People of Value

New Delhi: Towards a barrier free environment

New Delhi: Towards a barrier free environment
With the much talked about Commonwealth Games all set to unfold in the Capital in 2010, the need to show sensitivity towards people with reduced mobility has become all the more important. In addition, it has become important to make the world watch with admiration what our country has done in terms of making life comfortable for those with reduced mobility.

It is in this light that the corporate socio-responsibility initiative ‘Svayam’  set its eyes firmly on the Hutch Delhi Half Marathon 2006 where it was to lend support to a team of 12 wheelchair participants, who would display a moving spirit that keeps them going despite insurmountable obstacles.

All this has been made possible with the single-minded dedication of Sminu Jindal, who has given an impetus to the contentious issue and also highlighted the tribulations of the reduced mobility at various platforms so that the Government, the public and corporate bigwigs can be sensitized to the problems of the disabled.

“Through ‘Svayam’ we want to give accessibility to wheelchair users and also elderly folks, pregnant women and people suffering from other disabilities so that they can avail all categories of transportation like buses and even aeroplanes, which can be made more disabled-friendly. There are small hitches that the staff can be sensitized about regarding how to deal with physically challenged persons. We also want to have public opinion and sensitize the Government so that those with reduced mobility can live life easily without the daily hassles. This is our birthright, we don’t have to beg the Government,” says Ms. Jindal.

Source: A plea for sensitivity towards the physically disabled, The Hindu, New Delhi, 13 Oct 2006.