Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s scientific vision and Dr. Manmohan Singh’s policies: Advancing disability inclusion…….by Dr. V.J.S. Vohra
The period from 2004 to 2007, when Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam served as President and Dr. Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister, brought scientific aspiration and disability inclusion into the broader conversation on India’s development.
Dr. Kalam, a distinguished scientist who inspired millions, consistently emphasised the role of science and technology in improving human lives. His advocacy for lightweight artificial limbs and orthoses demonstrated how advances in materials and engineering could make assistive devices more practical and improve mobility for persons with disabilities.
His message was clear: disability should not prevent anyone from pursuing education, employment or an independent life. Technology, when combined with professional rehabilitation and compassionate care, can help people overcome barriers and participate more fully in society.
The government led by Dr. Manmohan Singh also advanced the policy framework for disability inclusion. The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities, 2006, recognised persons with disabilities as a valuable human resource and highlighted the importance of equal opportunities, education, employment, rehabilitation and participation in public life.
India’s engagement with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities further strengthened this commitment. India signed the convention in March 2007 and ratified it in October 2007, during Dr. Singh’s premiership.
These developments took place against a wider backdrop of economic growth, expanding international engagement and advances in information technology and scientific research. Yet economic progress did not automatically translate into equal access to essential services. Poverty, inadequate rehabilitation facilities and the high cost or limited availability of assistive devices continued to affect many persons with disabilities, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.
Rehabilitation Is More Than a Medical Intervention
From the perspective of prosthetic and orthotic rehabilitation, inclusion must extend beyond policy declarations. An artificial limb is not merely a medical device; it can be an essential part of a person’s rehabilitation journey.
A properly designed, fabricated and fitted prosthesis can help restore mobility, support livelihood opportunities and improve independence. Orthoses, wheelchairs, hearing aids and other assistive devices can similarly help people access education, employment and community life.
However, the benefits depend on more than the device itself. Professional assessment, appropriate fitting, training, follow-up care and maintenance are integral to effective rehabilitation. Without these services, even a well-designed assistive device may fail to meet a person’s needs.
Affordability and accessibility therefore remain central concerns. People living in rural and underserved areas may face additional barriers in reaching rehabilitation centres or accessing qualified professionals. For low-income families, the cost of devices, travel and continuing care can make rehabilitation difficult to sustain.
A truly inclusive approach must address these barriers through accessible services, affordable technology, trained rehabilitation professionals and targeted support for those who need it most.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
The significance of the Kalam–Manmohan Singh period lies in the attention given to both technological possibilities and the policy foundations of disability inclusion. Dr. Kalam brought public visibility to the potential of science and engineering in rehabilitation, while the government’s policy measures and international commitments helped strengthen the framework for disability rights.
The challenge is to translate these principles into consistent outcomes. This requires investment in prosthetic and orthotic services, wider access to assistive technology, stronger rehabilitation infrastructure and support systems that enable persons with disabilities to participate fully in society.
India’s development cannot be assessed through economic indicators alone. It must also be judged by whether people can access the resources and opportunities needed to live independently and with dignity.
The enduring lesson of this period is that scientific innovation and public policy must work together. When technology is accessible, rehabilitation is comprehensive and equal opportunity is treated as a public responsibility, persons with disabilities are better placed to shape their own futures.
Inclusive development means ensuring that mobility, independence and dignity are not privileges determined by income or geography, but opportunities available to every citizen.
October 13, 2026
-
-
Dr. V.J.S. Vohra, Founder & CEO Nevedac Prosthetic Clinic
http://www.nevedac.com/
Disclaimer : The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the writer/author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of Babushahi.com or Tirchhi Nazar Media. Babushahi.com or Tirchhi Nazar Media does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.