What happened: Matri Shakti Sammelan linking maternal awareness to early disability identification
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, highlighted that empowering mothers can support early identification of disability in children. Dr. Singh lauded SAKSHAM for organising the Prabudh “Matri Shakti Sammelan” to educate and create awareness among women on prevention of avoidable disabilities and empowerment of Divyang persons (persons with disabilities).
The event’s core messaging connected two stages of disability support: first, early detection during pregnancy and early childhood; second, empowerment after identification through services that improve access, learning, rehabilitation and self-reliance.
What mothers are expected to do in the message: prevention during pregnancy and early action
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised that mothers are often the first to notice developmental or health concerns in children. In awareness during pregnancy, Dr. Singh pointed to regular antenatal check-ups and recommended screening so that certain disorders can be detected early, enabling timely medical advice and intervention and reducing preventable risks.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also stressed that prevention of avoidable disabilities should start as early as possible, including even before birth, through awareness on: maternal health; adequate nutrition; prevention of infections; safe use of medicines; regular check-ups; and timely consultation with medical professionals.