The 3^rd ONGC Para Games 2019 was inaugurated by Minister of State, Cooperation, Sports, Youth and Cultural Activities (Independent Charge) Transport (State Minister), Government of Gujarat Mr Ishwarsinh Patel on 3 December 2019 at Sports Authority of India Centre Gandhinagar. Also present during the inauguration were ONGC CMD Mr Shashi Shanker, Director (Onshore) Mr S K Moitra, Director (HR) Dr Alka Mittal and CVO Mr R C Joshi.

ED-Asset Manager Ahmedabad Asset Mr Deshraj, ED-Chief CC Mr Pallab Bhattachraya, GGM-Head WSS Mr Bakul Kumar, GGM-Head Coordination Delhi Mr H P Singh, GGM-Head IRS Mr O N Gyani, Padmashree Awardee and Former World Billiard & Snooker Champion Mr Geet Sethi were also present on this occasion.

Senior Officials from State Government, Officers from ONGC, SAI officials and 220 Para Athletes (190 men and 30 women) from different Oil PSUs were present in large numbers in the glittering inaugural function, which was also attended by more than 400 students from National Association of Blind, Apang Manav Mandal, Deaf & Mute Society, Skill development Institute, Kendriya Vidyalaya and Udgam School.

ONGC CMD Shashi Shanker addressing the participants and the audience

Addressing the gathering, CMD Mr Shashi Shanker shared that 3 December 2019 is a very special day and a milestone in the history of not only ONGC but for all Public sector Enterprises. As it is on this day, ONGC is hosting 3^rd ONGC Para Games – 2019 for Employees with Disabilities from different Oil PSUs and also involving the students from special schools of Gujarat state, to promote culture of sports and living by the Theme of the Games i.e. Fostering inclusiveness.

Mr Shanker also added that 3 December is also special as this day is being celebrated across the world as “International Disability Day”, where we all pledge to protect and promote all sections of the society. This special HR Initiative is to spread the message of inclusiveness, of all sections of society, in providing Equal Opportunities to PWDs, not only in Employment but also in overall development of the Human Resources of the company, he added.

Director (HR) Dr Alka Mittal delivering the inaugural address

Delivering the inaugural address, Director (HR) Dr (Mrs) Alka Mittal emphasized on ONGC’s commitment to ensure social inclusiveness and providing Equal Opportunities for the especially abled, not only in Employment but also in overall development of the Human Resources of the company.

She further added that ONGC Para Games seem to be poised for greater platforms and play a significant role in creating an equal opportunity world. ONGC Para Games is not just a movement, but has sports at its core to create a more inclusive society and inspire the world that anything is possible, she added. She met each and every participant from all the companies and wished them success.

MoS Government of Gujarat Ishwarsinh Patel declaring the games open

Addressing the huge gathering, MoS Government of Gujarat Mr Patel complimented ONGC for organizing such an initiative for showcasing the qualities of differently-abled employees of all Oil PSUs. He specially emphasized on the leading role taken by ONGC in providing the best of facilities and opportunities to the PWDs and the energy major’s commitment to adhere to the guidelines of the Government. He further added that support from the state government for such noble initiative will always be provided. Mr Patel also declared the games open.

Dignitaries acknowledging the participants conduct march-past

It was in 2017, ONGC was the first PSU to conceive Para Games for the first times for its disabled employees. This three-day event witnessed participation of 120 employees across India. These games included athletics, badminton, table tennis and wheelchair race. ONGC organized these Para Games on an international format in association with the Paralympic Committee of India.

Para Games Coordinator Captain Sangwan addressing the oath to the teams

Following the resounding success and enthusiastic participation by employees, 2nd ONGC Para Games were organized in March 2019 at New Delhi. This event saw 150 ONGCians – half the total strength of para sportspersons of ONGC. The participants won not just accolades but also the hearts of the audience with their outstanding talent and indomitable spirit.

The first event of the three day 3^rd edition of the games was the 100 metres race in wheelchair, wherein para athletes from BPCL, HPCL and ONGC shared the first, second and third prize. Participants will take part in athletes, table tennis and badminton during the games.

As per the Population Census 2011, there are approximately three Crore Persons with Disabilities, out of 125 Crores of Indian population. Accordingly, the Government has mandated to bring all PWDs into the mainstream and has enacted the enabling Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act’2016, where the reservation for PWDs has been increased from earlier 3% to 4% in all the employments. Also the total number of disabilities to be included has been increased from 7 to 21, including Acid Attack victims, Mental Retardants and Multiple disabilities, etc.

GGM-Head Coordination delivering the vote of thanks

The vote of thanks was delivered by GGM-Head Coordination Delhi and Chairman Organizing Committee of ONGC Para Games 2019 Mr H P Singh, wherein, on behalf of the Organizing committee, he expressed his heartfelt acknowledgements to apex management of ONGC, Team Ahmedabad Asset, Team Corporate Sports, SAI Officials, State Government and all the participants for making this event a success.

Glimpses of the 3^rd ONGC Para Games 2019:

Inaugural race of the 3rd ONGC Para Games

Stall showcasing CSR initiatives of ONGC for differently abled

Students from different schools focusing on the march past