Govt Schemes Must Be Backed by Social Compassion for Differently-Abled: Dharmendra Pradhan

New Delhi– Government policies are essential to support persons with disabilities, but genuine social compassion is equally crucial to ensure true empowerment, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said here on Monday. Inaugurating the Manobal Centre of the Deepstambh Foundation at the New Maharashtra Sadan on Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Pradhan underlined that while the National Education Policy (NEP) includes significant provisions for inclusion and accessibility in education, equality will only be realised when differently-abled, orphaned, transgender, and underprivileged individuals are given “equal resources, respect, and opportunities.”

“Manobal is a symbol of social commitment and a remarkable example of nation-building. By 2047, the centenary of India’s Independence, an empowered and inclusive India is possible if society works with the same dedication,” Pradhan said.

The Manobal project provides free residential higher education and training to differently-abled, orphaned, transgender, and economically disadvantaged youth. Following its success in Jalgaon and Pune, the initiative has now been expanded to the national capital.
At the event, Pradhan cited data from the education sector—India has around 26.10 crore school-going children, of which 2.1 crore are differently-abled. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for popularising the term ‘Divyang’ to emphasise dignity and ability.

The ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Rajesh Aggarwal, newly nominated Rajya Sabha MP Adv. Ujjwal Nikam, BJP National Organisation Secretary V. Satish, former MP and ex-ICCR Director Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, former Foreign Secretary Dr. Dnyaneshwar Mulay, senior journalist Uday Nirgudkar, and Deepstambh Foundation’s Founder-Director Yajurvendra Mahajan.

Khadse called Deepstambh’s work “inspirational and worthy of emulation” and described the upliftment of the most vulnerable students as a shared responsibility of the government, administration, and citizens.
Aggarwal noted that significant progress has been made in integrating differently-abled persons into the mainstream over the last decade, but stressed that “policies alone cannot deliver welfare—it requires heartfelt societal sensitivity.” He urged the private sector to create more opportunities.
In his address, Mahajan outlined Deepstambh Foundation’s 25-year goal, ensuring quality education, advanced learning opportunities, and mainstream careers for differently-abled, orphaned, and transgender youth nationwide.“They do not need pity, they need friendship. Not mere assistance, but opportunities—education, a safe home, unconditional love, and societal acceptance,” he said.
Corporate supporters including NHPC, Donaldson Filtration, and Perfetti—all of whom have contributed to residential education and training—were honoured.
The event featured a patriotic performance by Mauli Adkur, who played Saare Jahan Se Achha on the harmonium. The programme was compered by differently-abled students Salman and Nishita, with Mubashir delivering the vote of thanks. Newly nominated Rajya Sabha MP Adv. Ujjwal Nikam was felicitated, and senior journalist Uday Nirgudkar addressed the gathering.
Differently-abled and marginalised students who excelled in competitive exams were felicitated, including:
Manu Garg (IAS) – Visually impaired; AIR 91 in UPSC. Computer Science graduate from Jaipur who used accessible study materials and special guidance.
Ravi Raj (IRS)
Ashwini Parkale (IPoS)
Shritej Patel (IRMS)
Sampada Wange
Pranit Gupta (IIM Udaipur) – Visually impaired mathematician; cracked CAT.
Tushar Chougule (Executive Engineer)
Mauli Adkur – Born without both hands; cleared municipal corporation exams in Solapur and Brihanmumbai; uses feet for writing and computer work.
Kavita Desale – Differently-abled in both hands and legs, short stature, hearing difficulties; cleared MPSC.
Rakesh Guha (Bank Officer) – Orphaned and visually impaired; from Assam.
Vishal Shelar – Gold medallist in cycling.
Veena Kashid – Transgender woman; cleared ITI Instructor and PSI exams despite severe discrimination.
Prateek Jindal (IDBI Bank).