Differently-abled in Kanpur welcome PM's 'divyaang' call

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to address differently abled people as 'divyaang' seems to be widely accepted amongst the physically challenged community who were seen celebrating this appeal.

A group of differently-abled people in Kanpur were seen dancing with joy and enthusiasm after Prime Minister Modi, today in his 'Mann ki Baat' programme appealed the citizens to address the persons with disabilities as 'divyaang', meaning divine body, saying they are endowed with extraordinary power in certain other ways.

"The 'divyaang' word used by Prime Minister Modi for differently-abled people in 'Mann ki Baat' programme is very nice. We want that even in Railways, pensions and other departments as well, we should be given this name. We thank Prime Minister Modi for giving us this name," one of the differently-abled person told ANI.

PM Modi, during his radio address, appealed people to use the word 'divyaang' instead of 'viklaang' while referring to a person with physical disabilities.

"In our country, let us use the word 'divyaang' instead 'viklaang' (physically challenged). These people are gifted with extra ability," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the recently launched Accessible India programme to make transport, hospitals, school buildings, parkings and lifts disabled friendly.

He also recounted a phone call by Ahmedabad resident Dilip Chauhan telling the Prime Minister how he celebrated Accessible India in his school.