To celebrate World Disability Day on 3 December, Commonwealth and Chevening Alumni participated in an expert panel discussion on the topic, ‘Amplifying leadership of Persons With Disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future- possibilities, opportunities and hope’.
The event sought to raise awareness of the complexity of disability issues and the challenges faced by People With Disabilities (PWDs) around the world. Over 90 people attended the event, including Commonwealth and Chevening alumni, members of the Association of British Scholars (ABS) and representatives of the Action on Ability Development and Inclusion (AADI), a national organisation working for the rights of PWDs, working at the grassroots to policy level.
Meet the panel
- Professor Dr Adarsh Kumar, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology & In-charge Forensic Anthropology, Medical Records & Medical Social Welfare Unit, AIIMS, New Delhi (2011 and 2014 Academic Fellow)
- Praveen Kumar Gurunath, Global Lead Advisor – Social Inclusion, VSO international
- Syamala Gudugu, Head of Action, Action on Ability Development and Inclusion (AADI)
- Dipender Manocha, Founder Trustee, Saksham Trust
- Soni Singh, Partner, VGA Legal
- Rica Roy, Consultant Editor of NDTV 24×7
The panel was moderated by Natalia Leigh, Head of Political & Bilateral Affairs, British High Commission, New Delhi.
Following the panel discussion, Youth Champions from AADI were invited to share their experiences advocating for change for PWDs.
