Political Inclusion and Disability in the Context of our State and Country
Introduction India’s democratic ethos rests on the principle of equality. Every citizen, regardless of caste, gender, religion, or ability, is entitled to participate in the political process. Yet, when it comes to persons with disabilities (PwDs), the promise of inclusion often collapses under the weight of tokenism, bureaucratic apathy, and
The Invisible Voter: Why Disability Is Never an Election Issue in India
Every five years, India holds the world’s largest democratic exercise. Hundreds of millions vote. Parties spend thousands of crores. Promises fill the air like monsoon clouds. And yet, for 26 million disabled Indians election season arrives and leaves like a bus that never stops at their corner. They vote. Nobody
From Voters to Leaders: Why India Needs Divyang Representation in Politics
Introduction India proudly calls itself the world’s largest democracy. Elections are celebrated as festivals of participation, with political parties mobilising millions across villages, towns, and cities. Yet one of India’s largest marginalized communities, persons with disabilities or Divyangs, continues to remain largely invisible in political leadership. Discussions around disability and
Plan According to Your Real Abilities…
Her UPSC journey itself is a compelling story of discrimination, dedication, and excellence. Even after almost a decade, her remarkable trajectory continues to inspire countless UPSC aspirants and young people, proving that physical limitations cannot hinder determination and success. Yes, she is none other than Ira Singhal, a living symbol
Rethinking AI Through Disability in India: Promise, Bias and the Politics of Technology
Artificial intelligence is often introduced through the language of possibility. It promises smarter systems, faster decisions, and more efficient societies. In discussions about disability, these promises take on a particularly hopeful tone. AI is frequently presented as a technological breakthrough that will finally remove barriers for disabled people through automated
Angelman Syndrome: Occupational Therapy-centred Intervention for Functional Independence
Angelman Syndrome is a rare neurogenetic disorder that affects neurological development, movement, communication, behaviour, and daily functioning. It occurs due to dysfunction of the UBEЗA gene located on Chromosome 15, which plays a crucial role in brain development and neural communication. Children with Angelman Syndrome typically present with developmental delays,
The Dual-Edged Sword: Navigating the AI Revolution in Assistive Technology
As we navigate the middle of 2026, the promise of Artificial Intelligence has shifted from the realm of speculative fiction to the very fabric of our daily lives. For the global community of persons with disabilities, a demographic totalling over 1.3 billion people, AI is not merely a digital convenience;
Intellectual Disability and Artificial Intelligence: A Changing Landscape of Care
In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has begun to influence almost every field of human activity—from finance and transportation to education and healthcare. Mental health and developmental disabilities are no exception. Among these, intellectual disability presents a particularly important area where technological advances may significantly improve assessment, care, and quality
Artificial Intelligence and the Education of Persons with Disabilities
Introduction Education has always been the cornerstone of empowerment for persons with disabilities. Yet historically, education systems across the world, including in India, have struggled to accommodate diverse learning needs. Barriers such as inaccessible learning materials, lack of trained teachers, rigid assessment systems, and societal attitudes have often prevented children
