On World disability day, Varun Dhawan, Raveena Tandon, Hema Malini, Divya Dutta support NCPEDP’s ‘EQUAL’ campaign
To commemorate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, (3rd December) National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) launched its EQUAL campaign. Conceptualised by Reeta Gupta of The Network, EQUAL is a campaign that simplifies and builds further on past campaigns like ‘Nothing about us without us’ and ‘leave no one behind.’
Expressing the need for the initiative, Arman Ali, ED, NCPEDP said “EQUAL is a campaign that makes it impossible for people to ignore disability” The campaign began with an Instagram post by NCPEDP and then followed the nomination route, where a lot of celebrities and citizens joined in.
Varun Dhawan shared via his Instagram story “I pledge to spread awareness that a world of equal access must be a common goal. Hope to see our trains becoming more accessible for wheelchair users soon.”
“I pledge to work towards a more accessible society where persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities,” posted Divya Dutta on Instagram.
Raveena Tandon also shared on her Instagram, “Thanks @divyadutta25 for nominating me for the #EQUAL campaign by @ncpedp_india and @officialreetadgupta this #worlddisabilityday. I nominate @dreamgirlhemamalini to share her pledge”.
Hema Malini shared, “Every person with disability must have universal access, equal opportunity for education, social participation and employment; nothing less. I nominate @deepikapadukone to take up the #EQUAL challenge,” posted Hema Malini on Instagram.
Film producer Deepshikha Deshmukh also supported the cause, “I pledge to raise my children with a fundamental awareness of human rights and equal opportunity.”
“NCPEDP has always reiterated that persons with disabilities must have universal access, equal opportunity for education, social participation and employment; nothing less. It’s not about charity but equal rights,” said Reeta Gupta who is known for her campaigns in the social sector.
Other eminent figures who joined the campaign include Prof. B. Ravi, founder, BETIC, Arundhati Bhattacharya, former Chairman of the State Bank of India, designer Asif Merchant, and actor Jacky Bhagnani.