New Delhi: On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2025 at a ceremony held in New Delhi. The event recognized individuals, institutions, and organizations that have made exceptional contributions to advancing the rights, empowerment, and inclusion of persons with disabilities across India.
“Inclusion of Divyangjan Is Integral to National Development”
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu emphasized that persons with disabilities—referred to as Divyangjan—deserve full equality, dignity, and opportunity. She noted that ensuring their equal participation in every sphere of national life is not an act of charity but a collective responsibility of the government, society, and citizens.
“A society becomes truly developed only when Divyangjan participate equally in its progress,” she said, highlighting the global theme for the day: “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress.” She added that the theme reflects a forward-looking vision of building societies grounded in inclusivity and equal rights.
India’s Shift Toward a Rights-Based Framework for Disability Inclusion
President Murmu expressed satisfaction that India is increasingly adopting a rights-based, dignity-centered approach toward disability, moving beyond traditional welfare-oriented thinking. She recalled that the decision to adopt the term “Divyangjan” in 2015 was aimed at expressing greater respect and recognition.
She noted that the government has strengthened the institutional framework supporting the empowerment of Divyangjan, establishing national-level centers dedicated to areas such as:
- Sign language research and training
- Mental health rehabilitation
- Sports training and inclusive sports facilities
The President also highlighted that millions of Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards have been issued nationwide, enabling people with disabilities to access benefits, schemes, and support systems seamlessly.
A Call for Collective Social Responsibility
While acknowledging the government’s efforts, President Murmu stressed the need for society to remain proactive in safeguarding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. She urged citizens to commit themselves to fostering an environment where Divyangjan can lead lives of self-reliance, self-respect, and equal opportunity.
“It is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure that Divyangjan become equal partners in our efforts for social and national progress,” she said, calling for a collective pledge toward social inclusion.
Celebrating Excellence and Inspiring Change
The award ceremony honored outstanding achievers across multiple categories, including employment, innovation, education, social service, and accessibility. The President praised their contributions as inspirational examples of determination and leadership.
She noted that empowering Divyangjan is a cornerstone of India’s development vision and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing accessibility, equality, and social integration across the country.
