A group of students from King’s College, London and University of Edinburgh, Scotland called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (September 9, 2014). These students are in Delhi to attend a short term course on ‘Disability and Inclusion: Perceptions and issues in Contemporary India’ under the UGC’s ‘Connect to India Programme’ at the University of Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President appreciated the efforts of the UGC and Delhi University to organise this programme. He said that the short term course was designed keeping in view the concept of inclusion and the needs and support systems for persons with disabilities and he was sure that such linkages would result in an enhanced mutual understanding regarding the challenges and issues in the new millennium.

The President said that recognizing that the marginalized sections of our society, particularly persons with disabilities are an important resource towards the overall development of our country, India has taken up a number of measures to empower persons belonging to such segments, particularly, persons with disabilities. While on one hand, India is committed towards economic development keeping in view the emerging global challenges and requirements, we are equally committed to ensure that the fruits of our development and growth reach all sections of society.

The President expressed the hope that during their visit to India, the students have had opportunities of learning and experiencing first hand the roadmap of development based on inclusion which India has been following and is committed to traverse.

This release issued at 1915 hrs.