A Unique Initiative for Enhancing the Lives of Persons with Disabilities
With the theme "Let's Change
the Country, Let's Change the World," a day-long program titled
"Youth Festival 2025" was organized on February 9, 2025, at the
headquarters of Goalanda Upazila Protibondhi Unnayan Sangastha (GUPUS) by the
Goalanda Upazila Social Services Office. The primary objective of this special
event was to encourage the creativity and initiatives of persons with
disabilities and to foster a shift in perspective towards improving their
overall quality of life.
The event was presided over by GUPUS
President Md. Raton Sheikh and moderated by General Secretary Md. Munnab
Sheikh. The distinguished chief guest was Ruhul Amin, the esteemed Social
Services Officer of Goalanda Upazila Social Services Office, who elaborated on
the government facilities and support available for the welfare of persons with
disabilities.
The keynote speaker was Md. Rakibul
Islam, a nationally awarded successful person with disabilities, organizer, and
the Chief Coordinator of GUPUS. He shared inspiring success stories to
encourage persons with disabilities to engage in work and entrepreneurship,
providing valuable insights on how they can achieve self-reliance in the
future.
Other attendees included Social
Services Office Field Supervisor Md. Selim Sardar, Office Assistant cum
Computer Operator Md. Habibur Rahman, GUPUS Vice President Md. Siddiq Sardar,
Treasurer Md. Rafiq Sheikh, and Joint Secretary Md. Yunus Kha, along with other
organizational leaders.
A total of 65 persons with
disabilities and small entrepreneurs participated in the event. During
discussions, they voiced their concerns and challenges. Social Services Officer
Ruhul Amin attentively listened to their issues and assured them of the
necessary support.
The event featured a recitation from
the Holy Quran and an Islamic song by GUPUS Religious Affairs Secretary and
visually impaired individual, Nirab Molla, captivating the audience. Another
highlight was a musical performance by visually impaired artist and GUPUS
Cultural Affairs Secretary, Ashraf Baul.
Following the cultural performances,
a public awareness rally was conducted along with a street-cleaning initiative,
showcasing the sense of social responsibility among persons with disabilities.
This event was not just about
entertainment; it served as a crucial platform to boost the confidence of
persons with disabilities, identify their challenges, and explore solutions.
The initiative reinforced efforts to integrate them into mainstream society.
GUPUS remains committed to
organizing such developmental activities for persons with disabilities in the
future. The success of such initiatives relies on the collaboration of
government and non-governmental organizations, donor agencies, and socially
conscious citizens.
