Rally, cultural events mark World Autism Awareness Day in Odisha capital

Bhubaneswar: Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) of Odisha government today observed the World Autism Awareness Day to celebrate the contributions of persons with autism and promote their inherent rights.

SSEPD Minister Ashok Chandra Panda emphasised upon early diagnosis and interventions that can lead to improved outcomes for individuals with autism while flagging off a rally in the morning,

Panda also described the day as an opportunity to raise a collective voice in support of persons with autism.

Starting from Ram Mandir square, the rally reached Capital High School in the capital city here. Students from Special Schools and State Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SIEP) along with volunteers, teachers and guardians participated in the rally.

Students holding placards shouted slogans to spread the essential message of autism by wearing blue apparels. MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, Mayor Sulochana Das, SSEPD Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhaskar Sarma and senior officers were present during the programme.

As a unique initiative to create awareness on autism, ‘Light it up Blue’ campaign was taken up in Lok Seva Bhawan and SIEP buildings. Besides, a cultural programme by the persons with autism was held in Ekamra Haat in the afternoon.

Awareness hoardings were placed at 15 locations of the capital city to disseminate autism awareness message.