President Murmu presents 2025 national awards for empowerment of PwDs

New Delhi, Dec 3: President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday presented the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in New Delhi, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

In her address, the President said persons with disabilities, or Divyangjan, deserve full equality and meaningful participation in the country’s development.

Their inclusion, she stressed, is a collective responsibility and “not an act of charity”.

A society can be truly considered developed only when Divyangjan participate on equal terms, she added.

Referring to this year’s theme - “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress” - the President said it reflects a forward-looking approach toward building inclusive communities.

President Murmu noted that India is shifting from a welfare-based mindset to a rights-based, dignity-focused framework for persons with disabilities.

The use of the term “Divyangjan”, adopted in 2015, was intended to convey special respect, she said, calling their inclusion an essential part of India’s development journey.

She highlighted government efforts to strengthen the ecosystem for disability inclusion, including national-level institutions dedicated to sign-language research, mental-health rehabilitation and sports training.

Millions of Divyangjan have also received Unique Disability ID cards, enabling access to specialised services and benefits.

Emphasising that societal support is as important as government initiatives, the President urged citizens to take responsibility for ensuring dignity, self-reliance and respect for Divyangjan.

Every individual, she said, should pledge to make them equal partners in social and national progress.