Mysuru: Former Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities and Padma Shri awardee K.S. Rajanna said that the physically challenged have often shown that they are no less capable than others in almost every field and hence what the physically challenged persons need is more opportunities rather than sympathy or empathy.

He was speaking after inaugurating the Regional Conference of International Lions District 317 G Region-1 at Mysore Builders’ Charitable Trust (MBCT) auditorium in Vishweshwaranagar on Sunday.

Pointing out that the physically challenged should not lose confidence for any reason, Rajanna said at the same time, they should not have any feelings of inferiority complex.

“The society should instil confidence among physically challenged persons. I myself is an example for achieving big despite being handicapped. An identity can be got by doing something through hard work. The Padma Shri award that I have got is indeed a victory of sorts for the physically challenged,” he noted.

Noting that Prime Minister Modi has given a special name for the physically challenged as  ‘Divyangas’,  he lauded the PM for working towards the welfare of the poor, the farmers, women and all other sections of the society. Prime Minister Modi, acting on a memorandum submitted to him, has also agreed to make him (Rajanna) a Rajya Sabha member, he added.

Rajanna lauded the yeoman services and activities of the Lions Club for the physically challenged. “I am always supportive of the Lions Club’s initiatives for the welfare of the physically challenged and the society as a whole,” he added.

Lions Club Multiple Council Chairperson N. Krishnegowda too spoke and explained the activities of the Club.

MANMUL (Mandya Milk Union Limited) Director N. Lakshminarayanagowda, Basavaraj Shankar Umrani, who is known as ‘human computer,’ Conference Hosting Committee President S. Murthy, K. Devegowda, Nanjundaswamy, N. Subramanya, Jayakumar, K. Ravi, C.D. Krishna, Shilpa Ravikumar and others were present.