Nabarangpur, 21st July 2025: The first executive committee meeting of Saksham (an organization for inclusive vision, capacity development, and research) was held at the Kalyan Mandap of Binayak Temple in Rajusahi, Nabarangpur.
Chief guest Shyam Kumar Das, Odisha West Zonal Secretary, explained to the newly formed district executive members of Nabarangpur what Saksham is and whose interests it serves. He emphasized the need to bring the differently-abled into the mainstream of society and accord them proper respect. Despite the existence of 21 types of disabilities, a lack of awareness in remote areas like Nabarangpur has resulted in many being excluded from identification processes and government services.
According to Das, though the number of differently-abled persons in India has significantly increased since the 2011 Census, identification efforts from the government remain inadequate. He stated that what the government has failed to do, Saksham is trying to fulfill. “Saksham is a vast family across India,” he said, calling for the inclusion of all differently-abled persons under its umbrella.
Chief speaker Deepak Raut, RSS regional seva pramukh, encouraged active participation in Saksham through Matrushakti (women’s wing).
Renowned Nabarangpur social worker Jagannath Mahapatra, who attended as a distinguished guest, emphasized in his address the importance of treating differently-abled individuals with dignity and extending a helping hand. He has consistently supported the differently-abled by distributing winter clothes, blankets, dry food, and cooked meals every year.
He reiterated that society must always lend support to people with disabilities. Jagannath Mahapatra is also the district president for the differently-abled and a well-known social worker in the district.
The event was conducted by Kishori Pattnaik, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Secretary Y. Prabhakar Patra.
Other notable attendees included:
Vidyabhushan Panda (City Coordinator, Rayagada)
Mahesh Bhai (Departmental Pracharak)
A. Suresh (Secretary, Nabarangpur Saksham)
Sujit Rath (President)
Nihar Ranjan Mohanty (Treasurer)
M. Tejeswar Rao (Youth Head)
Lokanath Pradhan (Publicity Head)
Executive members Bikram Jain, Parameshwari Pahadi, Soumitra Sahu, Divyang Mitra, Swarnalata Pattnaik, Ranjita Sahu, Sharmistha Deo, Rama Padhi, and Daminibala Nayak.