NEW DELHI: The 'Walk of Freedom', held on Thursday at India Gate to show solidarity with the differently-abled, drew huge crowds. The walk was organised by National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) and Veer to mark 20 years of Persons with Disabilities Act.



"There are more than 25 million disabled people in our country, and they all deserve equal opportunities. A large part of the society views the disabled as a burden, but the new bill in discussion in Parliament can change that. The disabled are largely ignored. This needs to change," says Javed Abidi, honorary director, NCPEDP.



The event was attended by people with different disabilities from across the country. "I have come here all the way from Hyderabad to attend this event. It is very important to see our people being represented at the national level," says Bugga Mallesh, founder of Twin Cities Dwarf Association.



"We need recognition. We are equal citizens, even though we don't feel like that many times. Events like these make me realise that there are many others like me," says Sibaji Panda, vice-president of All India Federation of the Deaf.