Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today visited the Donyi-Polo Mission School for the Hearing, Visually and Intellectually Impaired at Chimpu, Itanagar, and interacted with students, teachers and staff. He visited various activity areas of the institution and addressed the students.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-President said that his visit to the institution filled him with a deep sense of emotion and patriotism, particularly after listening to the students sing Vande Mataram. He said the song was rendered with such sincerity that he could feel the patriotism “coming from the heart” of the students.

Appreciating the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the Donyi-Polo Mission, the management, teachers, rehabilitation professionals and staff, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said that the achievements of the State Government under Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu cover “every spectrum of society”.

Addressing the students, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan urged them never to allow anyone to define the limits of their dreams. “Every individual is unique. Every individual possesses talent,” he said, encouraging them to dream big, believe in themselves and work hard. Referring to the inspiring journey of Shri Srikanth Bolla, he urged the students to draw inspiration from those who have overcome challenges.

The Vice-President said that institutions such as the Donyi-Polo Mission School provide not merely education but also hope, dignity, opportunity, confidence and self-reliance. He said such institutions make a meaningful contribution towards building an inclusive Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

Emphasising the transformative potential of technology, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said that Artificial Intelligence, digital tools and assistive technologies can help overcome barriers and make education more accessible and personalised. He appreciated the Mission’s initiatives towards AI-enabled learning materials and holistic support for students.

The Vice-President also commended the teachers and staff for their extraordinary patience, compassion and commitment in nurturing children with special needs. He acknowledged the important role played by parents in supporting and encouraging their children.

Concluding his address, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said, “Today, you have taught me a lot of things,” conveying his appreciation for the inspiration he drew from the students and their determination.

The Vice-President was accompanied by Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Lt. General (Retd.) Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Chowna Mein, Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment and Tribal Affairs Shri Konto Jini, senior officials of the State Government, representatives of the Donyi-Polo Mission and its management, teachers, rehabilitation professionals, staff and students of the institution.

Earlier today, the Vice-President also visited the J. N. State Museum in Itanagar and appreciated its role in preserving and showcasing the rich ethnographic heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and the North-East. He noted that such institutions serve as vital bridges between generations and play an important role in safeguarding cultural heritage and fostering pride in indigenous traditions. He commended the dedicated efforts of all those associated with the Museum in preserving and promoting the invaluable heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.

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PR/ASM/VMJ