There are days that change you.
Days that remind you why you lead, why you dream, and why you fight for a more inclusive world.
December 2nd, 2025, was one such day for me.
I was invited as the Special Guest for the Awareness Rally organized by the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (Divyangjan), as part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). What I witnessed in Kolkata that morning wasn’t just a rally — it was a revolution of courage, unity, and hope.
The Streets Were Filled With Spirit — Not Just People
At 10 AM, RSM Square near Hind Cinema transformed into something magical.
Wheelchairs rolled forward with pride.
Prosthetic limbs marched with strength.
Volunteers cheered with unstoppable energy.
Students carried banners high with dreams bigger than the sky.
More than 500 participants—from children to senior citizens, from medical professionals to disability-rights champions—walked together for one message:
“A society becomes strong only when it becomes inclusive.”
I felt that line come alive in front of my eyes.
A Moment That Will Stay With Me Forever
As the rally moved through Wellington, S.N. Banerjee Road, Dorina Crossing, and finally the Y-Channel, thousands looked on. Some clapped. Some joined. Many simply watched in awe.
The media captured it too —
The Statesman, Sanmarg, Dainik Vishwamitra and more covered the event with pride. Seeing HRD India’s name mentioned alongside so many legendary contributors made me feel honored, but also deeply responsible.
Because this is not a one-day conversation.
It is a mission.
What I Said at the Event — From My Heart
When I addressed the gathering, I shared a belief that guides everything we do at HRD India:
“Disability is not a challenge of the body — it is a challenge to society’s mindset. And together, we can change that.”
The cheers that followed were not just loud — they were reassuring.
People believe in inclusion.
People want change.
We simply need to make room for them to participate.
Why IDPD 2025 Felt Different This Year
The theme —
“Promoting Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”
— has never felt more urgent or more empowering.
This year, Kolkata did more than host a rally.
It hosted:
✔ Inspirational speeches
✔ Cultural performances
✔ Sports events
✔ Art, painting & slogan competitions
✔ Dialogues between students and achievers
✔ Awards for outstanding contributions
Across 2 & 3 December, the city felt like a living classroom of empathy and empowerment.
My Key Takeaway: Inclusion Is Not a Policy — It’s a Culture
Policies can be written by governments.
Infrastructure can be built by institutions.
But mindsets?
They’re built only when people come together.
What I saw during the rally restored my faith that India is ready for a more inclusive future.
And HRD India stands committed to:
🔹 Creating inclusive HR policies
🔹 Supporting employment for persons with disabilities
🔹 Collaborating with national institutes like NILD
🔹 Driving awareness across industries
🔹 Promoting accessible workplaces across India
We are not just shaping careers.
We are shaping a society where everyone belongs.
A Personal Note of Gratitude
To Dr. Lalit Narayan, Director NILD,
the tireless staff,
the incredible participants,
and every Divyang achiever who filled the day with strength —
Thank you for inspiring me.
Thank you for reminding the world that ability is limitless when society is supportive.
Closing Thought: The Future Is Inclusive… If We Choose to Build It
As I walked alongside hundreds of determined individuals, one thought echoed in my mind:
“Inclusion is the only way a society truly progresses.”
So let IDPD 2025 not be an annual reminder —
let it be a starting point for daily action.
Together, let’s continue walking, talking, advocating, and transforming.
Because the journey toward inclusion doesn’t end at a rally.
It begins there.
By Dr. Siddhartha Pandey
CEO, HRD India
#IDPD2025 #InclusionMatters #EmpowermentForAll #DisabilityAwareness #KolkataEvents
#HumanRights #HRDIndia #LeadershipInAction #SocialImpactLeadership #CEOInsights #CommunityLeadership
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