Inclusion of Divyangjan Integral to India’s Development: President Murmu

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd Dec: President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2025 in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

In her address, the President said that persons with disabilities deserve complete equality and must be ensured full participation in the country’s developmental journey. “A society can be considered truly developed only when Divyangjan participate equally,” she said, noting that this year’s global theme — “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress” — reflects a progressive vision.

The President highlighted that India has steadily moved from a welfare-based approach to a rights-based and dignity-centric system for persons with disabilities. She said the inclusion of Divyangjan is now firmly embedded in India’s national development agenda. The adoption of the respectful term “Divyangjan” in 2015, she added, symbolises the nation’s commitment to honouring their abilities.

She noted that the government is strengthening the ecosystem for inclusion through national-level institutions focusing on sign language research, mental health rehabilitation, and sports training. Millions of citizens have also received Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards, enabling easier access to special facilities and benefits.

President Murmu said societal participation is essential to complement the government’s efforts. “It is the responsibility of every citizen to ensure dignity, self-reliance, and self-respect for Divyangjan. Each of us must pledge to make them partners in India’s social and national progress,” she said.