Shashi Tharoor, a Member of Parliament, has called for urgent action to make public spaces accessible for Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
He launched the ‘Inclusive India Bharat Yatra’ at Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram, organized by the Different Art Centre (DAC) in partnership with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
Key Points:
During the event, Tharoor highlighted that it took too long for the Indian Parliament to become disability-friendly.
He pointed out that it was shameful that the venue for the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award lacked ramps for PwD.
The event featured Adoor Gopalakrishnan, a well-known filmmaker, as the presiding officer, and the theme song for the journey was released by director Jaya Dali.
Paralympian Padma Shri Boniface Prabhu, honored at the event, stressed the importance of making public spaces inclusive.
Campaign Details:
Gopinath Muthukad, executive director of DAC, announced the fifth edition of the ‘Inclusive India travel campaign.’
This journey will start on October 6 from Kanyakumari and end in Delhi on December 3, coinciding with World Disability Day. The campaign aims to:
- Change societal attitudes towards PwD.
- Ensure equal rights and justice for disabled individuals.
- Promote progressive change in public perceptions.
Awareness Programs:
The campaign will include awareness programs at around 40 venues across India, featuring magic shows by Muthukad to engage audiences and foster understanding of disability issues.
Event Highlights:
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the state-level event at DAC, where Boniface Prabhu will also be honored.
The celebration will include a dance performance by renowned dancer Methil Devika, with sign language interpretation and live music.
Conclusion:
The ‘Inclusive India Bharat Yatra’ aims to raise awareness about the need for accessible public spaces and promote social inclusion for Persons with Disabilities.
The initiative is a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive society in India.
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