In an encouraging stride, youths of the often marginalised deaf and mute community in Manipur have started taking steps to run a restaurant under the initiative of social activist-cyclist Rohan Philem.
It is said that such a restaurant, solely run by deaf and mute people, will be the first of its kind in the entire Northeast.
To support the venture financially and morally, a T-shirt launching ceremony was held at Manipur University Court Hall on Thursday in collaboration with the Manipur University Students’ Union (MUSU).
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Speaking on the occasion, MLA of Langthabal constituency Karam Shyam stated that nothing is unachievable with the right support and determination.
He said that people with disabilities are no lesser than the abled people. “They do not lack anything. What is important is understanding human values,” he added.
The MLA further stated that the future can always be safe and secure when at least few youths are groomed in the right direction.
He also emphasised the importance of service to humanity and contributions to society to ensure a better future.
Taking the opportunity, he appealed to the people especially the youths to stay away from alcohol and drugs to completely root out the drug menace in Manipur.
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Karam Shyam further urged the people to have optimistic outlook and the willingness to learn throughout different stages of life. “Our experiences should make us a better human and strive towards an inclusive society,” he added.
He also vowed to contribute maximum financial assistance towards the cause.
Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, Professor N Lokendra said that the deaf and mute community coming out from the margin to the mainstream needs to be encouraged by all.
Expressing positivity that the restaurant will become a platform to help one another, he assured to extend possible assistance from the university side.
MU Registrar W Chandbabu, university professors, deans, MUSU executives, deaf and mute community among others were present during the occasion.
