Inclusive India Bharat Yatra for the Disabled Community Completes One Month

Thiruvananthapuram: Gopinath Muthukad's Inclusive India Bharat Yatra, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of social inclusion for people with disabilities, has completed one month. Starting on October 6, the journey has covered twelve states and one union territory with awareness programs. Launched in Chennai on September 28, the journey had a pre-event in Lakshadweep on October 2 and officially set off from Kanyakumari on October 6. Programs were held in institutes under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and several Malayali associations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya. Each event received an enthusiastic welcome.

The thematic magic-based awareness program, Watch Your Watch, delves into society's responsibilities and duties towards the disability sector. Conducted in collaboration with the DEPwD under the central government's Social Justice Department, the campaign aims to reshape society's perspective on people with disabilities, ensure equal justice, and foster a progressive outlook towards the disabled community. The Different Art Centre in Kazhakkoottam, Thiruvananthapuram, is also showcased as a model in the campaign.

This is the first time a magic artist has undertaken a Bharat Yatra specifically for the disability sector. The journey has garnered support and appreciation from several notable figures, including the honor from Kalinga University and praise from Nagaland Governor La Ganesan. The performances of disabled artists from the Different Art Centre are also included in the selected states.

Following four Bharat Yatras over the past years to promote Gandhian messages against separatism and communalism, Gopinath Muthukad is leading this fifth Bharat Yatra—Inclusive India, dedicated to people with disabilities—after a gap of 14 years. The journey will culminate in Delhi on December 3, World Disability Day.