APD, IIM Bangalore mark 10 years of RPwD Act with resource book
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India – On February 20, 2026, The Association of People with Disability (APD), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB), commemorated the tenth anniversary of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The event, titled Purple Manthan: Decade of Disability Inclusion – Reflecting on the RPwD Act 2016, served as a strategic stock-taking initiative to assess the progress made in the realm of disability rights and inclusion.
Purpose of the Event
Rather than merely celebrating a milestone, Purple Manthan aimed to critically evaluate the question: Have we moved from rights on paper to inclusion in practice? This inquiry is essential for understanding the effectiveness of the RPwD Act and its implementation in real-world scenarios.
Launch of the Resource Book
At the heart of the conclave was the launch of APD’s Resource Book on Accessibility in Educational Institutions. This pioneering guide is designed to assist schools, colleges, and universities in embedding accessibility across various dimensions, including:
- Infrastructure
- Digital systems
- Pedagogy
- Campus life
Developed through over a decade of APD’s on-ground implementation experience, policy engagement, and institutional partnerships, the resource book provides actionable frameworks, checklists, and design pathways. Its goal is to help educational institutions translate statutory mandates into measurable, everyday inclusion.
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 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.” She described the resource book as a timely and valuable contribution that offers institutions a clear, practical roadmap for translating policy into everyday practice.
Dr. N. S. Senthil Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of APD, echoed this sentiment, stating, “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.” He highlighted that the Resource Book aims to equip institutions to not only meet legal standards but also to reimagine learning spaces where accessibility is foundational.
Thematic Discussions at Purple Manthan
Purple Manthan 2026 featured high-level discussions on policy, practice, and innovation, focusing on the translation of rights into real-world outcomes. The event included three thematic sessions:
- Livelihoods
- Accessibility
- Governance & Data
These sessions explored the structural and intersectional barriers that continue to limit full participation of persons with disabilities in society. The accessibility-focused session was anchored by APD and moderated by Dr. Bhumika Modh, Head of Policy Advocacy and Collaborations at APD. This session examined the transition from legal mandates to mainstream implementation.
Strategies for Inclusive Design
During the discussions, participants explored how inclusive design, community-based approaches, and technological innovations can collectively create enabling environments for participation across both physical and digital spaces. The emphasis was placed on actionable strategies that institutions can adopt to foster a more inclusive atmosphere.
Conclusion of the Conclave
The conclave concluded with an interactive strategy articulation session known as The Manthan, led by Prof. Anil Suraj of IIM Bangalore. This session aimed to consolidate cross-sector insights into forward-looking recommendations for the next decade of disability inclusion in India.
Looking Forward
As we reflect on the last ten years since the enactment of the RPwD Act, it is clear that while significant strides have been made, much work remains to be done. The launch of the Resource Book and the discussions at Purple Manthan serve as a call to action for all stakeholders to commit to genuine inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
In conclusion, the collaboration between APD and IIM Bangalore marks a significant step towards bridging the gap between legislation and lived experience. By fostering accountability, collaboration, and measurable change, we can work towards a future where accessibility is not just an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of education and society.
Note: This article is based on the information provided by APD and IIM Bangalore regarding the Purple Manthan event and the launch of the Resource Book on Accessibility.
