programs
Paralympic Success Rally - Vijayotsava Sabha
The historic “Paralympic Victory Rally and Massive Public Meeting” stood as a powerful testament to the self-confidence and indomitable talent of persons with disabilities. Organized by the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD INDIA), this magnificent event took place on September 18, 2016, in the heart of Hyderabad. It was a grand tribute to the para-athletes who brought international glory to India by raising the national flag high at the Rio Paralympics. Under the visionary leadership of Thudum Rajender, National President of NPRD INDIA, the program was conducted with immense grandeur, filling the entire disability community with pride.
This monumental journey commenced with an emotionally charged public meeting at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road. In a stirring display of unity, hundreds of persons with disabilities, proudly carrying the National Flag, marched in a victory rally from People’s Plaza to the Sundarayya Vignana Kendram in Bagh Lingampally, inspiring every citizen along the way. The Chief Guest, India’s Chief National Badminton Coach Pullela Gopichand, officially flagged off the rally. He lauded the extraordinary feats of Paralympic medalists Mariyappan Thangavelu, Devendra Jhajharia, Deepa Malik, and Varun Singh Bhati. From the dais, he delivered a profound message: “Physical disability is a constraint only for the body, not for the soul that aspires to fly high.”
The event saw strong solidarity from Paralympic Association leaders Naresh Yadav and B. Anjaneyulu. They were joined by prominent figures including Patan P.Umar Khan, Chairman, Helen Keller Educational Institutions), Koteswara Rao (Former Chairman, Vikalangula Corporation), and NPDO Presidents Srinivasulu and Anjan Reddy. Alongside them, NPRD INDIA National Vice-Presidents Gajje Paidy Kumar and State President Dainampalli Mallikarjun, along with several other leaders of disability organizations, paid a respectful tribute to the prowess of the athletes. The sight of hundreds of disabled youth on three-wheeled motorcycles, roaring through the streets with the tricolor in hand, vividly demonstrated their immense strength and potential to society.
During the convention, the leadership placed a demand before the government. They called for the immediate formulation of a “Special Sports Policy” designed specifically to identify, nurture, and elevate the skills of para-athletes to a global standard. They asserted that beyond mere felicitations, the government must ensure permanent equal opportunities, social dignity, and special incentives for persons with disabilities in the fields of education, employment, and sports. This historic assembly at People’s Plaza remains an unforgettable milestone in the ongoing struggle for the empowerment, self-respect, and fundamental rights of the disability community
Divyangulu are the True Superstars" – Director Anil Ravipudi at the NPRD INDIA Awareness Walk
The ‘Disabled Awareness Walk’ held on December 2, 2017, at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road, Hyderabad, organized by the NPRD INDIA (National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled) Telangana State Committee, stood as a landmark in the struggle for the rights of the specially-abled. On the occasion of World Disability Day, thousands of specially-abled individuals from across the state participated in this massive rally to showcase their unity.
The Chief Guest of the event, renowned film director Anil Ravipudi, spoke emotionally, praising the courage of the specially-abled. He highlighted, “Real Superstars are not just on the silver screen; they are among you here. Specially-abled individuals who move forward by overcoming obstacles are the true ‘Real Heroes.’ You are second to none, and your self-confidence is an inspiration to all of us.” He clarified that society does not need to look at the specially-abled with pity; providing them with equal opportunities and respect is more important than sympathy. He explained that his intention behind creating a character with hearing impairment in Pataas and a blind hero in Raja The Great was to prove their limitless power and that disability is not an obstacle to success.
Inaugurating the program, former Speaker of the Telangana Legislative Assembly, Sirikonda Madhusudhana Chary, stated that despite physical limitations, the specially-abled are intellectually superior. He aspired for comprehensive development to be possible only when the specially-abled are seen as an integral part of society and made partners in progress, with Telangana state specifically emerging as a leader in their welfare.
This massive awareness march was conducted under the effective leadership of NPRD INDIA National President Thudum Rajender and State President Dainampalli Mallikarjun. Through this platform, they demanded that the government respond positively to the issues of the specially-abled and implement their legal rights. The program saw participation from Saraswathi Upasaka Daivagna Sharma, Senior Scientist Dr. Tandan Babu Nayak, Women’s Wing President Kanakatara, Helen Keller Educational Institutions Chairman Patan Umar Khan, Dr. B. Vijay Bhaskar, Shakina Foundation Chairman CH Ishaker, , Ashray Akruthi Director DPK Babu, National Vice President Gajje Paidi Kumar, State General Secretary Besttha Yadagiri, and representatives of many voluntary organizations. This rally not only displayed the self-respect of the specially-abled but also succeeded in bringing a new perspective to society.
Civils All India Topper Ira Singhal Honored: Grand Felicitation Ceremony Held in Hyderabad
On July 21, 2015, a grand felicitation ceremony was held at the Sundarayya Vignana Kendram in Hyderabad to honor Ira Singhal, who made history by securing the All India 1st Rank in the 2014 Civil Services examination. The massive public meeting was organized under the auspices of NPRD INDIA (National Platform for the¬¬ Rights of the Disabled) to celebrate her achievement, which proved that disability is only physical and no barrier to extraordinary talent. Distinguished guests, including Metro Rail MD Shri N.V.S. Reddy and prominent academician Professor Kodandaram, attended the event and lauded Ira Singhal’s remarkable feat. During the session, Shri N.V.S. Reddy remarked that Ira’s success in topping the nation’s toughest exam is a testament to the power of willpower and serves as a guiding light for millions of youth. Professor Kodandaram added that her Rank 1 achievement is not just a personal victory but a catalyst for social awakening, noting that having individuals like her in the administration is a matter of pride for the country.
During her address, Ira Singhal expressed her heartfelt gratitude to NPRD INDIA Founder President Tudum Rajender for organizing such a magnificent and prestigious felicitation ceremony. She commended Shri Rajender’s tireless efforts in fighting for the rights of the disabled while simultaneously encouraging and highlighting the achievements of the community. She encouraged the gathered youth by stating that with self-confidence, the sky is the limit and physical challenges should never hinder one’s growth.
The event, presided over by NPRD INDIA Founder President Tudum Rajender, was coordinated by Telangana State President Dainampalli Mallikarjun and other key leaders. Hundreds of students and delegates from various districts across the state attended the ceremony to draw inspiration from the All India Topper. The program concluded with the guests honoring Ira Singhal with a shawl and a memento. This felicitation ceremony not only instilled new energy among students with disabilities but also stood as a significant milestone in changing societal perspectives toward the community.
A New Chapter in the Struggle for Disability Rights: NPRD India’s National Seminar in New Delhi
The National Seminar organized by NPRD INDIA (National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled) India on March 28, 2022, at the prestigious Constitution Club of India in the national capital, marked a historic milestone. Aimed at achieving dignity, equality, and constitutional rights for persons with disabilities, the seminar saw over 250 delegates from nearly 10 states across the country come together to raise a powerful voice for empowerment.
The chief guest of the seminar, renowned educationist and Director of CSB IAS Academy, Mrs. Mallavarapu Balalatha, inspired the audience with her stirring speech. Having cracked the Civil Services twice, she proved that disability is only of the body and not of the will, and today stands as a role model for millions while mentoring thousands of future officers. Speaking on the occasion, she emphasized that persons with disabilities are not merely subjects of sympathy but are intellectual assets who can shape the nation’s progress. She called for systemic changes to ensure that government benefits and opportunities reach the doorstep of every individual rather than remaining confined to paper. Another distinguished guest, Professor Annavaram of Delhi University, highlighted the hurdles in the implementation of the ‘Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016’ (RPwD Act) and asserted that true social empowerment is only possible when legal protections are strictly enforced.
Presided over by National President Tudum Rajender, the seminar involved in-depth discussions on several key issues shaping the future of the disabled community. Significant resolutions were passed unanimously, demanding an end to delays in filling job reservation quotas, ensuring adequate representation for persons with disabilities in legislative bodies, and increasing the central government’s share in pensions to provide financial security.
The National Seminar was successfully coordinated and attended by seminar delegates Dainampalli Mallikarjun, along with key leaders including Lasani Narsing Rao, P. Mohan Rao, Venugopal, B. Yadagiri, A. Ashok, Bathula Venkanna, Vallabhaneni Prasad, Bharathi, V. Rajashekar, Uppalaiah, Sayiram, and others. Delegates proudly declared that this clarion call for rights in the heart of Delhi would serve as a guiding light for the nationwide disability rights movement in the days to come.
