Taha Idrees Haaziq, Secretary, Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities has been honoured with the Louis Braille Award – 2022 during a function held in Ahmedabad on January 22, 2023. The award consists of a cheque worth Rs. one lakh and a citation.
The award was presented by Mr. C.U. Shah of Shri PragnaChakshuMahila Seva Kunj, a Gujarat based organisation that works for the empowerment of girls with visual impairments.It was sponsored by Late Madhuriben Suryakant Shah and SuryakantbhaiJagjivandas Shah, U.K.
Through his work, Haaziq has played a major role in the promotion of Braille and the rehabilitation of the blind in the modern context. This award was given to Haaziq in recognition of his contribution to the development of people with visual impairments and low vision. Furthermore, he has represented the blind community on national and international platforms.
Mr. Haaziq is blind by birth and he got the highest qualification “Parangat” (Expert in Music) in Hindustani Classical Music from the Art Academy, Goa. This is really praiseworthy for the whole disability community. Thereafter, he got an IAS degree in 2016 batch, and was allotted to Goa State. He is first Group A Gazetted officer in the Goa Civil Services Cadre with 100 percent visual impairment. With his continuous efforts he has proved that disability is not an obstacle to success.
Previously he served as the Deputy Director, Admin/In-Charge, Special Cell for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities at Directorate of Social Welfare, Government of Goa. He also served as Member Secretary of Sanjay Centre for Special Education.
Also, during the 2019 Assembly Elections, Taha was chosen to serve as the State Nodal Officer for Persons with Disabilities. He was later recognised by the Goa Governor as a State Election Icon for Persons with Disabilities.