Bhubaneswar, Sept. 21: Around 60 differently-abled college students from state are being trained on personality development and leadership qualities at a workshop in the city.

The four-day workshop includes soft skill development, basic computer literacy, simulation activities and interactive sessions with experts from various fields such as politics, literature, education, performing arts and governance.

Sessions on how to apply for passport and enhance public speaking skills were held. Yoga and pranayam techniques to help in concentration and develop the inner calm were also held.

"I always felt marginalised and failed to be myself in a crowd. Here, I got to know about how to ward off stage fright and also got an opportunity to speak a few words along with my other disabled friends. It helped boost my confidence," said Rosalin Debata, a participant from Jagatsinghpur.

Another participant from BJB College, Bhubaneswar, Chinmay Dhal, found the training on getting easy access to public places quite helpful. "I did not know that there are special privileges for persons with disabilities at the passport office and hospitals. The training was helpful in getting necessary information," he said.

Titled Youth Leadership Training and Empowerment Program, it is being conducted by city-based organisation Swabhiman that works towards empowering persons with disabilities.