Tag: DisabilityRights

National

Spotlight Workshop Champions Inclusive and Intersectional Disability Reporting in Indian Media

Tanisha Cardozo

On September 22, 2025, the media sensitisation workshop Spotlight was held in New Delhi to focus on inclusive and intersectional disability reporting in India. Organised by Rising Flame in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Government of India), the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Goa, the UN in India, and UN Women, the event brought together over 50 journalists, editors, and media professionals to discuss the crucial role the media plays in shaping public perception around disability.

The first session, led by Rising Flame, titled Disability-inclusive and Intersectional Media Representation and Reporting, explored the significant impact of language and framing in news stories. The interactive format encouraged participants to rethink how narratives of persons with disabilities are told, moving away from reductive portrayals and towards more nuanced, respectful, and authentic storytelling.

Nidhi Goyal, Founder and Executive Director of Rising Flame, co-facilitated the session and shared a powerful insight: “Too often, the media paints us people with disabilities as either heroes or objects of pity. We need to go beyond both. There is a need to amplify disabled voices and build nuanced, human-centred stories. Since media plays a critical role in shaping public understanding and influencing policy, journalists can ensure disability is covered with accuracy, dignity, and a rights-based lens.”

The second session, organised by UN Women, featured a panel titled Senior Journalists Share Experiences on Reporting Gender and Disability. Moderated by Sudeshna Mukherjee, Head of Communications at UN Women India, the panel featured experienced media professionals: Uzmi Athar, Chief Correspondent at PTI; Parvinder Singh, Head of Communications at the World Food Programme in India; Pooja Pande, former Co-CEO of Chambal Media; and Bhanupriya Rao, Founder of BehanBox. The discussion highlighted how disability should not be treated as a niche beat but be integrated into broader news narratives with the same importance as health, education, and climate.

Uzmi Athar shared a thought-provoking example: “When we speak about natural disasters, we need to include how persons with disabilities are impacted. When we frame a story that someone ‘braved’ difficulties to reach a polling booth, we should instead ask: why were those difficulties there in the first place?”

Through its sessions and exchanges, Spotlight urged media professionals to play an active role in shifting disability narratives from charity-based to rights-based, from isolated stories to integrated coverage. It reinforced the idea that accurate, inclusive reporting is a powerful tool for societal change—one that upholds the dignity and agency of persons with disabilities.

Events in Goa

Celebrating Inclusion: International Week of the Deaf & Sign Languages at Caculo Mall

Tanisha Cardozo

In a heartwarming and impactful celebration, Caculo Mall in Panjim transformed into a hub of inclusivity as it hosted the International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Languages. Held from September 22, 2025, the event marked the beginning of a three-day initiative that highlighted empowerment, accessibility, and the importance of communication inclusion.

The celebration was coordinated by Mrs. Sadiya Bandodkar, a dynamic entrepreneur and Purple Ambassador for the upcoming International Purple Fest Goa 2025. The event also served as a prelude to the anticipated Purple Fest scheduled for October 9th to 12th.

Jointly organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa, the Office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, the Goa Association of the Deaf, and Mrs. Bandodkar herself, the event brought together stakeholders, performers, and the community under one inclusive roof.

The inaugural day began with an engaging Indian Sign Language awareness session aimed at sensitizing attendees and encouraging more inclusive communication. A key highlight of the evening was a Navratri-themed dance performance by a group of deaf women, which captivated the audience with its grace and energy, drawing admiration and thunderous applause.

The event welcomed prominent guests including Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Smt. Varsha Naik, Director of the Department of Empowerment of PwDs; Shri Mangesh Dalvi from Caculo Mall; Shri Prasad Joshi, General Secretary of the Goa Association of the Deaf; Shri Avelino D’Sa, President of the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG), and Mrs. Sadiya Bandodkar.

In his address, Shri Guruprasad Pawaskar emphasized that such initiatives must not be limited to a week, but should act as catalysts for continuous advocacy, awareness, and systemic change. Mrs. Bandodkar, expressing her gratitude, thanked all collaborators for making the event a success and for supporting efforts to create opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Throughout the three days, the pop-up market continues to be a major draw, with stalls managed by entrepreneurs with disabilities, offering everything from handmade crafts to innovative products. It’s not just a market; it’s a message — that talent knows no bounds and inclusion starts with opportunity.

This celebration stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government bodies, private partners, and individuals come together to champion accessibility. It sets the tone for the upcoming Purple Fest Goa 2025 and reaffirms the commitment to a more inclusive, aware, and empowered society.