India, the world’s most populous democracy, stands at a pivotal moment in its history. While it has made significant strides on the global stage, becoming a major economic and technological player, it is simultaneously grappling with a complex web of internal problems. These challenges—spanning the social, economic, and environmental spheres—threaten to impede its progress and leave millions behind, including people with disabilities, who make up one of the largest minority groups in the world.

One of the most pressing issues is unemployment, particularly among the youth. Despite robust economic growth, the country has struggled to create enough jobs to absorb its massive and growing workforce. The gap between a burgeoning population of educated young people and the limited availability of quality employment opportunities has led to widespread frustration and a sense of disillusionment. For people with disabilities, these barriers are even steeper, as discrimination and lack of accessibility often prevent them from participating in the workforce at all. The digital divide further worsens the problem, with many in rural areas lacking the digital literacy and access to technology needed to compete in the modern economy.

Another critical area of concern is environmental degradation. India’s rapid urbanization and industrialization have come at a steep cost. Air pollution in major cities consistently ranks among the worst in the world, leading to a public health crisis. The mismanagement of waste and the pollution of water sources contribute to a declining quality of life for millions. For disabled people, who may already face health vulnerabilities, environmental crises often hit the hardest. While the government has implemented policies to address climate change and promote renewable energy, the sheer scale of the challenge requires more urgent and widespread action.

Socially, India continues to contend with deep-seated issues. Poverty and inequality, though decreasing, remain a stark reality. Millions of people still live without adequate access to basic sanitation, healthcare, and education. For disabled individuals, the lack of inclusive infrastructure and services leaves them doubly marginalized. The caste system continues to perpetuate discrimination and social stratification, particularly in rural areas, while gender inequality and violence against women highlight persistent failures to ensure safety and rights for half the population. Disabled women in particular face compounded discrimination at these intersections.

Politically, the country has seen a rise in religious and sectarian tensions. While India’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, there have been concerns over policies and rhetoric that target religious minorities, particularly Muslims. This breakdown in social cohesion has been accompanied by pressure on journalists, activists, and political opponents. For the disability community, shrinking civic space makes it even harder to advocate for change and visibility in policymaking.

In conclusion, India’s trajectory is one of both remarkable success and profound challenges. To realize its full potential, the country must confront these issues head-on. This requires not just economic policy, but also a commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, and the preservation of democratic principles. For people with disabilities—who make up more than a billion of the global population—the stakes are especially high. In a nation as densely populated as India, building an inclusive society that values disabled lives is not just an option, but a necessity. Only by addressing these problems can India ensure that its future prosperity is shared by all of its citizens.

My Thoughts

Living in the United States, which has a smaller population than India, I recognize that we still face significant challenges in supporting people with disabilities. This perspective highlights just how critical it is for India, with its far larger population and likely higher number of individuals with disabilities, to prioritize accessible services and inclusive policies. While the U.S. has made some progress, there is still much work to be done, and this underscores that India has a foundation to build upon in order to better meet the needs of its disabled population.

As I have often emphasized, there are practical, cost-effective changes that can be made at the local level to improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. By advocating within their communities and petitioning local governments, individuals and organizations can implement meaningful improvements without requiring enormous expenditures. Grassroots initiatives and community-driven solutions can play a critical role in creating a more inclusive society while encouraging broader systemic change.

Technological and economic progress in India is impressive, but it must be accompanied by ethical considerations and a commitment to social responsibility. True development requires that advancements in technology and ambition go hand-in-hand with inclusion and support for all members of society, including people with disabilities.

Even living in the United States, people with disabilities face significant challenges in finding employment and gaining social acceptance. Despite legal protections in the workplace, securing a job can be difficult, and even when employed, disabled individuals are often excluded from managerial positions or other roles of influence. This highlights how systemic barriers persist, limiting opportunities for meaningful participation and leadership.

As a person with a disability, I am working to build a company where 85% of the workforce consists of people with disabilities. My goal is to demonstrate that disabled individuals can not only contribute meaningfully but also lead, innovate, and run successful businesses on par with their nondisabled peers. This effort illustrates how individuals, communities, and governments can support inclusion by creating opportunities that empower disabled people to fully participate and excel in all spheres of society.

Sources

    •    World Health Organization (WHO) – Disability and Health: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health     •    The World Bank – Disability Inclusion: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/disability     •    United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India – Disability Inclusion: https://www.undp.org/india/disability-inclusion

Question to Consider

How can such a densely populated country like India afford to exclude one of the world’s largest communities—people with disabilities—from its vision of growth and progress?