India observes International Day of People with Disability

India is observing the International Day of People with Disability on Tuesday.

Events, including art exhibition promoting artwork by people with disabilities are being held to highlight the problems of the disabled.

This day, which is observed annually, will focus on issues that affect people with disabilities worldwide.

This year, the theme is "Break Barriers, Open Doors: for an inclusive society and development for all".

In his message on the occasion, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that over a billion people are living with disabilities across the world.

He called on governments, members of the UN system, businesses and civil society to break barriers and open doors of opportunity for all persons with disability.

President Pranab Mukherjee will present the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities today at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

The awards, instituted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, are given to outstanding achievers among persons with disabilities, as well as to individuals and institutions which do outstanding work for the empowerment of such persons.