Sashakt: Odisha's Historic Disability Rights Campaign

Author: Dr. Sruti Mohapatra
Published: 2018/05/09 - Updated: 2025/10/07
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: India - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This report documents a groundbreaking eighteen-month public awareness initiative led by the Odisha State Disability Network, a coalition of over 250 NGOs, parent groups, and individuals working to advance disability rights across India's Odisha state. The campaign, which ran from May 2018 through November 2019, traveled 5,300 kilometers through all thirty districts to educate both people with disabilities about their rights under India's Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 and the general public about inclusion through exhibitions, film screenings, personal testimonies, and artistic expressions in multiple languages including Braille and sign language.

What makes this information particularly valuable is its documentation of practical, large-scale disability advocacy methods that reached an estimated twenty million people through public meetings, talent showcases, and community engagement activities, while also addressing the stark realities facing India's disabled population—including literacy rates of only 55 percent, employment rates of just 36 percent, and widespread social stereotyping. The detailed campaign structure, route planning, and multi-stakeholder approach offers a replicable model for disability advocates, policymakers, and organizations seeking to shift societal attitudes from charity-based models toward rights-based inclusion frameworks - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Persons with disabilities are one of the most deprived, discriminated and marginalized minorities in our society. Odisha State disAbility Network (OSDN), a group of over 250 NGOs, parents and individuals, is planning a campaign to increase awareness about disability rights, dignity, empowerment and inclusion. SASHAKT is a one and half year campaign to create this awareness, firstly, among the disabled community about existing facilities and resources and the new law of their rights; and simultaneously educate public on inclusion, by presenting a exhibition, film shows, live interaction with PwDs and a collection of statements made by disabled people from all over Odisha. These include letters, poems, diaries, pictures, photos and cartoons, in every language, including braille and sign. They will showcase both challenges and achievements, despite challenges.

Main Content

There are more than one billion people with some form of physical and mental disabilities in the world (about a million in Odisha) who must overcome challenges every day. One of those challenges is encountering other people. As a society, we are all different and must recognize the importance of acceptance. Disability awareness is very important when it comes to breaking stereotypes and overcoming preconceptions regarding disabilities.

With this in mind, a team of 30 members (inclusive group) will travel through all 30 districts. The flag off will start from Puri on 9th May and it will continue till 13th June at Nayagarh. On 20th June is the closing program at the state capital, Bhubaneswar. Over 130 NGOs have come together. Being supported by 10 networks, SSEPD department of Government of Odisha, Rotary District 3260 etc.

It's the first time that such a campaign is being conducted in India. We started with strengthening the disability sector and persons with disabilities. This is a step forward to bring the civil society closer.

Context of Disability

• In India, as per Census 2011, there are 21 million PwDs (7). If we consider the new disabilities (21) and WHO figures then number would be close to 70-80 million. There are about 1 million people with disAbilities in India (Census 2011 + RPwD Act 2016 + World Bank Report)
• If they all lived together in the same place, they would make up the fifth largest state after UP, Maharastra, Bihar and West Bengal.
• A country around the size of UK and France.
• Of the total disabled population, only 55% are literate (rural areas - 49%).
• In urban areas, among the disabled who are literates, 15% of them are graduates, while in rural areas only 5% of them are graduates.
• Context of Disability
• At all India level, only 36% of the total disabled persons are earning.
• Only 46.87% of the total disabled persons are married.
• Thus
  • It would be the least educated state; with the highest rate of infant mortality; most illiterate population; few employment opportunities and restricted access to democratic processes.
  • Without doubt, it would be the poorest state in India.

Stereotyping Has Caused Misunderstanding

• Victims or objects of pity
• Horrible or grotesque
• Burdens
• Evil, some threat to comfort and safety of others
• Unable to do things
• Having multiple disabilities
• Childlike
• "Special"

Evolution of Disability

• Charity Model: We feel SORRY FOR YOU... let us give you something!
• Medical Model: There is something WRONG WITH YOU... let us fix you!
• Social Model: There is something WRONG WITH SOCIETY... let society change to be more inclusive!
• Rights based model: The problem is a human rights issue... we MUST find ways to ADDRESS IT!

What Is the Campaign All About?

This campaign is about raising awareness in the public, regarding RPwD Act 2016 and encourage the inclusion of PwDs in the society.

• To raise awareness throughout society, including at the family level of PwDs.
• To foster respect for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
• To combat stereotypes, prejudices and harmful practices.
• To promote awareness of capabilities and contributions of PwDs.
• To disseminate information on existing government schemes and facilities.
• To spread awareness about inclusive SDGs and Accessible Odisha.

Key Persons and Organizations in Sashakt

• Concept and Design - Dr. Sruti Mohapatra, Chief Executive Swabhiman
• Strategic Planning - Mr. Mihir Mohanty, Director Programs, Swabhiman
• Logo and Artworks - Mr. Veejayant Dash, Faculty NIFT, Freelance Artist and Curator
• Conductor - Odisha State disAbility Network (Over 125 NGOs and 150 Individuals across Odisha)
• Supporters - Governments, Corporate Houses, Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan, NYP, NYK, Rotary district 3262, Red Cross Society of Odisha, NSS, BGVS, NAB, OAD, AOOHWA, NDN, Parivar, Leprosy Network, Lepra Society, Rotary Dist 3262, Prajnana Mission, Brahmakumaris, Students and many more.

Campaign Period, Route and Time

• Travel Period For Vehicle - From 9 May to 20 June 2018
• RPwD Act Reaching all Villages - By 30 Nov 2019
• Where will it travel and Route - From the flag-off event the campaign will cover all 30 districts and culminate at Bhubaneswar. The campaign will cover almost 5100 kms across 30 districts and 314 blocks.

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Campaign Activities

• Public meetings, audio-visual show, photo exhibition, distribution of leaflets and posters, street play, planting a tree, wall painting, talent show by PWDs and press meet are the key activities planned for all levels.

The Campaign will Achieve/Reach

10,000,000 people with disabilities will be empowered through participation in the campaign

10,000,000 peoplw will be sensitised towards inclusion - accepting differences and celebrating diversity.

1,500 govt. officials to be sensitised and more accountable to ensure the rights of PWDs

5,000 engaged community/groups (Take action online)

5,300 kms of physical distance

How You Can Support

• Give funds, time, skills.
• Conduct a seminar or talk on the "Disability, Diversity, Development."
• Arrange media meets and meetings with media persons for highlighting the cause.
• Write stories for us in English, Hindi and Odia.
• Write blogs once a fortnight (2 weeeks) for a year.
• Develop songs for us.
• Buy our merchandise - T-shirts, wrist bands, caps
• Share the campaign details and page with 100 Facebook friends. Tell them to share with 100 each.
• Visit our Facebook page.
• Visit our website.
• Comment on our Facebook posts.
• Arrange talks in schools, colleges, clubs, events and everywhere human beings meet.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments