RANGPUR, Oct 15, 2024 (BSS) - The World White Cane Safety Day-2024 was observed here today with a call to ensure safe travel, mainstreaming and participation of visually impaired people in every field of social activities.
 
The district administration and Department of Social Services (DSS) jointly organized a discussion followed by distribution of inputs among physically challenged people at the District Social Services Office conference room marking the day.
 
Divisional Director of the divisional DSS Most Zilufa Sultana attended the discussion as the chief guest with Deputy Director of the district DSS Md Abdul Matin in the chair.
 
Disability Affairs Officer at the Disability Services and Relief Center Md. Masud Rana, Vice-president of the coordination council at the Town Social Services Office Md Shahidul Anam Tuhin, social activist Arifur Rahman Titu, addressed as special guests.
 
A guardian Rezia Rashid on behalf of visually impaired people, vision-impaired child Masum Ali, Rangdhanu District Protibondhi Adhikar Sangstha representative visually impaired Nur Alam and Md Abdul Karim of Community Eye Care Hospital also spoke.
 
In his welcome speech, Abdul Matin said the day is observed globally to cherish achievements of the blind people who won physical limitations and achieved success in different fields.
 
Visually impaired child Masum Ali urged the interim government to provide sub-stipends to students with disabilities along with their disability allowances to make their lives easier and to study properly.
 
Nur Alam said the visually impaired people have been using the white cane for many centuries. It also helps normal people to identify blind people walking on the streets and be more careful about them.
 
"The white cane has become a symbol of freedom, independence and confidence as it enables visually impaired people to move freely and accomplish their daily tasks," he said.
 
The chief guest said the day signifies the importance of white canes for blind people, who want to safely travel and maintain their freedom on their own.
 
"The white cane is a vital mobility tool symbolizing the independence and self-determination of blind people who need to be mainstreamed for utilizing their talents and ability in the society," she said.
 
The chief guest distributed tools among the visually impaired people at the function.
 
Later, artists of the local cultural organization 'Sangeet Angan' performed songs.