Bharat Yatra Culminates on International Day of Persons with Disabilities – A Vibrant Finale for an Inclusive India

Delhi: The two-month-long Inclusive India Bharat Yatra, led by renowned magician Gopinath Muthukad to raise awareness about social inclusion for persons with disabilities, concluded with a colorful ceremony on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The closing event, held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Convention Centre in Delhi, was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Social Empowerment Ramdas Athawale. Muthukad handed the Bharat Yatra flag to the minister, marking the journey’s successful conclusion. UN Resident Coordinator (India) Shombi Sharp honored Muthukad by presenting him with a badge of recognition.

Reflecting on the journey, Gopinath Muthukad expressed immense satisfaction in completing his fifth Bharat Yatra, overcoming numerous challenges. He highlighted the opportunity to visit various institutions related to the disability sector and interact with experts, strengthening his resolve to contribute further to this cause. He also noted that the insights gained during the journey would be implemented at the Different Art Centre in Thiruvananthapuram to enhance its programs.

The event was attended by prominent personalities, including retired Justice Kurian Joseph and Members of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, E.T. Mohammed Basheer, Rajmohan Unnithan, V. Sivadasan, Benny Behanan, N.K. Premachandran, M.K. Raghavan, Abdul Samad Samadani, Kodikunnil Suresh, John Brittas, A.A. Rahim, P.V. Abdul Wahab, Jose K. Mani, Harris Beeran, Jebi Mather Hisham, Santosh Kumar, P.P. Sunir, and Rajesh Agarwal, Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).

The event also featured captivating performances by differently-abled artists from the Different Art Centre. The Bharat Yatra covered over 50 venues across the southern, northern, eastern, and western states of India, spreading the message of inclusivity and empowerment. This remarkable achievement marks the first time an illusionist has completed five Bharat Yatras. The journey included events at DEPwD-affiliated institutions, army centers, IITs, universities, and state government health departments across the country. Organized with the support of the Department of Social Justice under the central government, the Yatra served as a powerful platform to advocate for inclusion and awareness in the disability sector.