Differently-abled need to be made part of 'sabka saath, sabka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the slogan of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas' will not reach fruition until all sections of the society, including the differently-abled, are made part of it.
The Prime Minister also pitched for replacing the term 'viklang' (disabled) used for the differently-abled with 'divyang' (divine body) and said it will help change the attitude towards that section of the society.
The Prime Minister could not attend an event here to launch Accessible India campaign and present national awards for empowerment of persons with disablity, but his his message was read out in absentia by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

The Prime Minister left for Chennai this afternoon to personally take stock of the situation in the aftermath of the unprecedented floods and had asked Jaitley to represent him at the programme.
In his message, Modi said the slogan of 'collective efforts, inclusive growth' (sabka saath, sabka vikas) will not be complete in true sense if all sections of the society were not included.
He said the people with disabilities are an "inspiration" to all due to their grit and determination in overcoming the odds.

Accessible India campaign (Sugamya Bharat abhiyan), launched today to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, is aimed at making transport, government buildings, tourist spots, airports, railway stations and internet technology friendly for differently-abled people.

The campaign is to be spearheaded by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
After launching the campaign and giving away the awards, Jaitley said when a backache or a toothache bogs down a person, it is difficult to imagine how people with certain limitations, who are part of the same society, lead a normal life and make a place for themselves by sheer courage.
The Finance Minister said efforts should be made on a
mission mode basis for effective implementation of the Accessible India Campaign.
Jaitley said as a minister he felt enlightened after participating in such events inputs from where helped politicians and ministers frame policies.

He also launched a web portal and a mobile application to help the common man pinpoint areas and places which are not friendly for such people.
According to the ministry, "with the successful launch of the Accessible India Campaign, India will join the rest of the world as an inclusive society with universal accessibility, caring for its citizens, accessibility rights and independent living.
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Later, in a series of tweets, Prime Minister Modi said though he was unable to attend the launch of 'Accessible India', the focus must remain on accessibility and opportunity for persons with disabilities.
"I appreciate people and organisations working on this. There is lots to learn from courage and spirit of persons with disabilities. I salute them on 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities'", he said.