16 disability rights advocates honoured for fostering inclusive workforce

16 individuals felicitated for fostering diversity & inclusivity for PwDs. Arman Ali: "We have miles to go to integrate disability into mainstream world." Rajalakshmi S.J., Ummer Farook, Vaibhav Bhandari recognised for their contributions. Rajalakshmi: accomplished a lot across many spheres. Farook: unified PwDs, established awareness programmes & daycare centres. Bhandari: advocates for policy reforms & wheelchair accessibility. All agree more awareness needed to provide safe spaces for PwDs. #NCPEDP #LTIMindtree #HelenKellerAwards

As many as 16 persons were felicitated here on Saturday for their contributions to fostering diversity and inclusivity for integration of disabled individuals into the mainstream workforce.

The 24th edition of the NCPEDP-LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards was organised to honour those who have promoted equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PwDs)..

Arman Ali, executive director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), said, “The Helen Keller awards celebrate indomitable will, passion, and resilience. The outcomes of our persistent efforts are gratifying. Yet, we know we have miles to go completely integrate disability into the mainstream world.”

The people who were awarded for their contributions included Rajalakshmi S.J. At 21, she suffered a serious spinal cord injury after a road accident, forcing her to be bound to a wheelchair.

However, that did not stop her from studying dentistry and winning pageants like Miss India Wheelchair 2014 and Miss World Wheelchair 2017, and advocating for the rights of the disabled across field such as psychology, fashion, and vedic yoga.

An associate professor at Government Dental College and Research Institute, chairperson of SH Foundation Trust, and a gold medallist dentist — Dr. Rajalakshmi has accomplished a lot across many spheres of life.

Another awardee was Ummer Farook, founder and chairman of the Lakshadweep Differently Abled Welfare Association (LDWA), who has played a vital role in shaping policies for the differently abled.