New Delhi, Sept.26 : Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Meira Kumar, today presented the annual awards of the National Trust here today.

The National Trust Awards is given to individuals/volunteers, NGO’s and persons with disabilities for achievements in the Disability Sector.

Addressing the gathering, she said that it has been a pleasure to give out the awards to all the young achievers.

Each one has been an inspiration and a role model, not only for the people with disabilities, but also for all people. She further said that each one of you now has a duty to create more awareness and make people understand that disabled people can also do many things if given the opportunity.

Each award has been specially instituted to ensure that this forms a source of encouragement for all round progress.

She informed that the National Trust is now focusing on creating a platform for ensuring skill development and capacity building of people with disabilities. Therefore, awards for innovative design and best products, are important. It is heartening to see that the innovative design is to facilitate the education of profoundly disabled people.

The National Trust has set up Samarth - a Respite Care and Prolonged Stay Project. At present, there are 105 projects, running. Even in these programmes, we have made a consistent effort to encourage the participation of the local community, she added.

Meira Kumar also inaugurated the newly designed website of the National Trust. The Secretary of Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry, Veena Chhotray and Chairpersons of the National Trust, Poonam Natarajan were also present on the occasion. (With inputs from ANI)