Hailing the performance of athletes in the Paris Paralympics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while interacting with them, said he wanted to develop a culture of a changed approach towards “divyang” (physically challenged) that they should be seen with respect and dignity and not with a sense of pity.
“Through all of you, I want to see the evolvement of a mind set among physically challenged and society at large that they are seen with honour and not with pity,” the PM said as he interacted with the para-athletes and hailed their medal haul, saying they had not only won medals but also contributed in changing “mahaul” (environment) and perception towards people with a physical disability. The Prime Minister shared a video of his interaction with the contingent, including coaches and players. “India's Paralympic champions have set a new benchmark with the highest ever medal count. It was a delight to interact with them,” Modi said while sharing the video on X.
Modi met and congratulated the Paralympic team last week. During the interaction, two-time Paralympic silver medallist discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya gave the PM a new title, calling him “Param Mitra”. “For others, you as PM is Prime Minister but many of us consider you as Param Mitra,” said Kathuniya, whose remarks were endorsed by other athletes with applause.
The PM recalled that while interacting virtually with the contingent before their send-off, people of the country had mooted the “Vijayi Bhav” slogan. “Your medal haul reflects that the emotions of the country were engraved in your minds,” he said.
