Voice of SAP (VOSAP) hosted a landmark event in Goa, positioning itself as a catalyst for accelerating accessibility and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The gathering brought together key stakeholders from across India, including government leaders, policy makers, NGOs, CSR representatives, and Assistive Technology (AT) innovators.
Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries
The event was honored by the presence of Chief Guest Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India, and Dr. S. Govindaraj, Commissioner in the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD).
It also brought together:
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Shri Subhash Phal Dessai, Social Welfare Minister, Government of Goa
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Shri Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister, Government of Goa
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State Commissioners for Persons with Disabilities from several states, including senior IAS and MCS officers
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Leaders from National Institutes and Parivaar-NCPO
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CSR representatives and Assistive Technology partners
Key Themes and Discussions
The deliberations focused on strengthening India’s disability inclusion ecosystem through:
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Government Policies & Accessibility Frameworks: Driving compliance and enforcement at state and national levels.
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MoUs and Partnerships: Building sustainable collaborations for large-scale impact.
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Project Hitarth: Providing affordable insurance and support for PwD families at the grassroots.
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Assistive Technology: Expanding adoption of innovations that enable dignity and independence.
Notably, several State Commissioners took deep interest in understanding Project Hitarth, appreciating its potential to directly support PwD families. Many assured collaboration with VOSAP to jointly advance accessibility compliance and community empowerment.
VOSAP as a Catalyst
In his address, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal emphasized that “NGOs must learn from each other and scale their impact.” He highlighted how VOSAP, with its network of over 150 partner organizations across the country, has demonstrated the ability to accelerate systemic change.
VOSAP Founder Pranav Desai encouraged every government officer, NGO leader, and corporate partner to take decisive steps together with VOSAP as the catalyst, accelerating progress toward Vision 2047: An Inclusive India.
A Milestone Toward Vision 2047
This event in Goa was not just a forum for dialogue but a step toward actionable outcomes. By aligning policymakers, civil society, CSR, and innovators, the gathering marked a milestone in India’s journey to create a society that ensures dignity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for millions of Persons with Disabilities.
