Margao, Goa: Avelino de Sa, Founder-President of the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG), was felicitated by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Goa Branch, at the Neurostride Marathon 2026 in recognition of his 23 years of dedicated service towards the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in Goa.
The felicitation was presented by Dr. Shraddha Patil, President of the IMA Goa Branch, in the presence of Dr. Rajesh Patil, Medical Superintendent of Goa Medical College.
The Neurostride Marathon 2026 witnessed the participation of approximately 1,600 people who came together to raise awareness about the inclusion and empowerment of persons with neurodiversity.
Speaking on the occasion, de Sa thanked the organisers for recognising his contributions and urged participants to work collectively towards creating a more accessible and inclusive society.
He encouraged people to join hands with DRAG and take responsibility for making their own neighbourhoods more accessible to persons with disabilities. He emphasised that even small individual efforts could make a meaningful difference in building an inclusive community.
Addressing parents, de Sa urged them to accept and embrace their children, describing them as gifts from God. Sharing his personal journey, he recounted how, despite doctors predicting that he would not survive beyond the age of five, the unwavering support of his parents and family helped him overcome challenges and eventually become Goa's first disability rights activist.
His story highlighted the importance of family support, acceptance and determination in overcoming barriers and promoting equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
The event also featured musical performances by Tanvi Kaushik and Akshay Bhangle, both visually impaired singers, who captivated the audience with their melodious voices.
The Neurostride Marathon 2026 served as a platform to promote awareness, celebrate inclusion and encourage collective action towards building a society where persons with disabilities can participate equally and with dignity.
