New Delhi: Being disability friendly is not just about compassion but also a lesson in business and economics, Niti Aayog chief executive Amitabh Kant said at the Equal Opportunity Awards held Wednesday.

“Persons with disabilities add immensely to businesses — research shows that inclusive companies are as likely to have twice the shareholder returns compared to their peers,” said Kant, who as chief guest at the event.
 

The Nipman Foundation’s Equal Opportunity Awards recognise organisations that employ people with disabilities.

Launched in 2014 to showcase the business opportunities of investing in persons with disabilities, the event has grown to commemorate individuals who have made significant contributions to several categories, from enabling ease of access to entrepreneurs with disabilities.

“We must employ, engage, empower, and enable persons with disabilities, so they can lead the nation and take India forward,” said Kant.
The sixth edition of the event was jointly held with Microsoft in the national capital.
 

Entrepreneurs, innovators, and enablers

This year, the Equal Opportunity Awards were given under seven categories including employers of persons with disabilities, physical accessibility, inclusivity, technological and non-technological innovations to ease access, and professionals and entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Among the winners were PVR Ltd and Mobility India for making spaces more accessible, technology firm Inali Arm for creating an affordable prosthetic arm, and panchayat and community-based rehabilitation platform CORD, for working on an inclusion model for persons with disabilities in rural spaces.

Individuals were also awarded for being pioneers in their field.

Dr Roshan Jahan Jawad Ahmed Sheikh, a doctor with a visual impairment and locomotor disability, won under the category of ‘Professional with Disability’.

Former vice-captain of the Indian Wheelchair Cricket team, Shiva Prasad, who started the Divyaang Myithri Sports Academy, was awarded in the ‘Entrepreneur with Disability’ category.
Read more at https://theprint.in/india/being-disability-friendly-a-lesson-in-business-economics-amitabh-kant/320767/