THE 3rd DECEMBER CAMPAIGN: A REPORT

Inspite of what had happened in Mumbai and an overall mood of gloom and perhaps, some fear, over 10,000 disabled people did reach India Gate, New Delhi on the appointed day and hour.

Crowds started pouring in from the morning itself and by about 3-3:30 p.m., the venue was literally jam packed. I had to keep telling our Volunteers to ensure that an aisle was kept free for wheelchair users to be able to move through!

The emotions were mixed. A sense of sadness because of the terror attack in Mumbai. A sense of hope because it was World Disability Day. And, a certain sense of expectation that perhaps our voice will reach the Planning Commission and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Both responded. By 4-4:30 p.m., I was told that two Planning Commission Members would visit our Venue to personally meet with the protestors and to address them and reassure them. Dr. Bhalchandra Mungekar and Dr. (Ms.) Sayeda Hameed came one by one and addressed the gathering. Amongst general talk, a specific promise was made. That within this month, a meeting will be held in the Planning Commission to review the disability related issues contained in the XIth Five Year Plan. And that, the Planning Commission will do whatever it can within its powers, to remind/ cajole/ push the various Ministries concerned.

A bigger breakthrough was a message from the Prime Minister’s Office that a meeting had been called that very evening and that a delegation of 6 people should be there from our side. Ms. Vandana Bedi, Smt. Asha Mehra, Shri M. Srinivasulu, Shri Arun Rao, Shri Zorin Singha and myself went to the PMO at 6 p.m. Other than general talk, a specific outcome was PMO asking us to give them a list of ’10 Big Ticket Items’ that are do-able within the next 2-3 months left of this Government. That list has now been submitted and is annexed with this Note for your perusal.

I would be the first one to concede that our sector is confronted with issues and issues and issues and that this list may not be a perfect one. I also suggest that if there are issues that you feel should be raised, please immediately bring them to our attention. There is no sanctity to the number 10! More issues can be raised, provided they are well researched, clearly articulated and pragmatic in the short term. It is a reality that this Government has only got another say 2 months, before everyone switches into the election mode.

However, it is surely a good time to begin a dialogue on our long term goals. We must raise them in March – April and lobby with all mainstream, national level political parties to include them in their Party’s Manifesto.

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We used to print New Year cards and then we stopped the practice a few years ago. I thought it was a bit of wastage of resources! After all, if one wants to wish someone sincerely and genuinely, one can pick up the phone and make that call or send an SMS. New Year cards, I thought, had become ritualistic, where they got mailed in bulk with no personlised message whatsoever.

This year, we are printing a New Year card! After the 3rd December campaign, I was sitting one evening and going through all the photographs of that memorable day. There were several that moved me. But there was one that was particularly striking. Candles raised up in the air (hot wax melting down on bare skin and yet people held them up towards the sky) with the majestic India Gate in the background. It is a picture which speaks a thousand words. It accurately reflects us, the 70 million disabled citizens of India. It speaks of our resolve, our determination, our hopes and our aspirations.

It is a picture that should move even the coldest heart. Once the cards are printed, I will sign and send the first one to the Prime Minister. And then to all the politicians and bureaucrats concerned. And then, of course, to all of us.

May I use this opportunity also to wish all of you a safe and peaceful 2009.

22nd December, 2008 (Javed Abidi)
Honorary Director