A special restaurant named , “Khonjel The Voice” was inaugurated by social welfare minister Heikham Dingo Singh in Imphal East on Monday. The restaurant near Liberal College will be managed by a group of Deaf and mute community thereby making it as the first of its kind in entire Northeast.
Aiming to give voice to the specially-abled people ,the restaurant was launched with funds from a crowdfunding campaign and the idea was initiated by Rohan Philem, a social activist and a cyclist.
Rohan Philem said that the restaurant will run on a trial basis for the next week and it will be officially open from October 2. Currently there are 15 persons employed from the deaf community
After inaugurating the restaurant , social welfare minister Heikham Dingo Singh who was the chief guest in the inaugural function appreciated the challenging initiative and termed it as encouraging.
He also mentioned that opening of such restaurants have set an example that no one is inferior and the specially-abled persons are no less than anyone.
As per reports orders can be placed through a specific coding system available at each table .
The opening function was attended by Patsoi MLA S Kunjakeshore, LDA chairman M Asnikumar, Imphal East DC Khumanthem Diana, social welfare director NG Uttam, Dr Dhabali Thangjam, MD & chairman of Babina Healthcare and Hospitality,UNACCO Chairman Irabanta and actor RK Somorendro among others.
