Including the differently-abled is mark of civilised society

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Recently, this paper featured a report about ongoing action against hawkers in the Dadar, Parel and Matunga areas. There has been a clean sweep and unlicensed hawkers have been cleared out by the civic authorities. The BMC claimed that they will demarcate pitches and relocate licensed hawkers to certain designated spaces or pitches. The idea they claimed was not to stomp on livelihoods but to clear pedestrian space while ensuring that legit, licensed vendors have a space to sell their goods.

This though goes beyond the drive itself. The focus of that particular report is a wheelchair user actually going to thank the Municipal Commissioner, while the latter was on his rounds in Dadar. The clear footpath the differently-abled man said made it much easier for wheelchair users to get their vehicles on the pavement rather than endanger themselves on the road.

There was one standout observation that a society that factors in its differently-abled, is an evolved and most importantly equal one. The differently-abled have as much right to public spaces as the able.

Public space is not just about clearing and safety, it is about access and equality. It is not an infra issue it is a rights issue one about egalitarianism that comes from access for all. That is why gradients on pavements, smooth surfaces matter so that those who are differently-abled are able to negotiate them, too.

For a while now, there has been some awakening with some new buildings, both residential and commercial having ramps etc for all-access. Yet, this is about public spaces and buildings, let authorities look at lacunae and do their best to put in some amenities that makes the differently-abled navigate better. Let's play an equal music.