Dimapur, December 8 (MExN): The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India conferred National Awards 2015 for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to 52 outstanding Person with Disabilities (PwDs), State Government & Departments, organisations & individuals that are working for the empowerment of PwDs on the ‘International Day for Persons with Disabilities’ & Launching of Accessible India Campaign 2015 on December 3 at Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

The awards were given away by Arun Jaitley, Finance Minster in presence of Thaawarchand Gehlot, Minister SJ&E.

For the first time in the history of Nagaland disabled person has received the National Award. Two awardees from Nagaland namely, Tiaba Tzudir (Intellectual Disability) of Changki village, a special athlete of Special Olympics Nagaland (SON) for Best Role Model in Mental Retardation category. He was awarded a certificate along with cash award of Rs.1 lakh.

Katibenla (Locomotor disability) of Khensa village received the Nationa Award for Best Creative child from Care & Support Society, Mokokchung. She was awarded a medal along with cash award of Rs.50 thousand. Katibenla sings and recites poems and has recently released a CD album “Ku Salang”.

Meanwhile, a press release stated that the annual SON Special Christmas will be on December 15 at Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo, Khermahal church at 11:30 AM. All the PwDs, families of PwDs, NGOs and Schools for PwDs, individuals, churches and fan of special athletes are invited to celebrate the joy of Christmas spirit together. There will also be Christmas gifts to PwDs and this 5th Special Christmas is sponsored by DABA.