State-level Inauguration on 22nd at 10:30 AM by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Different Art Centre

Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned magician and motivational speaker Gopinath Muthukad is gearing up for another Bharat Yatra to raise public awareness across India about the importance of social inclusion of the differently-abled community. Following four Bharat Yatras organized to promote Gandhian values and to stand against separatism and communalism in India, Gopinath Muthukad is now leading the fifth Bharat Yatra, titled ‘Inclusive India,’ specifically for the differently-abled. After a gap of 14 years, following the 2002 Vismaya Bharat Yatra, the 2004 Gandhimandra Yatra, the 2007 Vismaya Swaraj Yatra, and the 2010 Mission India Yatra, this new journey holds special significance. The journey has received approval from the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

The announcement of this monumental project was made by the esteemed Paralympian and Padma Shri recipient Boniface Prabhu. The event, held at Mascot Hotel, was a testament to the unity and collaboration.  Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor, Different Art Centre Patron Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Executive Director Gopinath Muthukad, Directors Adv. Jayadali M V and Shyla Thomas were among the dignitaries. The theme song of ‘Inclusive India’  was also released during the event.

The journey is not just physical but a transformative experience that will shift society’s perspective towards the differently-abled. It will ensure equal rights for them and promote progressive changes in how they are approached. The successful model implemented at the Different Art Centre, the DAC model, will be showcased throughout the journey. The awareness programs, accompanied by magical performances, will last for an hour and a half and will be conducted at over 40 venues across India, promising potential for positive change.

Starting on October 6, World Cerebral Palsy Day, the yatra will begin at Kanyakumari and conclude in Delhi on December 3, World Disability Day. The program is organized with the collaboration of institutes under the DEPwD in various states, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. The program’s beneficiaries include the general public, differently-abled individuals, their parents, teachers, professionals working in the differently-abled sector, NGOs, and government officials.

The state-level inauguration of the program will be conducted by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on the 22nd at 10:30 AM at the Different Art Centre. The event will be presided over by Social Justice Minister Dr. R. Bindu. Paralympian Padma Shri Boniface Prabhu will be honored at the event. MLA Kadakampally Surendran, Different Art Centre Director Jayadali M.V., and Executive Director Gopinath Muthukad will also attend the ceremony. The event will also feature a dance performance by dancer Methil Devika using sign language and a musical performance by renowned Bulbul Tarang artist Ullas Ponnada.

On the 28th, a program marking the commencement of the journey will be held at the Kamaraj Auditorium in Chennai at 4:30 PM. An introductory event will be held in Lakshadweep on October 2, followed by a send-off ceremony at Kerala Raj Bhavan on October 4. The yatra will officially begin on October 6 at Kanyakumari.