Duty towards the disabled

Rupa Banduwardena

It is only right, just and fair that the disabled are honoured, well cared for and well looked after by the rest of the society who are born better. This is an instance where humans honour other humans. This recognizes the right of everybody born disabled, to live a life of a human being as equal partners in society - home, family, community and country. It is proper and encouraging to be recognized and helped by the State without discarding them as unwanted. This was the fate of very early ones when the world was not as advanced as today.

Well-being of others

Religious leaders of all faiths, Sakyamuni Gautama Buddha in particular has said that "One must try to lead a happy and contented life while making a substantial contribution for the well-being of others. There should be love and respect for other's lives and sympathetic understanding of their problems." There is nothing more important than human kindness when one is in trouble.

According to the Blessed One, it is not an easy task to be born a human being. The birth of human beings is regarded as superior to other living beings. The enormous number of living beings on this earth indicate the truth of the above. Besides, humans by nature are social creatures with responsibilities to the society. It is a part of human nature which the Buddha attributes, any disability to the law of Kamma.

The feeling that you get when you see somebody speechless or blind, it is incredibly pathetic to witness the horrific ordeal they are subjected to. Really the people are being moved and touched by their position.

State intervention

The State gives them a new focus and a new purpose in life. The most deserving beneficiaries are the physically and mentally retarded, the disabled and the handicapped. The State works closely to help to gain access to education and medical and other required services.

Nobody is left unprotected, uncared for and unloved.

There are special schools and institutions to transform their lives. Medical attention is given priority to redeem them of their misfortune. Giving hope, love and caring spirit is one of the most effective ways of ensuring their well-being. They are all endowed with the blessings of education at all levels. With higher education, they are directed to income generating activities.

The State considers it their responsibility to encourage them in professions leading them to success in later life. Their talents are discovered at various stages. Some have achieved academic success. Those with strong academic background in art, music, dancing are diverted to the respective aesthetic streams. They learn many lessons on their path to success.

Principle of 'change'

With State intervention, the courage of the disabled not having a grudge against the world or the society and still feel happy and contented with what they have and not lose hope, encourages and inspires the state further to do their best.

It is the acknowledgement of all humans as equals in society. All measures adopted are based on the philosophy of 'change'. What change can do to one's life? With global advancement in every field the 'change' could transform the disabled to able, drop the prefix 'dis' and instil life into them with a strong feeling that they have been victorious to be considered as equals in society.

The State is always of the view that a change can come through for them, to feel cheerful, contented and happy however much helpless, they may have been. No more disability, future is clear with full of hope.

Their continuous forward march give them the will to live and to be of service to others. Ultimately it is their hard work, ambition and dedication that brings them to their destination of success. There are instances where they have become the recipients of State awards in recognition of their untiring efforts. They are the happiest ever to receive such awards.

They are delighted to be recognized as well respected individuals in the field of education as equals in society. Other than the ones, born disabled, there are those who become disabled in later life due to some mishap or unfortunate incident probably whilst in service.

War heroes

Thousands of war heroes who sacrificed their lives to save the Motherland from the worst terrorism, are an outstanding example. Sri Lanka has won praise and fame for the unique importance attached to human welfare.

The Government tries to maintain their physical welfare by all positive ways. Their attitude towards the disabled war heroes are simply exceptional.

They provide a range of services to this category. One is delighted for the interest shown and the contribution made for their welfare.

Sri Lanka has won international recognition for their research findings and contribution to the progress of the disabled. Disabled do exist with the support of the society too. With religious backing there are people around to support them in numerous ways. Some volunteer to support them in their maintenance and upkeep purely from the point of view of religion.

All religions Buddhism in particular give prominence to charity through human kindness. Then there are people (educated and qualified) who come forward to work on honourary basis to share their knowledge and experience with organizations involved in this sacred task. Some feel that helping them in some way is rewarding beyond measure. Truly speaking they are actively contributing to a worthy cause.

Among the many commendable services are the provision of free white canes to the 'needy', (with reluctance to use the correct word). Imagine the true position with closed eyes. They do need lifetime care and support.