World Disability Day: Inclusive leadership for Viksit Bharat, empowering persons with disabilities in politics

This year’s theme for World Disability Day compels us to prioritize the voices of persons with disabilities in shaping an equitable world. In India, where elections and political engagement are integral to the nation’s identity, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in political leadership is not only a question of representation but a necessity for progress.

New Delhi: This year, the theme for World Disability Day, Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future, compels us to acknowledge and prioritize the voices of persons with disabilities in shaping a just and equitable world. In a vibrant democracy like India, where elections and political engagement are integral to the nation’s identity, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in political leadership is not merely a question of representation but a necessity for sustainable progress.

An opportunity for transformation:

Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue As the nation prepares for assembly elections in Delhi and Bihar in 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue – scheduled for January 11-12, 2025 – presents a unique opportunity to recalibrate the narrative of leadership. This initiative, designed to connect youth from non-political backgrounds to India’s political ecosystem, must go beyond conventional boundaries to actively include youth with disabilities. This inclusion would not only enrich the dialogue but also empower a segment of the population brimming with potential and resilience.

The stark gap in representation

India, with over 1.3 billion people, is home to approximately 4-8% of the population living with disabilities, including a significant proportion of youth. Yet, their representation in politics remains negligible. This exclusion is not just a matter of accessibility but a stark gap in equity. The contributions of leaders like Jaipal Reddy, who despite being afflicted with polio served as a Union Minister, and Sadhan Gupta, India’s first blind parliamentarian, underscore the immense value persons with disabilities bring to governance.

On the global stage, the example of Gregory Wayne Abbott, the Governor of Texas since 2015, whose career continues despite being paralyzed, further challenges the stereotypes surrounding disability in politics. Abbott’s success in leading the state shows that people with disabilities bring unique, important perspectives to governance. India, with its dynamic political landscape, should not miss the opportunity to integrate such leadership into its political fabric. 

Systemic changes for inclusive leadership

The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue holds the potential to challenge existing norms by fostering an environment where persons with disabilities can step into leadership roles. However, to realize this vision, systemic changes are essential. Reserved seats for persons with disabilities in legislative bodies, leadership development programs tailored to their needs, and accessible platforms for political engagement must be prioritized. Such initiatives will ensure that their voices are not just heard but actively shape policies on healthcare, education, employment, and disability rights.

Further, to ensure accessible campaigning and platforms, political campaigns must be inclusive in both physical and digital spaces. This involves creating accessible venues for person with disabilities at rallies, ensuring online platforms are equipped with accessibility features, and providing campaign materials in accessible formats such as Braille, audio, and sign language.

Inclusion: A catalyst for innovation and progress

Inclusion is not just a moral imperative; it is a catalyst for innovation and progress. The unique perspectives, problem-solving abilities, and resilience that persons with disabilities bring to leadership roles can drive the kind of transformational change needed to build a truly Viksit Bharat. A call to action As we mark World Disability Day, it is time to turn conversations into actions. The call to amplify the leadership of persons with disabilities is a call to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. Initiatives like the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue must seize this moment to ensure that the journey toward a developed India includes every citizen, regardless of their abilities. Only then will our democracy reflect the true spirit of equality, diversity, and inclusivity – a foundation on which a truly sustainable future can be built.