Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma


New Delhi: Disability has long been viewed through the lens of charity and sympathy. But a transformative shift is underway. Launched in the national capital, Project Anusandhan is redefining the discourse by positioning disability not as a weakness, but as a test of society’s inclusivity and policy intent. The initiative sends a powerful message: unless research and policymaking are rooted in lived realities, inclusion will remain a mere slogan.


At its core, Project Anusandhan seeks to transform disability research into a catalyst for social change. Experts at the event emphasized that millions of persons with disabilities across India continue to struggle with access to education, employment, and basic public infrastructure. The absence of ramps in schools and universities, lack of sensitivity at workplaces, and inaccessible public transport systems often undermine their confidence and independence.


Unlike conventional academic studies, this initiative aims to move beyond statistics — bringing real-life experiences to the forefront of policymaking.


Key Highlights of the Initiative
Action-Driven Research: Bridging the gap between academic studies and real-world challenges.
Voices at the Center: Integrating lived experiences of the disability community into policy frameworks.
Equal Opportunities: Advocating accessible campuses and inclusive workplaces.
Multidimensional Perspective: Examining disability in the context of technology, gender, caste, culture, and social structures.


From Pain to Policy Reform
Emotional testimonies during the program left a deep impact on attendees. One participant recounted the daily struggle of accessing a college library while using a wheelchair. Another speaker stressed that the greater barrier is not physical limitation, but societal mindset — one that prematurely labels persons with disabilities as “incapable.”

Experts argued that disability must not be confined to a medical diagnosis; rather, it should be recognized as a structural and social challenge. When research meaningfully connects these lived narratives with policy design, the pace of reform can accelerate significantly.

The Road Ahead: Measurable Impact
Project Anusandhan envisions building an ecosystem where research leads to tangible and measurable outcomes, including:
Accessible infrastructure across campuses
Inclusive workplace policies
Technological innovation promoting independence and self-reliance
Speakers described the initiative not merely as an academic project, but as the beginning of a broader movement — one where the disability community is not just a beneficiary, but an active partner in shaping policy and driving change.


At a time when equality and rights dominate public discourse, initiatives like Project Anusandhan reaffirm a simple truth: true progress is achieved only when every individual is afforded equal opportunity.


This shift — from charity to rights-based inclusion — may well lay the foundation for a more just and equitable society in the years to come.