Page 12 - NIS English December1-15

Social concern
Accessible India Campaign

EMPOWERING DIVYANGS

Persons with disabilities or Divyangs

were so far considered as someone
dependent on others for their survival.
However, in the last six years, the

Central Government ensured that
country is accessible to the specially
abled so that the 2.68 Crore Divyangjan
in the country can continue to excel

o I thought, why not use the term
‘Divyang’ instead of ‘viklang’ for them.
“SThey are those people who have one
or more such organs with a flow of divinity than
the normal human beings. I like this term. My
dear countrymen, can we make it a habit to use
the word ‘Divyang’ and make it popular? I hope
you will take my word ahead. ”
These remarks of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi five years ago, is the new mantra for New
India. The example is Salman. Born in Hamirpur
village in Uttar Pradeh’s Moradabad district,
Salman is a Divyang by birth. Though, it was
difficult for him to walk, but this never came in his
way towards an ardent desire to become self-
reliant. He even encouraged others. Salman
started making slippers and detergent in his
village. Efforts yielded handsome results. His
endeavour inspired thirty Divyangjan to join him. The campaign has changed the old mindset of
Now, Salman’s company is a profitable venture. society towards Divyangjan. According to Robert
It aims for training 100 more Divyangjan. Michael Hensel, a disability activist and American
Now, Salman is not alone. Courtesy, Central poet: “I have a disability. Yes that's true, but all that
Government's Accessible India Campaign really means is I may have to take a slightly different
which has numerous options for Divyangjan to path than you.” The campaign is a part of United
become self-reliant. A nation-wide campaign Nation’s programme Sustainable Development
named Accessible India Campaign, launched Goals (SDG)
on December 3, 2015 by Department of The objective is to make Government buildings,
Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities schools, roads, airports, tourist destinations
is working towards achieving universal and websites accessible and easy for people
accessibility for persons with disabilities. with disabilities. It also aims for creating all

10 New India Samachar