The South Zone Regional Abilympics 2024, organized by the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), concluded successfull at the St. Joseph’s University in Bengaluru. The event celebrated the exceptional talents of around 100 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) from the Southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Telangana. National Abilympics will be held in Gurugram on 6th and 7th December 2024.
Known as the Olympics of Abilities, the Abilympics serves as a global platform for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to demonstrate their vocational skills and showcase their ability to compete on both national and international levels. The event also spotlighted the larger issue of employment opportunities, with skill development programs like these opening doors to various sectors, including IT, hospitality, manufacturing, and creative fields. Participants from the South zone showcasing their skills across 15 categories under Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Crafts, Food, and Services. This edition of the South Zone Regional Abilympics witnessed fierce competition and incredible displays of skill, with 18 participants being awarded medals: 2 Gold, 8 Silver, and 8 Bronze.
Key results included:
– In the ICT category, Lakhani Chouhan from won Gold in Word Processing, E. Mohan from Tamil Nadu secured Silver and Bitupan from Mysore (Karnataka) won Bronze in Word Processing skill.
– Pankaj Saini from Karnataka won Silver in Computer Programming while Rajtilak Murugaraju won Bronze in Data Processing. Madhu M from Karnataka won a Bronze in Web Page Designing.
– Photography saw Aditya S from Tamil Nadu clinch the Gold, while Harishanthan from Tamil Nadu win Silver.
The Crafts category featured inspiring performances, with:
– Govindhan P from Chennai, who has Locomotor Disability, winning Bronze in Floral Arrangement, while Harsha took home Silver medal in Embroidery respectively and Prathiksha from Mysore who is Visually Impaired won a Bronze in Waste Reuse. Painting (Water Colour) skill saw Justin K.J from Kerala who is Hearing Impaired clinch a Silver and Rashmi R from Karnataka win Bronze who is also Hearing Impaired.
In the Hospitality & Restaurant Services category:
– R. Sathish Kumar from Tamil Nadu, having Locomotor Disability, won a Silver medal from a pool of participants.
– In Dress Making, Gourd from Mysore who is Hearing impaired took home Silver, and Muthulakshmi G from Tamil Nadu received Bronze.
Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary General, National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI), and Founder & CEO, Sarthak Educational Trust, said, “This year’s Abilympics has been a powerful testament to the talent and determination of PwDs across Southern India. The enthusiasm of participants and their remarkable skills in diverse vocational categories reflect their capability and readiness for inclusion in the workforce. These competitions are pivotal steps in breaking down societal barriers and promoting an inclusive workforce, where every individual has a chance to shine.”
Mr. Pankaj Singh- Chief CSR – Corporate, T& D & Generation function, Tata Power, “We have multiple initiatives running for the cause of disability and inclusion. Our association will continue with NAAI and Sarthak for the International Abilympics.Let us continue to champion these efforts and work together to create a more inclusive society where every individual is valued for their unique contributions”.
Allen Godfrey, St. Joseph’s University, HoD School of School Work shared, “It was a refreshing program for us, and it was a moment of pride to collaborate with Sarthak and the National Abilympic Association of India.”
Smt. Geetanjali Kirloskar, Philanthropist & CEO Toyota Insurance was the Chief Guest for the launch of the event. Other dignitaries present at the 2-day event were Rev Dr. Victor Lobo SJ, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru, Shri Anand Nayak, Independent Director, ITC Ltd, Director Disability Raghavendra T and Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, Secretary General NAAI & Founder CEO Sarthak Educational Trust.
Smt. Geetanjali Kirloskar shared “I am confident that skill competitions will ensure participation and selection of best talent participating from different southern states – Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and I wish all the participants great success not only for these competitions but for their future. Persons with disabilities dare to overcome their inherent human disabilities. The Abilympics initiative is celebrating a special class of these overcomers and I call them rare souls of super abilities. I am grateful to be a part of this remarkable celebration of diversity and inclusion”
On the sidelines of the competition, an enriching conference titled ‘Empowerment Through Giving: Celebrating Inclusion, Opportunity, and the Joy of Giving’ set the tone for how Indian businesses and startups can accelerate the inclusion of differently-abled individuals in the mainstream workforce. Industry leaders stressed that inclusion should no longer be considered an act of corporate social responsibility but a business imperative.
India’s triumph at the 10th International Abilympics in Metz, France, where the team secured seven medals, served as a motivating backdrop for this regional event. The East Zone Abilympics is part of a larger preparation process for the 11th International Abilympics to be held in Finland in 2027, highlighting the journey of PwDs in gaining international recognition for their skills.
The South Zone Regional Abilympics emphasized the importance of vocational training in sectors like ICT, hospitality, retail, and crafts, equipping PwDs with skills essential for self-reliance and opening doors to meaningful employment opportunities.