'Viklaang' people are not to be considered objects of sympathy, they are repositories of knowledge, aptitude, inclination, expertise -VP

Gurugram, Haryana
December 9, 2023

We have to create an eco-system whereby we empower the differently abled, says the VP
Vice-President calls upon Corporates to use CSR funds to empower people
VP urges everyone to “Think out of the box and be innovative;each of us, must contribute one way or another”
Shift in perspective today as the West looks towards India for advice-VP
Vice-President inaugurates Sarthak Global Resource Centre & attends 10th National Conference of Disability in Gurugram

The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today stressed that differently people must not be considered objects of sympathy, but deserve recognition for their wealth of knowledge, aptitude, inclination and expertise. He emphasized on the need to create an eco-system whereby we empower our disabled people who hold immense talent that can be leveraged.

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1733363419301265773

Referring to the example of Albert Einstein who suffered from dyslexia, Shri Dhankhar highlighted that our perception of disabilities often hinges on what is visible. However, true disability encompasses more than just what meets the eye, he said, and extends to the realms of mental, spiritual, and emotional challenges. The Vice-President called for addressing all forms of disabilities and structuring suitable solutions for the same.

Addressing the 10thNational Conference on Disability in Gurugram today, the Vice-President highlighted the shift in perspective that has taken place in societal notions which once deemed women incapable of difficult tasks. Noting that the “ceiling has been broken” with women taking leading roles across diverse spheres, the Vice-President called for a similar shift in perception toward individuals labelled as "disabled". “They are not disabled; we take them to be disabled,” he pointed out. Those who outwardly appear physically able may harbour some form of disability, whether visible or hidden,and nobody is truly complete, he elaborated.

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1733364787139301590

Cautioning against the recent trend of merely "putting something in somebody's pocket," the Vice-President underlined the risk of fostering dependency rather than empowerment. Stressing the need to prioritise empowerment, especially amongst the vulnerable sections including the disabled, women, and minorities, he urged major corporate entities to direct their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds towards empowering these sections of society.

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1733358900525863277

Stressing that India’s ethos & G-20 motto of VasudhaivaKutumbakam is now a ground reality, the Vice-President stated that there has been a shift in the world's perspective towards India. He called for a departure from solely looking towards the West for solutions, noting that now, the West seeks insights from India. He highlighted India's prominent position on the global stage today, highlighting that the “nation's unprecedented growth has astonished the world”.

https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1733357121482440973

Commending the enactment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2016, Vice-President expressed contentment with its thorough provisions. Lauding the vision of extending facilities to disabled individuals in villages and rural areas, the Vice-President underscored the importance of "thinking out of the box and being innovative" to enhance the lives of disabled individuals. “Everyone must contribute in one way or another”, he urged.

The Vice-President also visited the Ability Museum 'Museum of Possibilities' at the Sarthak Global Resource Centre during his visit. Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Sarthak Educational Trust, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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