Srinagar, July 22 (KINS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday visited the Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), an organisation that has been serving Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh for more than five decades through healthcare, education, livelihood support and community inclusion.
During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor held detailed discussions with VMS officials and para athletes on strengthening rehabilitation, holistic empowerment and sports development for Divyangjan across the Union Territory.
Led by Founder-President Dr. Mir Mohammad Maqbool and Vice President Prof. Masooda Yasin, the VMS delegation urged the Lieutenant Governor to help build a robust ecosystem for adaptive sports. They highlighted several key requirements, including advanced robotic physiotherapy equipment, improved healthcare and skill development facilities, the establishment of a J&K Para Sports Association to nurture talent from the district level to international competitions, and the construction of an indoor para sports hall to provide accessible, year-round training and rehabilitation.
The delegation also stressed the need for specialised sports wheelchairs, modern equipment, coaching camps, exposure programmes and travel assistance for para athletes.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, remains committed to empowering Divyangjan and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
He said para athletes from Jammu and Kashmir have brought pride to the region through their achievements at national and international levels, and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure and support to help specially-abled youth realise their full potential.
The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the dedicated service of the Voluntary Medicare Society and its associated organisations for transforming the lives of thousands of persons with disabilities. He toured the rehabilitation units, wards and other facilities and interacted with children with special needs.
Praising the work of the organisation, Sinha said meaningful social change is driven by committed individuals like Dr. Mir Mohammad Maqbool and the volunteers associated with the Society. He added that he felt personally connected to the mission of the organisation and appreciated the dedication of its office-bearers and volunteers.
Among those present were Dr. Mir Mohammad Maqbool, Founder-President of VMS; Prof. Masooda Yasin, Vice President; Dr. Farooq Ahmad Kaloo, Secretary; Er. Majid Ahmad Bala, Executive Board Member, along with staff, coaches, trainers and other members of the Society.
SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo and other senior officers also accompanied the Lieutenant Governor during the visit.(KINS)
LG Manoj Sinha visits voluntary medicare society, interacts with Para athletes; assures support for inclusive sports development
