impaired persons from the Blind Lead Trust, Shillong; parents and members of the public.
The celebration was held under the theme, “Equal Rights, Equal Support: Empowering Visually Impaired Children from Home to Society.” Activities included a short drama, a singing competition, tree plantation by visually impaired persons and the distribution of prizes to the winners of the competition. The saplings were provided by the Office of the Range Forest Officer, Social Forestry Range, Khliehriat.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Nidakyrkhu Dkhar said that a society should not be judged by how it treats its strongest members, but by how effectively it enables every individual to realise their potential.
“Let us move beyond sympathy and focus on respect, empowerment, and equal opportunity,” she said, calling for a more inclusive society that recognises the abilities and potential of every individual.
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Ripaia Passah highlighted the significance of World White Cane Safety Day for visually impaired persons, describing the white cane as a symbol of empowerment, dignity, respect and independence that helps them navigate their surroundings and reach their destinations safely.
She also urged members of the public to seek permission before assisting visually impaired persons and to ask what kind of support they require rather than making assumptions about their needs.
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Meanwhile, Jitendra Dkhar submitted a memorandum to Ripaia Passah, highlighting concerns that persons with disabilities are often not given priority by village headmen and local leaders when identifying beneficiaries for village-level schemes and welfare programmes.
The memorandum sought greater recognition of persons with disabilities and their inclusion as priority beneficiaries in local development initiatives and welfare schemes.
