Pune, Aug 12 ( UNI) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today emphasised that government policies for differently-abled individuals must be complemented by genuine social compassion for their true empowerment.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Manobal Centre of the Deepstambh Foundation at New Maharashtra Sadan, Pradhan highlighted the importance of both policies and societal attitudes.
He noted that while the National Education Policy (NEP) includes provisions for inclusion and accessibility, real equality will be achieved only when differently-abled, orphaned, transgender, and underprivileged individuals receive equal resources, respect, and opportunities.
Pradhan described the Manobal project as a “symbol of social commitment and a remarkable example of nation-building.”
He stated that an empowered and inclusive India by 2047 is achievable if society works with similar dedication.
The project offers free residential higher education and training to differently-abled, orphaned, transgender, and economically disadvantaged youth. After successful launches in Jalgaon and Pune, the initiative has now been extended to New Delhi.
Citing education sector data, Pradhan mentioned that of India’s approximately 26.1 crore school-going children, 2.1 crore are differently-abled. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for popularising the term ‘Divyang’ to foster dignity and respect for these individuals.
The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Rajesh Aggarwal, newly nominated Rajya Sabha MP Adv. Ujjwal Nikam, BJP National Organisation Secretary V. Satish, former MP and ex-ICCR Director Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, former Foreign Secretary Dr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, senior journalist Uday Nirgudkar, and Deepstambh Foundation’s Founder-Director Yajurvendra Mahajan. UNI SP AKT SSP
