PM Modi in Varanasi, focus on differently-abled,to flag-off train

Varanasi, Jan 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be highlighting the need to ensure a life of dignity for the differently-abled with distribution of aids among nearly 8,000 people here tomorrow.

The Prime Minister, who will undertake fifth visit to his constituency after assuming office in May, 2014, is likely to personally hand over the aids to some of the beneficiaries, besides interacting with children from various parts of the country who have overcome disabilities relating to speech and hearing with the help of the ADIP (Assistance to Disabled Persons) scheme of the Centre.

More than 25,000 aids like wheelchairs, hand-driven tricycles, smart crutches and hearing implants will be distributed among 8,000 beneficiaries and the Union Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment has reportedly written to the Guinness Book of World Records to take note of the event, which is touted to be one of the largest of its kind.

The Prime Minister had in a radio address recently made a plea for doing away with the word 'vikalang' (handicapped) and calling the differently abled as 'divyang' (born with a divine limb/organ) in a bid to sensitise the society towards their right to live a life of dignity and honour.

There have also been reports that a new Disabilities Act may be passed by his government wherein the word 'handicapped' may be replaced with 'impairment', in all national institutes, as a mark of 'changing attitudes' towards persons with disabilities.

The Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) premises, where the function will be held, is also likely to witness the flagging off of the 'Mahamana Express' by the Prime Minister.

Named after Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, renowned educationist and founder of the Benares Hindu University (BHU), the thrice-a-week superfast train promises to cover the nearly 800-km distance between Varanasi and New Delhi in less than 14 hours.

The last tour, on December 12 last, was marked by Modi witnessing the famous Ganga Arti on the banks of the holy river, accompanied by the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

PTI