Imphal Opens NE's First Restaurant By Hearing Impaired

IMPHAL: The hearing and speech impaired community across the north eastern region has reasons to cheer. A group of people from the community in Imphal opened a restaurant in the capital city giving immense hope for these talents.

Popularly known as The Voice Khonjel, the venture, first of its kind in the north eastern region, was opened at Luwangsangbam in Imphal East, social welfare minister H Dingo on Monday. The entire initiative was possible because of a crowdfunding campaign launched by social activist and cyclist Rohan Philem.

In his opening speech, Dingo called it a challenging initiative that could encourage thousands of specially-abled persons in the entire north eastern region. He further urged the people to encourage and support the dead and mute community and to take lessons from them.

Social Welfare director Ng Uttam, who attended the opening ceremony blamed lack of exposure and opportunities to discover these talents in the region. He said that the deaf and a resource of the society and appreciated these for their contributions to the various fields which include art, culture, education.

According to Langthabal MLA Karam Shyam, the restaurant would help mute and deaf groups get means of livelihood.

He added that the restaurant would be an inspiration to other physically challenged persons in the nook and corner of the state. He called on the people to inculcate the spirit of viewing the positive side of any developmental work taken up in the society and at the same time apprised the public to encourage and support the restaurant by visiting it.

Patsoi MLA S Kunjakeshore, Imphal East DC Daina, Babina Groups head Th Dhabali, UNACCO Chairman Irabanta and actor RK Somorendro were prominent among those who attended the ceremony.

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