Two from Karnataka get National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

New Delhi: A Davangere based man suffering from haemophilia who has dedicated his life to helping others combat the issue as well as a woman from Bengaluru suffering from Thalassemia, who is now a sub-registrar in Karnataka government, are among the 33 awardees of the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for the year 2024 conferred by President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday.

“These awards have far-reaching social significance. By emulating them, other individuals and institutions can move toward empowering Persons with Disabilities. Providing a barrier-free environment to them in every way should be the priority of society. In the true sense, only that society can be called sensitive in which Divyangjan gets equal facilities and opportunities,” President Murmu said, while conferring the awards.

Among the awardees is Dr Suresh Hanagavadi who has 70 per cent haemophilia. He received National Award for Individual Excellence in the category of Shreshth Divyangjan 2024 for dedicating his life to improve Haemophilia care. Among his achievements is Karnataka’s first Haemophilia treatment center, advocacy for government support, and public awareness efforts. His contributions earned him National and International awards, significantly impacting blood disorder management in Karnataka.

Bengaluru-based Manjudarshini G who has 50 per cent Thalassemia was also given the National Award for Individual Excellence in the category of Shreshth Divyangjan-2024 as she excelled academically, securing fifth rank in her Master’s and is now a Sub-Registrar in Karnataka Government.

At the event in Delhi, where President Murmu conferred the awards, union social justice and empowerment Virendra Kumar launched several key initiatives for the disabled. This includes, significantly, the finalisation of the Standard Indian Braille Code as well as the launch of the ‘Braille Book Portal’, in addition to a sign-up Google Extension for Persons with Hearing Impairment and the launch of a computer-based test on Indian Intelligence Test by NIEPID, among 16 such initiatives.