“The Voice Khonjel”, Northeast’s 1st restaurant run by the deaf community opens in Imphal. On Monday, this first-of-its-kind restaurant in the entire Northeast was inaugurated in Imphal East’s Luwangsangbam by a group of deaf and mute community members.
The restaurant, which aims to give mute and deaf people a voice and a noble life, was funded by a crowdfunding campaign started by Rohan Philem, a young social activist and cyclist.
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On the other hand, The restaurant will operate on a trial basis for the first week. And the location will be officially open to the public on October 2.
Opening of “The Voice Khonjel” restaurant at Luwangshangbam. The function was attended by Hon’ble Ministers, Hon’ble MLAs, eminent personalities of Manipur, government officials and others. pic.twitter.com/ARz8LCIGDq
— Sapam Kunjakeswor ‘Keba’ Singh (@sapamkeba) September 26, 2022
Minister Dingko Singh stated at the grand opening ceremony that the establishment of such a one-of-a-kind restaurant is a truly inspirational exemplar of equality and fairness and proof that every individual is unique and inferior to none.
According to Rohan, the concept for such an endeavor emerged when he became cognizant of the state’s lack of job opportunities, particularly for the deaf community.
Speaking as the inaugural guest, Social Welfare Minister H Dingo praised the challenging initiative undertaken by specially-abled people as very encouraging.
Rohan also stated that prior to the restaurant’s opening, the 15 deaf people received two months of intensive hospitality training, including customer service and food menu preparation.
Following the opening of the restaurant, social welfare minister Heikham Dingo Singh, who was the chief guest at the event, praised the challenging initiative and called it encouraging.
Meanwhile, 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 were among those who attended the opening ceremony.
