This Conclave has come at an opportune time, when India has celebrated Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and is in the midst of its G-20 presidency. On this World Day of Social Justice, Minister’s msg was read which categorically emphasizes on Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas issued by our PM Narendra Modi Ji.
In this conclave Mr. Abhishek Singh, CEO, Karmayogi Bharat, Maj. Gen. Sharad Kapur, Director General Resettlement, Mr. Rahul Gupta (Managing Partner & Founder, Valu-Able capital), Ms. Ira Singhal (Deputy Commissioner, Office of Divisional Commissioner, Delhi), Ms. Noopur Jhunjhunwala, Change Inkk, Ms. Suhana Bhutani (Student, Lady Hardinge Medical College) ,Shubham Garg, Scrum Master at Cisco, ,Reena Gupta, Director, Office of Learning Support, Ashoka University, Ms. Madhubala, CII-IBDN network, Mr. Rajasekharan (Raja) Pazhaniappan (Co-founder, v-shesh) , Ms. Richa Sahni, (Head of PR, Atypical Advantage)
Dr. Jitender Aggarwal (Founder, Sarthak Education Trust), Mr. Amarpal Chadha, Partner & India Disability Sponsor, Ernst & Young dignitaries along with various officers/official of the Department were present.
Secretary Shri Rajesh Aggarwal emphasized on the series of progressive steps made for the upliftment of persons with disabilities, starting with the recognition of 21 disabilities by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2016, up from an initial 7. He also point out that the department is closely working with stakeholders in the ecosystem, but there is a long way to go.
This conclave also intends to bring the stakeholders together to work for the unique strengths towards this vision for the inclusion of women, the marginalised and the differently abled.
This conclave emphasized on the unique qualities of divyangjan instead of judging the disabled by what they cannot do, we need to recognise their unique perspectives and contributions.
This Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is the celebration of the rising spirit of a new India that will not be held back by disability. The vision for an inclusive India is that we now consciously move away from ad hoc inclusion efforts, and understand that mainstreaming inclusion is the way to go.
This platform will serve as a reminder to one and all that each of us has a role to play in the development process, regardless of ability- unless we intentionally include PwDs in economic life, the vision of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas” cannot be realised.
Other imp key points of the conclave were how to create opportunities in employment of persons with disabilities, identifying best practices and successful models of inclusion, and strengthening stakeholder capacity for the employment and inclusion of persons with disabilities in India.
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MG/RK