LUCKNOW, Dec. 4 -- Emphasising that physical appearance has no bearing on a person's capabilities or their ability to achieve their goals, chief minister Yogi Adityanath said that even with minimal support, persons with disabilities (PWDs) have accomplished remarkable feats that many would consider impossible. He underlined that the central and state governments' current initiatives offer valuable platforms for their progress. The chief minister was speaking at a state-level event at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow to mark World Disability Day 2025 on Wednesday. Adityanath extended greetings on the occasion and also remembered India's first President Dr Rajendra Prasad on his birth anniversary, paying tribute to his legacy. Expressing concern over the neglect that a child -- disabled due to an accident, medical condition, or any other reason -- often faces from both family and society, Adityanath said such treatment could leave a lasting emotional impact, making them feel helpless. "However, with timely encouragement and support, they can achieve exceptional outcomes," the chief minister said. Citing examples from within the state government, Adityanath said: "The secretary of the sports and youth welfare department is a Paralympic medallist and a member of India's most successful Paralympic contingent. Similarly, the divisional commissioner of Chitrakoot, despite being visually impaired, is performing his role with full efficiency." The chief minister pointed out that the UP government had increased the disability pension from Rs.300 to Rs.1,000 and expanded the beneficiary base from 8 lakh to more than 11 lakh, ensuring transparency through technology."Earlier, accessing basic assistive devices such as wheelchairs, tricycles, white canes, and hearing aids was difficult. However, the situation has improved considerably with the strengthening of ALIMCO in Kanpur and the activation of District Disability Rehabilitation Centres (DDRCs)." He said more than 16.23 lakh Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards had been issued in UP, with over 19.74 lakh registrations completed. "The leprosy pension has been raised from Rs.2,500 to Rs.3,000, and grants for prosthetic limbs have been increased from Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000. Support has also been extended for modern assistive technologies such as smartphones, tablets, and DAISY players. So far, over 3.84 lakh prosthetic devices have been distributed. Surgical assistance has been enhanced from Rs.8,000 to Rs.10,000, and cochlear implants are being supported with a grant of Rs.6 lakh. This year alone, 108 children have successfully undergone cochlear implant surgery," the chief minister said. He added that shelter homes for persons with intellectual disabilities are operational in Bareilly, Meerut, Gorakhpur, and Lucknow, each with a capacity of 50 residents, while new centres are being set up in Chitrakoot and Banda. He also highlighted that UP is the only state in India to have two universities dedicated to higher education for persons with disabilities -- Dr Shakuntala Mishra National Rehabilitation University and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang University. CM Yogi Adityanath interacted with students with disabilities and distributed chocolates, meal boxes, MR kits, and other gifts. He also clicked a selfie with them. Adityanath later visited an exhibition and inspected various stalls showcasing initiatives for empowerment of the disabled. A short film highlighting scholarship distribution, assistive device support, and the recognition of individuals and organisations working in the field was also screened....