The awards recognise efforts to create employment and self-employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

New Delhi – Winners of the NCPEDP-Mindtree Helen Keller Awards 2021 were announced and honoured in a virtual ceremony held today on the eve of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

In their 22nd year now, the awards are among India’s most prestigious recognitions for people and organisations working to promote equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs). The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), India’s leading cross-disability advocacy organisation, has been partnering with Mindtree, a global technology services and digital transformation company, for the last six years to empower PWDs and inspire others to embrace the cause, accelerating inclusive and sustainable growth.

A total of 15 awardees were honoured as role models — five PWDs, including two special Jury Awards, three supporters of increased employment opportunities for PWDs, four companies/NGOs/institutions, and three entrepreneurs with disabilities as part of a newly introduced category.

In his welcome address, the Executive Director of NCPEDP, Mr. Arman said, “Disability shouldn’t be seen as an additional cost or risk. There’s a need to promote reasonable accommodation and equal opportunities for all”.

In his keynote address, Mr. Paneesh Rao, Head of Sustainability at Mindtree, said, “Our association with these awards is a part of our commitment to inclusive growth. Creating employment opportunities for the differently abled is vital to helping them earn dignified livelihoods, realise their full potential, and contribute to the development of self and society. We are proud to be partnering with NCPEDP in recognising inspiring individuals and organisations for their efforts and contributions towards fostering social equity and inclusion. We thank and congratulate the winners of this year’s awards for their grit and resolve in ensuring the financial security of PWDs during a pandemic.”

As part of the awards ceremony, a fireside chat was organised between the Guest of Honour, Mr. Rishad Premji, Chairman, WIPRO Limited, and Mr Som Mittal, Chairman, NCPEDP, on “Enablers for Creating Employment for People with Disabilities – Concerns, Opportunities and the Way Ahead”.

Mr. Rishad Premji discussed about the assimilation of persons with disabilities in the mainstream, emphasizing that it is important that myths and misconceptions around persons with disabilities are changed through focus on “Strong mindset of integration” wherein persons with disabilities are proud of their achievements instead of being grateful for the opportunities that they get.

Mr. Som Mittal in his concluding remarks emphasized that the government should ensure digital accessibility in every product and services for persons with disabilities while also urging the Ministry of Micro, small and Medium Enterprise to recognize all efforts in the field of self-employment and entrepreneurship with special focus on persons with disabilities.

Nearly 100 applications were received this year from across the country and overseas. The 15 winners of the NCPEDP-Mindtree Helen Keller Awards 2021 are:

Category A: Role Model Person with Disabilities

• Dr. Sharad Philip (Kochi, Kerala)
• Dr. Jayanthibhai Bhim Patel (Gandhinagar, Gujarat)
• Ms. Natasha Pinto (Bengaluru, Karnataka)
• Jury Award (Special Mention)
• Ms. Manasi Girishchandra Joshi (Ahmedabad, Gujarat)
• Ms. Kanchanmala D Pande (Nagpur, Maharashtra)

Category B: Role Model Supporter of Increased Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities

• Ms. Chumki Datta (Bhubaneswar, Orissa)
• Ms. Shashwati P (Bengaluru, Karnataka)
• Dr. Sharanjeet Kaur (Panchkula, Haryana)

Category C: Role Model Companies/NGOs/Institutions

• Sarthak Educational Trust (New Delhi)
• Kenduadihi Bikash Society (Bankura, West Bengal)
• Alliance to Promote Abilities & Rehabilitation (ATPAR, New Delhi)
• Spastics Society of Karnataka (Centre for Developmental Disabilities, Bengaluru, Karnataka)

New Category: Role Model Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

• Mr. Anand VS Kulkarni (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
• Ms. Santosh Sharma (New Delhi)
• Mr. Tariq Ahmad Mir (Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir)