Employment, Not Pity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his “Mann ki Baat” programme on 29 November urged people to change their mindset regarding the disabled population. It is true that the disabled are usually viewed as individuals deserving pity. Rabindranath Tagore used to say that being pitied is the worst form of ignominy. Those who pity the disabled no doubt revel in self-glorification.

But the disabled population wants to engage in productive activity and to be looked upon as an asset in whatever form instead of subsisting with a begging bowl and seeking alms and charity. Thus, the mindset of “others” as well as “us” needs to change in right earnest. I have heard of welfare organisations that exploit the cause of the disabled by indulging in rackets. The Prime Minister can think of many ways to ensure that the disabled are able to become self-reliant and contribute to society. The disabled can be involved in running services under the government’s many social welfare programmes that will mean employment and income generation for them.