4. Beyond Barriers- Incredible India
Introduction
Tourism comprises a blend of entertainment, exploration, relaxation,
cultural enrichment and education. It serves as a get away from routine
and monotony. It rejuvenates and relaxes a person when away from the
usual environment. India is one such tourist destination where culture
echoes, tradition speaks, beauty enthrals and diversity delights. It is a
vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites, misty
mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures and festivities.
People with Disabilities (PwDs) have the same rights as per the
constitution of the country. The Indian Constitution stresses that all
should be treated equally. Then why do those with disability get no equal
treatment or ‘barrier-free accessibility’, be it travel, sport or job
opportunities?
They have equal right to travel with dignity and grace and access to all
tourism infrastructures. All are entitled to the freedom to travel and enjoy
the natural beauty and sights of the country.
Disabled tourists, in western countries are far more independent and
travel freely because of barrier free infrastructure. PWDs from India who
visit such locations can travel independently and explore many tourist
destinations than our own country. This is very sad.
Studies glaringly reflect an estimated statistics that about 10% of
India’s population comprise of people with disability. Add to these
senior citizens, temporarily injured, pregnant women, heart patients. Can
you believe that this could make up more for than half of our entire
population? Truly shocking! Though different from each other, these
groups, too, need similar infrastructure and facilities to support their
mobility in day to day life and make their life more productive than what it
presently is.
What most people consider as normal circumstances, NOW CONSIDER
that which is mentioned here below with PWDs in mind:
(a) Inaccessibility in transportation like buses, trains, taxis, railways,
(b) Lack of facilities in hotels, guest houses, circuit houses, resorts,
boathouses, clubs,etc.
(c) Lack of access to tourist sites like, monuments, heritage structures,
museums, tourist spots in general discourages them to venture out for
vacation. In India majority of tourism service providers do not,
understand the economic and social significance to create barrier-free
tourism. There is insufficient integration of the planning and
development of the built environment and tourism development, both
within and across countries. The current status for tourism for people
with disability is negligible.
5. Beyond Barriers- Incredible India
Then ‘why not PUSH it’ was what set the ball rolling for these FOUR with
farsight!
Arvind Prabhoo, Nishant Khade, Sunita Sancheti and Neenu Kewlani, all
wheelchair users who love to travel are now taking up for this cause with
vehemance and perseverance so that others, like them, too can travel
independently in comfort. These ‘Adventurous Four’, as popular author
Enid Blyton would have called them, are enterprising individuals who
inspite of their disabilities, are keen that members in society like them are
given equal opportunity when it comes to travelling and tourism. They
decided to vehemently take up this important issue of Tourism for PWDs
as they have personally experienced challenges and issues faced by PWDs
(People with Disabilities (PwDs).
They shall carry out a campaign under the aegis of Vijay Merchant
Rehabilitation Centre For The Disabled (VMRCD)
Vijay Merchant Rehabilitation Centre For The Disabled (VMRCD)
established in 1988 by philanthropist, late Shri Vijay Merchant, is a
charitable trust registered with the Charity Commissioner, Maharashtra, in
April 1988 and Income Tax Department Trust Cell having an IT exemption
certificate under section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
By making one or two places of tourist interest accessible for PWDs in
each state, VMRCD firmly believes in seeing our country barrier free, a
tourist destination for all.
Vision
VMRCD firmly believes in seeing India, our beautiful country, barrier free,
a tourist destination for all and truly treat ALL as equal.
Mission Statement
Around INDIA in 80 days. To travel across India, visit 28 state capital and
40 cities covering approx 16000 kms in 81 days, for hands on experience
and assessment of accessibility across the entire country.
6. Beyond Barriers- Incredible India
Objectives
ü The team to travel across the country by road. Visit 28 states and 40
cities covering approx 16000 kms in 81 days.
ü To visit at least 2 tourist destinations in each state and conduct an access
audit. To do so in collaboration with a local NGO working in the disability
sector and State Tourism Department.
ü To meet Chief Minister and Disability Commissioner of every state and
brief them about barrier free tourism. Barrier Free Tourism a MUST on
their PRIORITY AGENDA.
ü Submit the access audit report and other observations to the State
Tourism Board, Chief Minister, Disability Commissioner and Indian
Tourism Department Corporation (ITDC)
ü To encourage Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to replicate the Access 4 All
model of car rental service for PWDs.
ü To network with other NGOs, active groups and govt agencies working in
the disability sector. Sensitize them and promote the importance and
need of Barrier Free Tourism for All.
Meet Our Four Adventurers
7. Beyond Barriers- Incredible India
The team will take off on 28th September 2011, by road. The team has
chalked out a suitable travel plan. The states and cities have been
earmarked. The midway points between each state has been identified.
The team will visit following states
Sl. State Cities Tourist Destinations to be
No visited/ audited
1 Maharashtra Mumbai, Chiplun
2 Union Territory - NIL
Daman
3 Union Territory - NIL
Silvassa
4 Union Territory- Delhi Lal Qila, Humayun Tomb
5 Union Territory- Aurobindo Ashram, Quite
Pondicherry beach
6 Gujarat Gandhinagar, Sabarmati Ashram,
Ahmedabad Akshardham
7 Madhya Pradesh Indore, Bhopal Lalbaug Palace, Bharat Bhavan,
Archeological Musuem
8 Rajasthan Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur Ranthambore Park, Hawa
Mahal/ City Palace
9 Punjab Ludhiana, Amritsar Golden Temple, Maharaja
Ranjitsingh Fort
10 Jammu & Kashmir Jammu, Srinagar Gulmarg (Gondola), Dal Lake
11 Himachal Pradesh Shimla Viceregal Lodge, Himachal
State Museum & Library.
12 Haryana Chandigarh Nek Chand Fantasy garden,
Garden of Fragrance/ Rose
13 Uttarakhand Dehradun, Haridwar Ram Rai Darbar, Mindrolling
Monastry, Har Ki Pairi Ghat,
Mansa Devi Temple
14 Uttar Pradesh Moradabad, Lucknow State Museum, Bara Imambara
15 Bihar Patna Qila House, Khuda Baksh
Library
16 Sikkim Gangtok Enchey gompa, Himalayan
Zoological Park
17 Assam Guwahati Sukreshwar Park, Umanda
Mandir
18 Meghalaya Shillong Saint Cathedral, Wards Lake
19 Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar Gaykersinyi, Nehru Museum,
Sanctuary
20 Nagaland Kohima War Cemetry, State Museum
21 Manipur Imphal Bir Tir Kendrajit Park, Govindaji
Temple, Manipur State
Museum
22 Mizoram Aizwal Salvation Army Temple, State
Musuem
8. Beyond Barriers- Incredible India
23 Tripura Agartala Ujjaynta Palace, Jaganath
Temple
24 West Bengal Cooch Behar, Kolkatta Rajbari ( Royal Palace), Science
City, Motherhouse
25 Jharkhand Ranchi Tribal Museum
26 Chhattisgarh Raipur NIL
27 Orissa Bhubhaneshwar Regional Science Centre,
Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves
28 Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad Chowmallah Palace, Ramoji
City
29 Tamil Nadu Tirupati, Chennai Tirupati temple, Vivekanand
House, Enfield Factory
30 Kerala Thiruvananthpuram Veli Tourist Park
31 Karnataka Bengaluru, Shimoga Iskon Temple, Tipu Sultan
Palace, Hal Aeropspace,
32 Goa Basilica of Bom Jesus,
Rama Fort
Arvind and Nishant will be travelling separately, by their own respective
cars. Each car will have 2 drivers and 2 care givers. Sunita and Neenu will
travel together in a rented car. They will be accompanied by 2 female care
givers.
A reputed Hotel Group which has properties in all or majority of the States
and cities and can provide accessibility will sponsor the Team stay.
Similarly, Government guest houses that are accessible will also be
approached. Furthermore, the Team will tie up with a reputed Hospital
Group and Insurance Company. Other Corporate sponsors are most
welcome!
9. Beyond Barriers- Incredible India
To keep posted all those seriously interested in their Mission The Team,
will share their experiences through daily updates that will be put on
facebook.com and twitter.com with periodic video uplink on
youtube.com
For a gigantic mission like this, a very strong Media and PR coverage is
required. The Team plans to invite the mammoth support of a popular TV
channel, Newspaper Group and Radio Station. All of them will cover and
further the effects of this ‘on-the-wheels’ campaign at a National level.
Media will play a crucial role to create and sustain social awareness. They
will also witness the challenges, and difficulties faced by the Team while
exploring the tourist destinations across the country. This will hopefully
also be an impetus for authorities who matter to take action on high
priority basis to implement the existing laws and issue orders to the
Hospitality sector to incorporate facilities for all within a certain time-
frame.
The Team plans to return by the third week of December 2011.
Thereafter, a press conference will be organised that will also showcase a
short film, reflecting the journey, highlighting the observations and
experience of the Team.
A comprehensive report will be submitted to The Prime Minister and
periodic follow-up will be conducted by VMRCD.
Now, do YOU understand why we need your support in making our
country, barrier-free for all.
So, COME, JOIN us in our achievable mission to make our India, a tourist
destination that is accessible and absolutely barrier-free.
We DEPEND on you, so JOIN US in our achievable mission to make our
India, a great tourist destination, barrier free for all.
Please visit the link below
www.facebook.com/fearlessfour
Your suggestions and support will be appreciated.
