Bollywood actor says India needs to be more disability friendly

From IANS:

MUMBAI -- Bollywood star Aamir Khan (pictured), whose recent release “3 Idiots” takes a critical look at India’s education system, feels that the infrastructure in the country should be remodelled so that physically challenged people can move around without hindrance.

“Our society barely thinks about the physically handicapped people. It’s necessary. There should be proper infrastructure - be it buildings, theatres, roads - everywhere so that they can too have a comfortable access to every places like a normal person does,” said Aamir, honouring 18 achievers of the IBN7 Bajaj Allianz Super Idols awards here at the Taj Lands End hotel Tuesday.

The award is an initiative by the channel in partnership with the Dainik Bhaskar newspaper group to recognise and celebrate those who have overcome their physical challenges to achieve success as well as the individuals who worked tirelessly for the rights of people with special ability.

Rajdeep Sardesai, the editor in chief of IBN 18 Network, told IANS: “I think there is so much negativity in the media. Unless we focus on these kinds of positive stories how will we inspire the next generation? In my case, it happened by working with Ability Foundation (a charitable trust that works to empower disabled) on a project. I realised the remarkable work these people were doing and it shook me.”

“It will be an annual event. There are so many such people and it won’t be that difficult to find 18,” he added.

Television actress and politician Smriti Irani, who was also present at the award ceremony, appreciated the effort and said she is also planning to work with Ability Foundation.

“This is extremely appreciable and an inspiration to those who want to achieve something. People who don’t try because of their disability, I think this award will be an inspiration for them. I am going to work on a project with Ability Foundation and it will be a new beginning for me,” she said.

Music director Anu Malik, Lalit and Aadesh Shrivastava were also present.