Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday visited the Donyi-Polo Mission School for the Hearing, Visually and Intellectually Impaired at Chimpu in Itanagar and interacted with students, teachers and staff, urging specially abled students to dream big and never allow others to define the limits of their aspirations.
Addressing the students, V-P Radhakrishnan said every individual is unique and possesses talent, encouraging them to believe in themselves and work hard to achieve their goals.
“Never allow anyone to define the limits of your dreams,” he said, while drawing attention to the inspiring journey of entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla, who overcame significant challenges to achieve success.
The Vice President said his visit to the institution was deeply emotional, particularly after listening to the students’ rendition of Vande Mataram. He said the song was sung with such sincerity that he could feel the patriotism “coming from the heart” of the students.
V-P Radhakrishnan appreciated the efforts of the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Donyi-Polo Mission, school management, teachers, rehabilitation professionals and staff in supporting children with special needs. He said the achievements of the state government under Chief Minister Pema Khandu covered “every spectrum of society”.
He observed that institutions such as the Donyi-Polo Mission School provide more than education, offering students hope, dignity, opportunities, confidence and self-reliance. Such institutions, he said, make an important contribution towards creating an inclusive Viksit Bharat@2047.
Highlighting the role of technology in inclusive education, the Vice President said Artificial Intelligence, digital tools and assistive technologies could help remove barriers and make learning more accessible and personalised.
He appreciated the institution’s initiatives involving AI-enabled learning materials and holistic support for students, saying technology could play a transformative role in improving educational opportunities for children with disabilities.
V-P Radhakrishnan also praised the teachers and staff for their patience, compassion and dedication in nurturing children with special needs. He acknowledged the important contribution of parents in supporting and encouraging their children.
At the conclusion of his interaction, the Vice President said, “Today, you have taught me a lot of things,” expressing his appreciation for the determination and spirit displayed by the students.
V-P Radhakrishnan was accompanied by Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General (Retd.) Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and Tribal Affairs Konto Jini, senior state government officials and representatives of the Donyi-Polo Mission.
Vice President visits J.N. State Museum
Earlier in the day, V-P Radhakrishnan visited the J.N. State Museum in Itanagar and appreciated its contribution to preserving and showcasing the rich ethnographic heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast.
He said museums serve as important bridges between generations and play a crucial role in safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting pride in indigenous traditions.
The Vice President commended the efforts of those associated with the museum for preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and ensuring that its traditions and history remain accessible to future generations.
