APD and IIM Bangalore Mark a Decade of the RPwD Act with the Launch of a Landmark Resource Book on Accessibility
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India – On February 20, 2026, the Association of People with Disability (APD), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), held a significant event titled Purple Manthan: Decade of Disability Inclusion. This event commemorated the tenth anniversary of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. More than just a celebration, Purple Manthan served as a strategic platform to evaluate the progress made in the realm of disability inclusion.
Reflecting on Progress
The central theme of the conclave revolved around a critical inquiry: Have we moved from rights on paper to inclusion in practice? This question underscores the ongoing challenges in translating legal rights into tangible outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Launch of the Resource Book
At the heart of the event was the launch of APD’s Resource Book on Accessibility in Educational Institutions. This pioneering guide aims to assist educational institutions—ranging from schools to universities—in integrating accessibility into their infrastructure, digital platforms, pedagogical methods, and campus life.
Content and Purpose of the Resource Book
The resource book encapsulates over a decade of APD’s practical experience, policy engagement, and collaborations with various institutions. It is designed to provide actionable frameworks, checklists, and design pathways that enable educational institutions to convert statutory mandates into measurable, everyday practices.
Insights from Keynote Speakers
During the launch, Mrs. Manmeet Nanda, Additional Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), emphasized the importance of consistent and thoughtful implementation of the RPwD Act. She stated, “The RPwD Act laid the legal foundation for accessibility, but its true impact depends on how consistently and thoughtfully it is implemented on the ground. This resource book is a timely and valuable contribution, offering institutions a clear, practical roadmap to translate policy into everyday practice.”
Dr. N. S. Senthil Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of APD, added, “A decade after the RPwD Act, we must shift the conversation from compliance to commitment. Inclusion cannot remain a checklist; it must become a design principle. Through this Resource Book, APD seeks to equip institutions not just to meet legal standards but to reimagine learning spaces where accessibility is foundational, not an afterthought.”
Key Discussions at Purple Manthan 2026
Purple Manthan 2026 featured a series of high-level discussions focusing on policy, practice, and innovation. The event placed a strong emphasis on translating rights into real-world outcomes. Three thematic sessions were conducted, focusing on:
- Livelihoods
- Accessibility
- Governance & Data
Accessibility-Focused Session
APD led the session on accessibility, moderated by Dr. Bhumika Modh, Head of Policy Advocacy and Collaborations at APD. This session examined the transition from legal mandates to mainstream implementation. Discussions centered on how inclusive design, community-based approaches, and technological innovations can collectively create enabling environments for participation in both physical and digital spaces.
The Manthan: A Call to Action
The conclave concluded with The Manthan, an interactive strategy articulation session led by Professor Anil Suraj of IIM Bangalore. This session aimed to consolidate insights from various sectors into forward-looking recommendations for the next decade. The focus was on fostering accountability, collaboration, and measurable change in the field of disability inclusion.
Conclusion
The launch of the Resource Book on Accessibility in Educational Institutions marks a significant step towards enhancing the inclusivity of educational environments in India. By providing practical tools and frameworks, APD and IIM Bangalore are leading the charge to ensure that the rights enshrined in the RPwD Act are not merely theoretical but are actively realized in everyday practice.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on a press release and reflects the events and insights shared during the Purple Manthan event.
