Kerala CM Inaugurates IIPD in Kasaragod

Kanhangad: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the launch of the International Institute for People with Disabilities (IIPD) project in Kasaragod is a significant recognition of the government's exemplary efforts in the disability sector. He made this remark while inaugurating the construction of the IIPD, a pioneering initiative led by the Thiruvananthapuram-based Different Art Centre, aimed at the comprehensive development of people with disabilities.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the government is taking extensive measures to support the differently abled community. Suggestions made by Gopinath Muthukad, who has traveled across India studying the disability sector, will be considered for further policy actions. Efforts are underway to make tourist destinations, public buildings, transportation facilities, and other public spaces more accessible for people with disabilities. The state budget has allocated substantial funds for initiatives in this sector.

The event, held at Palladium Auditorium in Kanhangad, featured the launch of the IIPD website by renowned singer K.S. Chithra. Other notable attendees included NRDC Patron and Palladium Auditorium owner Manikandan Melath, BPCL representative Jayadeep, Canara Bank representative Sreekanth M.K., Director General of the Central Petroleum Ministry P. Manoj Kumar, and Project Shelter founder Fr. George Kannanthaanam.

Several political leaders, including MPs P.V. Abdul Wahab and Rajmohan Unnithan, MLAs M. Rajagopalan and C.H. Kunhambu, District Panchayat President Baby Balakrishnan, Kanhangad Municipal Chairperson Sujatha K., and District Collector Imbashekhar IAS, were also present. Others who graced the occasion included Swami Krishnananda Bharati of Pothamkandam Ashram, SP D. Shilpa, DYSP Balakrishnan Nair, film actor Raghavan, Different Art Centre Executive Director Gopinath Muthukad, and directors Mohanan, Adv. Hariraj M.R., Jayadali, Prahlad Acharya, Shyla Thomas, Mahesh Gupthan, Jagadeeshan, and Thomas.

The IIPD campus, spanning 20 acres in Madikai, Kanhangad, is modeled after the Different Art Centre in Thiruvananthapuram but with enhanced facilities. The institute will provide world-class training in arts and sports, state-of-the-art therapy services, personalized assistive device units, vocational training centers, medical facilities, and various training centers. This is the first initiative in India that integrates such diverse services for people with disabilities under one roof.

The project, which is estimated to cost ₹100 crore, is expected to complete its first phase of construction by 2026, with full-fledged operations commencing by 2029. Once completed, IIPD will become the largest institution for persons with disabilities in India. The campus is designed to train 500 differently-abled individuals annually across multiple disciplines, with services open to people with disabilities from across the globe. The initiative also aims to support numerous children affected by endosulfan poisoning in the state.