Counting the Uncounted: Census and Disability in India
Introduction A census is much more than a population count. It is the foundation for evidence-based governance, determining how governments allocate resources, plan infrastructure, design welfare programmes, and monitor progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India, 2011). Every number in the census represents a
For genuine disability inclusion, count the unseen and unreached
According to the most recent Census, which was carried out in 2011, there are over 2.68 crore persons with disabilities in India, which sums up to 2.21% of the total population. To further enhance their quality of life and enable them to participate equally in the country’s overall prosperity, the
The Invisible Millions: Disability and the Census Data
The 2011 census of India recorded that the number of persons with disabilities in India amounted to around 26.8 million people, which is about 2.21% of the total population . This is a substantial number, larger than the population of Australia. Yet disability rights advocates and researchers have long argued
Redefining Ability: The Human Revolution in Prosthetics and Orthotics
Prosthetics and orthotics have evolved far beyond functional aids, becoming instruments of empowerment that restore mobility, dignity, and independence. Modern innovations—ranging from thought-controlled limbs to neural feedback systems—enable extraordinary agility and participation in work, sports, and daily life. Yet the true revolution lies in their transformative impact on individuals, exemplified
The First Odia Nurse in North America: Her experience of Rehab Care
During one of my morning walks, my thoughts drifted toward the remarkable journey of the Odia community in America and how much we have evolved over the years. As I reflected on that journey, my mind traveled back to a defining chapter of my own life—the decision to enter the
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
