Two youths with disabilities traveled from Kathmandu to Pokhara in wheelchairs for the rights of people with disabilities. Diwas Pariyar and Ashish Bhujel from Kathmandu traveled from Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu on 16 March in wheelchairs and reached Damauli, Tanahun on 20 March.
Diwas Pariyar stated that the wheelchair journey was conducted under the slogan ‘Sustainable Development Goal, Disability Friendly Future’. They were welcomed by the Chief of Byas Municipality Baikuntha Neupane, Deputy Mayor Indira Darai, former member of the National Assembly Prakash Patha, disability rights activist Madan Paudel and others in Damauli.
Ashish Bhujel said that their main objective is to draw the attention of the state to emphasize the accessibility of disability-friendly structures in an creative way.
Regarding this, Baikunth Neupane, the Chief of Byas Municipality, said that the administrative building of the Byas Municipality is completely disability-friendly, and added that other under-construction structures will also be made in the same structure. Neupane appreciated the adventure of the youth and provided them financial assistance as travel expenses on behalf of Byas Municipality. The youths were accompanied by two other individuals to ensure that the youths encountered minimal difficulties along the way.
Bhujel emphasized that individuals with disabilities are capable of performing important tasks and require opportunities rather than sympathy. They advocated for ensuring that all new structures are disability-friendly and called for the implementation of the rights of people with disabilities.