MUMBAI
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Ashish Shelar has responded to an impassioned speech by Justice (retd) D.Y. Chandrachud on the challenges faced by the disabled by announcing policy measures to promote inclusion and accessibility in the State.
The announcement came during the launch of ‘The Journal of Inclusion and Disability: Research, Neuro Rehabilitation, and Empowerment’ at the National and Asian Resource Centre for Inclusion, which is part of the ADAPT (Able Disable All People Together) organisation in Bandra, Mumbai, founded by disability rights pioneer Dr. Mithu Alur.
Justice Chandrachud spoke candidly about raising his two adopted daughters, Priyanka and Mahi, who live with nemaline myopathy, a rare neuromuscular disorder. Using his personal journey to illustrate systemic shortcomings, he described the difficulties in finding accessible schools, medical expertise, and barrier-free public spaces.
Structural changes
“Every public space reflects the same inaccessibility. Our lives had to be built around their needs. Accessibility for everyone must become the default for every space,” he said, calling for urgent structural changes to ensure dignity and equality.
Drawing from constitutional principles, Justice Chandrachud stressed that inclusion is a fundamental right, not charity: “The edifice of our Constitution rests on three pillars: liberty, equality, and fraternity, each inseparably linked with human dignity. These are not phrases frozen on parchment — they are the architecture of a living republic.”
He added, “The purest form of strength is the ability to care for another. Dignity is more than an abstract desire; it is a design problem that must be tackled now. Inclusion is not charity — it is a design choice that unlocks human potential.”
Inclusive digital literacy
Moved by the address, Ashish Shelar, Maharashtra’s Minister for Culture and Information Technology, announced the formation of a special committee to promote inclusive digital literacy across the state. He also committed to reviewing government recruitment policies to ensure equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
“I commit that as IT Minister, I will set up a special committee to make digital literacy inclusive in Maharashtra. We will also look into inclusive ways of filling government vacancies,” Mr. Shelar said.
He also posted on X, saying, “This remarkable initiative not only amplifies voices of resilience and empowerment but also strengthens the vision of a society that is truly inclusive, compassionate, and equitable.”
Awareness on disability
Talking about the journal, which took about three to four months to complete, Dr. Alur said that through this biannual 80-page publication, they aim to spread awareness and educate people about disability and inclusion in every aspect of life. “We still have a lot of work to do in terms of networking with universities, schools, and parents. We plan to make the journal available on e-commerce platforms and in bookstores, and we’ll collaborate with schools, colleges, and universities to ensure it reaches as many readers as possible. The journal focuses on the community and features only real stories. We are also considering using podcasts and video content on social media to take this initiative forward.”
Dr. Samiran Nundy, renowned surgeon and editor-in-chief of the journal, and Dr. Farokh Udwadia, pulmonologist and joint editor of the journal, were also present.
Published – August 25, 2025 06:07 am IST
