Sugamya Yatra Chandigarh: A Milestone for Cross-Disability Accessibility

Chandigarh, February 7, 2025 – Chandigarh witnessed a historic event in the movement for accessibility and inclusivity with the launch of the ‘Sugamya Yatra’. The rally, organized under the Accessible India Campaign, was flagged off at 10:30 AM from Sector 17 Plaza Chandigarh by Mrs. Madhvi Kataria, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Chandigarh, in collaboration with various NGOs and stakeholders who have come under the umbrella of ‘The Chandigarh Disability Collective’ group. Following the flag-off, an interactive session at Plaza Sector 17 provided a powerful platform for discussions on accessibility challenges and tangible solutions.

The Sugamya Yatra progressed with teams visiting key public buildings such as the DC Office, Notary Area, Public Library and the Social Welfare Department, evaluating the level of accessibility and engaging with officials to push for essential improvements. Over the next four days, accessibility assessments will extend to hospitals, educational institutions and government offices, ensuring that Chandigarh aligns with the standards set under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 and the harmonised guidelines.

Adding a musical dimension to the event, the band ‘Flowing Karma’-India’s First Band on Wheels performed, showcasing the talents of individuals with disabilities. The band, comprises members who have overcome significant physical challenges, has previously performed with renowned artists and at various prestigious venues. Their participation underscores the event’s message of inclusivity and the celebration of diverse abilities.

Mrs. Madhvi Kataria emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Today’s nationwide event of Sugamya Yatra is essentially an accessibility awareness event. This bottom-up strategy of sensitization and awareness about accessibility would nudge the general public to recognize the varying accessibility needs of persons with disabilities and encourage senior functionaries from both government and private sectors to gain a correct understanding of diverse disability perspectives. This effort to mobilize human resources with technology shall facilitate data gathering and use it for public good. Accessibility is a prerequisite for persons with disabilities to exercise their other rights meaningfully.”

A key aspect of the Sugamya Yatra is the integration of cutting-edge technology to enhance accessibility evaluations. The accessibility audits were conducted using the ‘Yes to Access’ mobile application, developed by the Association of People with Disabilities (APD). This application is designed to systematically assess public spaces, ensuring that accessibility gaps are identified and addressed effectively.

This initiative marks a decisive step toward transforming Chandigarh into a model of universal accessibility. The rally featured individuals with disabilities, accessibility advocates, experts, and civil society members, all united in demanding a barrier-free environment that enables full participation for persons with disabilities.

The following organizations, individuals and NGOs. actively participated in the Sugamya Yatra Chandigarh-
Apart from College of Architecture, Chandigarh, Persons with Disabilities and Professionals Supporting Disability Rights, the following organizations and NGOs actively participated in the Sugamya Yatra Chandigarh – Parivartan; Chandigarh Spinal Rehab; Institute for the Blind; Sadhna Society; Down Syndrome Society; Umeed Asha Kiran Air Force; Equal Opportunity Cell, Punjab University; Asha Kiran; Anuprayaas; Pingalwara; Sorem; Anandini; GRIID; State Legal Services Authority; Smiling Dandelion Foundation; Physically Handicapped Association; She Foundation; Special Olympics Bharath, Chandigarh; Mental Health Institute; Jeete Raho NGO; Saksham, PGI Differently Abled Employees Union; Scribe Society for PwD, Punjab University; Vatika Special School.