Honoring Inclusivity: NCPEDP Celebrates 25 Years of the Helen Keller Awards
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 2 (NationPress) The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) celebrated a milestone of 25 years for the Helen Keller Awards on Monday, acknowledging 17 individuals and organizations for their vital roles in promoting the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in the workforce.
Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary in the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, praised the collaborative efforts that have propelled the disability inclusion movement.
“With a significant segment of India’s population being disabled, the integration of individuals with disabilities into workplaces should be a mandate, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to lead a dignified life and contribute to the nation’s growth,” he stated.
Recognized as one of the most esteemed awards in the disability sector, the Helen Keller Awards continue to motivate leaders and reshape the employment landscape, fostering financial independence for PwDs.
Reflecting on the legacy of the awards, Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, expressed hope and appreciation, stating, “This celebration honors those who have tirelessly worked to empower persons with disabilities.”
“Over the last 25 years, we have observed a dramatic shift in infrastructure and mindsets, evolving from viewing persons with disabilities as beneficiaries to acknowledging them as equal contributors. Looking ahead, we anticipate transformative advancements in technology, AI, and partnerships with the private sector that will further enhance accessibility,” Ali added.
This year, 17 individuals and organizations from across India were honored for their exceptional contributions.
The award for Role Model Persons with Disabilities was bestowed upon Basant Sahu from Chhattisgarh; Nishtha Thaker from Gujarat; Resham Talwar from Delhi; and Dilip Kumar Dahyalal of Gujarat.
The award for Role Model Supporters of Increased Employment for Persons with Disabilities was awarded to Ashish Verma of Hyderabad; Ameesha Prabhu from Mumbai; and Ajay Govind of Dehradun.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Thilakam Rajendran for her unwavering commitment to disability inclusion.
Established in 1999, the NCPEDP-Helen Keller Awards were launched at a time when employment prospects for PwDs were seldom addressed.
