Towards a more inclusive future
Anjali Krishnan R, Officer – Projects and Data, Pallium India, writes:
On December 3rd, 2024, Pallium India observed the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, a day deeply rooted in the principles of social solidarity. This day is dedicated to advocating for the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of people with disabilities around the world.
This year’s theme (“Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”) resonates deeply with the philosophical ideals of justice, dignity, and human agency. It underscores the importance of not only recognizing but also elevating the voices and leadership of persons with disabilities.
Rather than seeing persons with disabilities solely as beneficiaries, the theme calls for viewing them as active leaders and change-makers in the society. This reminder urges us to recognize their capabilities and rights, driving us towards a more inclusive future.
During the event, I was assigned to assist with the registration process alongside my colleagues, and in doing so, I had the privilege of witnessing the profound connections or friendships between individuals with disabilities, their families, and our dedicated Physical and Psychosocial rehabilitation team. As a new face to most of the beneficiaries, I took the time to introduce myself, and in turn, they shared their deeply existential and humanistic experiences with me. These moments of openness and vulnerability left a profound impact on me, deepening my sense of pride in being part of Pallium India, witnessed our holistic commitment to supporting not only the physical but also the emotional and social dimensions of well-being. This experience served as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit and of the invaluable role we play in nurturing connection and empowerment for a more compassionate and inclusive existence for all.
The program was held at Akkulam Tourist Village in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, an open space, a recreational and cultural hub, providing an opportunity to connect with nature. The program started at 10.30 am with a prayer song by our Physiotherapist Mrs. Parvathy. Following this, Ms. Nincy Mariam Mondly (Psychologist, Life Skill Coach, Paraplegic Artist, Educator, and Motivational Speaker), spoke, highlighting the importance of focusing on the abilities of individuals with disabilities and safeguarding their rights, which in turn enhances their productivity and resilience. She explained that this approach not only empowers individuals with disabilities but also enhances their productivity and resilience. Ms. Nincy shared a profound philosophical perspective, “Our life experiences, whether they are achievements or challenges, carry inherent value and dignity. These experiences have the power to inspire and uplift others.” Reflecting on her own journey, she added, “I realized that my life has value and dignity, and by sharing my story, I can motivate others to recognize their own potential.”
Her powerful words remind us of the transformative strength that comes from embracing personal experiences. By sharing life stories, one can offer hope and inspiration, helping individuals realize their true potential. This shifts the focus from referring to people as having disabilities to recognizing them as ‘individuals with special abilities’.
Dr. Sunil Kumar (Director-in-charge, Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences – TIPS), emphasised the significance of recognizing an individual’s abilities and strengths, and empowering them to harness these qualities through an empathetic approach. This will help to create a more inclusive and supportive environment, he added.
The chief guest, Nagaraju Chakilam IPS, Transport Commissioner of Kerala Police, formally inaugurated the event by waving the flag symbolizing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He underscored the critical role of governance in building a disability-free community, stressing the need for including individuals with disabilities in the policy-making process. His words reaffirmed the importance of execution of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016, a law designed to empower individuals with disabilities to live lives of dignity, free from discrimination, and with equal opportunities. “Through such inclusive actions, we move closer to a society where every person’s potential is recognized and respected,” he added.
| Freedom to achieve well-being is of primary moral importance. It must be understood not just as freedom from oppression, but as the real opportunities to do and be what one values. (Amartya Sen’s Capability approach). |
Our beneficiaries shared their experiences with Nagaraju Sir, it was a highly productive and interactive session. The interactions primarily focused on the urgent need for enforcing laws to guarantee the freedom to travel for all persons with disabilities. The beneficiaries were deeply inspired and motivated by his words, and his offer to convene a meeting with them and his team to engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges they face and explore potential solutions was met with deep appreciation, symbolizing a commitment to collective progress and inclusion.
The cultural programs by the beneficiaries and their family members and social lunch added a special charm to the event, offered a wonderful opportunity for the persons with disabilities for meaningful conversations among peers.
On this International Day for Persons with Disabilities, we are reminded that true inclusion means creating the capabilities and opportunities for all individuals to lead fulfilling lives, in line with their own values and aspirations. A perfect example of this was our Allumol, a caricature artist, who created live caricatures of our beneficiaries. What makes her story particularly poignant is that she is deaf—a person with special abilities who uses her talent to inspire and connect with others. Similarly, our beneficiaries demonstrate remarkable resilience and talents, proving that disabilities do not define a person’s potential but rather highlight their unique strengths and capabilities.
Comments are closed.
