International Day of Persons with Disabilities observed in Jharkhand under Caritas India’s Journey of Hope

Inclusion moved from promise to practice on 12 December 2025 as Caritas India, through its Chetana Campaign under the Journey of Hope, observed International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Jharkhand, placing persons with disabilities at the centre of reflection, participation, and public dialogue. Organised in collaboration with the Jharkhand Regional Forum, the initiative reinforced a simple conviction. Development has meaning only when everyone belongs.

The observance brought together persons with disabilities, children from special schools, faith leaders, and representatives from public institutions, creating a shared space for dignity and social inclusion. The programme opened with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by dignitaries and representatives from persons with disabilities groups, symbolising solidarity, shared responsibility, and collective commitment towards an inclusive society.

Welcoming the gathering, Fr. Bipin Pani, Director of Social Initiatives for Growth and Networking, the Jharkhand Regional Forum, expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed Caritas India’s resolve to mainstream persons with disabilities through community rooted initiatives. He acknowledged the presence of persons with disabilities not as beneficiaries, but as equal stakeholders in the development process.

The reflection by His Grace Archbishop Vincent Aind, Archbishop of Ranchi, set a strong ethical and spiritual foundation for the observance. He reminded the gathering that every human being is created in the image of God, and therefore dignity, compassion, and respect are non negotiable. His message resonated deeply, calling for inclusion that is lived in attitudes, systems, and everyday practice.

Perspectives from public institutions added strength to the dialogue. Shri Surya Mani Prasad, Director of the Composite Regional Centre, Ranchi, appreciated Caritas India for creating a meaningful platform that bridges community action with institutional support. He reiterated the government’s commitment to work alongside civil society in mainstreaming persons with disabilities. Shri Yogesh Parkhi, Director of the National Career Service Centre for Differently Abled, shared real life experiences that highlighted resilience and opportunity, illustrating how access and encouragement enable persons with disabilities to overcome structural barriers.

Fr. Jesudass R., Executive Director of Caritas India, reaffirmed the organisation’s long-standing mission to stand with the most vulnerable. His reflections underlined Caritas India’s approach of working with persons with disabilities to ensure participation, agency, and dignity across programmes.

The heart of the observance lay in the presence and participation of children and persons with disabilities themselves. Children from Koshish Special School, St. John Mary Vianney School, Cheshire Home, and Srijan Help, along with persons with disabilities from rural communities, participated with confidence and enthusiasm, transforming the gathering into a powerful expression of hope and possibility.

More than a symbolic observance, the programme echoed an urgent call for accessible systems, early identification of disabilities, community-based care, and sustained efforts. As Caritas India continues its Journey of Hope, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities observance in Jharkhand stood as a clear affirmation that inclusion is not an event, but a commitment—one that invites partnerships, shared action, and collective responsibility.