GUWAHATI, Nov 17 � In recognition of its achievements, Shishu Sarothi, Guwahati has received the National Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Success of Badhte Kadam � a programme for creating awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities � from the National Trust.�
The National Trust�has been undertaking the programme, Badhte Kadam since 2009, which is a revolutionary programme�based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities�(UNCRPD).
Shishu Sarothi received the award for its contributions during 2010.
The National Trust was set up under an Act of the Parliament in 1999 for the welfare of persons with autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and multiple disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.
Persons with Disabilities are often oppressed by low expectations and social isolation. The National Trust helps to overcome this oppression by creating opportunities to develop, changing societal attitudes and exploding myths. Badhte Kadam is one such programme to realise these goals.
Held in different districts of the State serially at a time, Badhte Kadam is an innovative outreach programme which commences with�the flagging off�ceremony in the State nodal agency centre, Shishu Sarothi.
Under this programme, six to seven melas are held in different districts with the help of partner organisations. Through these fairs, responses from people belonging to�various strata of the society are invited.
Some other activities including�art competitions for persons with disabilities, processions and�cultural programmes are also organised, mentioned a statement.
�In 2009, Badhte Kadam covered 14 States (excluding Assam) across the country, while in 2010, the campaign covered 28 States (including Assam and two union territories). This year, too, the programme is being held in Assam.
