Caritas India’s unwavering commitment to disability inclusion and mainstreaming was on full display during the recent celebrations of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The organization orchestrated two significant events that showcased its dedication to amplifying the voices and leadership of persons with disabilities for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

In Nuh, Haryana, Caritas India’s Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) unit organized a powerful event on December 3, 2024, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority. The celebration, aligned with the global theme “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” brought together over 50 participants, including persons with disabilities, children with disabilities, parents, community leaders, and education volunteers. The event highlighted Caritas India’s CBR program’s impressive achievements, including the issuance of 14 UDID cards, securing 6 disability pensions, and distributing 3 aids and appliances, among other significant milestones.

Meanwhile, on November 30, 2024, Chetanalaya, in partnership with Caritas India, hosted “Ability Utsav,” a vibrant celebration that drew more than 600 persons with disabilities, including women and children. This grand event focused on promoting non-discrimination, equal opportunities, access to education, and appropriate healthcare services.

The celebration featured powerful testimonies from beneficiaries, showcasing the program’s impact on their lives through livelihood assistance and rehabilitation services. The event was graced by Archbishop Anil Couto, the Secretary General of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, who offered his blessings and encouraged persons with disabilities to actively participate in development programs, echoing Caritas India’s core belief that no one should be left behind. These events exemplify Caritas India’s holistic approach to disability mainstreaming and inclusion.

Adding to these impactful celebrations, Caritas India’s Gram Nirman Program extended the commemoration to the rural heartlands of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Events were organized across various intervention villages in these states, bringing together school children, teachers, and community members in a vibrant display of solidarity. The celebrations were marked by colorful rallies and slogans that emphasized promoting leadership of persons with disabilities in all areas of life, ensuring their inclusion in society, increasing their participation in decision-making processes, raising awareness about their rights, and celebrating their achievements. These events not only raised awareness but also fostered a sense of pride and recognition for the contributions of persons with disabilities within these communities.

These events exemplify Caritas India’s holistic approach to disability mainstreaming and inclusion. By combining awareness, empowerment, and practical support across urban centres like Delhi and Nuh as well as rural areas in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, Caritas India is making significant strides in creating a more inclusive society where persons with disabilities can lead, participate, and thrive.

As Caritas India continues its journey of service to humanity, these celebrations serve as powerful reminders of the impact of collective effort and the importance of recognizing and nurturing the abilities of all individuals, regardless of their disabilities. The organization’s commitment to treating individuals with disabilities with dignity and respect, while breaking down barriers that hinder their full participation in society, is truly commendable and sets an inspiring example for others to follow.