JAMMU, JANUARY 04, 2026: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, and Health, Sakeena Itoo, addressed a major gathering today to commemorate the 217th birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the visionary inventor of the tactile reading system for the visually impaired. Speaking at an event organized by the Social Welfare Department and the Rehabilitation Centre for the Speech and Visually Impaired (RSVI), the Minister emphasized that every child possesses unique gifts and that society bears a collective responsibility to nurture these strengths.
She asserted that the true progress of Jammu and Kashmir is measured by the dignity and opportunities afforded to its most vulnerable citizens, particularly children with special needs.During her keynote address, Minister Itoo reaffirmed the Omar Abdullah-led government’s unwavering commitment to social justice and inclusive growth.
She called for a comprehensive “hand-holding” approach that transcends mere financial assistance, advocating instead for robust emotional support, specialized skill development, and high-quality inclusive education.
The Minister highlighted that the Social Welfare Department serves as the primary arm of the welfare state, focusing on early intervention and rehabilitation to ensure no child is left behind.
She urged parents, educators, and civil society to collaborate closely with the government to build a more sensitive ecosystem where visually impaired individuals can achieve their full potential.The celebrations also served as a platform to recognize the remarkable achievements of visually impaired youth in the region.
Minister Itoo felicitated several children who have secured medals in national sports championships and excelled in academic examinations, citing them as embodiments of courage and talent. Paying tribute to Louis Braille, she noted that his invention continues to illuminate the lives of millions by providing the essential tools for literacy and independence.
The Minister concluded by promising continued strengthening of the social welfare framework to ensure advanced facilities and empowerment for specially abled persons across the Union Territory.
