The
National Conclave on Education and Disability Rights was organised on 28th
February and 1st March 2026 at Angel Resort and Water Amusement Park, Jaipur,
under the banner of Udaan Empowerment Trust and Radio Udaan. The two-day
national conference, titled “Purple Runway of Dreams”, witnessed participation
of more than 300 persons with disabilities, educators, innovators, policymakers
and NGO leaders from across India. The event was supported by Alimco India,
(Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) Department of Empowerment
of Persons with Disabilities, Savlon Swasth India Mission, AU Bank and Bank of
Baroda, along with partner NGOs including NFB Karnataka, Mitrajyothi, NAB
Delhi, Seven Colours Salons, Deepstambh Foundation Manobal, Smarton and Babosa
Commando Force. Xiva Collection was showcased by the participants of The beauty
Pageant. The conference featured Fashion
Show 2.0 – Purple Runway of Dreams, promoting confidence, representation and
inclusion of persons with disabilities in mainstream fashion and media. A
special stage play titled “Karvat” highlighted the challenges faced by persons
with disabilities in corporate employment and the urgent need for inclusive
workplaces. Innovators and start-ups showcased assistive technologies and inclusive
solutions aimed at making daily life easier for persons with disabilities.
Leaders from the NGO sector held open discussions on policies, grassroots
challenges and the way forward for building an inclusive ecosystem. An
inclusive game show and cultural performances by persons with disabilities
added vibrancy and inspiration to the event.
The
jury panel comprised filmmaker Madhurita Anand, Ms. Saroj Verma (Ex-Ms.
Chennai) and MS Rashmi Pareek (IICD Chief Manager project Jaipur). The Special
Guest were Ms. Manmeet Nanda, Additional Secretary, Department for the
Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and
Empowerment, Government of India. Smt. Bratati Harichandan, IAS, State
Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Odisha, Mr. Ramlal Sharma Former
MLA and BJP Rajasthan State Spokesperson; Mr. Praveen Prakash Ambashta, Deputy
CCPD, Mr. Peeyush Bardia AVP AU Small
Finance Bank; and emphasized that such programmes bring everyone together and
are extremely important for strengthening the disability sector and promoting
inclusion.
The
fashion show was hosted by Radio Udaan Founder Danish Mahajan along with Gauri
Kuber. Danish Mahajan, Founder, Radio Udaan, said:
“Purple Runway of Dreams is about changing mindsets and ensuring that talent
and confidence of persons with disabilities receive national visibility and
respect”.
Minal
Singhvi, Director, Radio Udaan, said: “This conference
connects education, employment and expression, paving the way for true social
inclusion”.
Jyoti
Malik, Program Manager, said: “Platforms like this empower the disability
community to raise their voice and claim equal opportunities”.
Fashion
Show Results
Totally
Blind – Male Category Winner – Khan Harrish Runner-up – Nibin
Mathew
Totally
Blind – Female Category Winner – Manasi Chaudhari Runner-up – Megha
Patangi
Low
Vision – Male Category Winner – Ahmad Sheikh Runner-up – Lokesh
Jain
Low
Vision – Female Category Winner – Gulshan Runner-up – Chetna
Punjabi
The
convention was successfully supported by the Radio Udaan team members Harshada
Sonkar, Rajinder Singh, Naresh Kumar, Rajeev Bhambri, Tanmay Jain, Asha Paul,
Nomita, Varun Saluja, Manpreet Kaur, Rajender Thakur, Puneet Soni, Sanjeev
Kumar, Ashish Singla, Abhay Goyal, Tanisha Agrawal and Anil Sharma, reflecting
the collective strength of Radio Udaan in advancing accessibility, dignity and
representation.
