Ampati, September 27: It was a day out for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) of South West Garo Hills district, as they enjoyed boat rides, participated in games and sports and joined in chorus singing during the celebration of World Tourism Day at Kata Beel in Nogorpara village, one of the most popular tourist spots in the district.
The day-long celebration, which was jointly organized by the Tourist Officer Ms. Trida J.B. Sangma and District Social Welfare Officer, Ms. Linda J. Sangma on the theme “Tourism for All: Promoting Universal Accessibility”, evoked overwhelming participation of PWDs from across the district and was also participated by various district officials, Church leaders, youth bodies and students of the area. The District Sports Officer, Mr. J.P.Marak also organized games and sports for PWDs, while District Research Officer, Art & Culture dept. Ms. N.G. Momin set up a booth for those interested in learning of Garo musical instruments, as part of the celebration.
It may be mentioned Kata Beel, more commonly known as Chimitde by the Garos, is a rectangular lake covering about one hectare of area, said to be dug by a legendary Garo king named Lengta Raja. The beautiful, soothing waters of Kata Beel, surrounded by a plantation of palms, is a major fishing ground of Garo Hills and has recently been developed as a destination for boating and other water sports. It is a convenient picnic spot frequented by young and old alike.
A brief but impressive function was held by the lake in the afternoon for prize distribution to the winners in the sports for PWDs and to mark the closing of the day-long celebration. The district administration was represented by EAC, Ampati Ms. D.A. Sangma as the chief guest, who in her address spoke against discrimination of PWDs and highlighted on the importance of promoting their accessibility to all places of tourist interest. All other speakers, including Joint Director, Tourism, Shillong Mr. K.M. Momin and Church leader, Rev. P.M. Sangma, echoed the same while highlighting the importance of and the need to have an inclusive approach of all in the tourism sector. One of the PWDs, Mr. P.T. Sangma, expressed his joy for being included in the celebration and said that he had a field day enjoying the boat rides and participating in the games and sports organized for them.
The Praise and Worship team of Nogorpara Baptist Church livened up the celebration by leading the PWDs and other participants in singing of choruses and patriotic numbers.
