SRCC's Echoes Event Champions Disability Inclusion Through Art and Innovation
On Thursday, the atmosphere at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in New Delhi transformed from its usual academic bustle into a vibrant hub of creativity and conversation. Students gathered not for lectures, but to fold purple chart paper into origami flowers—small yet powerful symbols representing a broader vision of inclusion and accessibility.
A Day-Long Program Focused on Experience and Interaction
This activity was part of Echoes, a comprehensive day-long program meticulously designed to raise awareness about disability inclusion and celebrate diverse abilities. Organized jointly by Enactus SRCC and an association for disabled people, the event brought together a diverse audience including students, educators, para-athletes, policymakers, and community professionals on the college campus.
"Inclusion often remains a discussion limited to classrooms or policy papers. We wanted to create a space where people could experience it through art, fashion, sport, and dialogue," explained a student organizer from the Enactus SRCC team. "Every activity was designed to make participants interact, not just observe."
Addressing Barriers for India's Disability Community
The initiative is particularly significant given the backdrop of an estimated 63 million people with disabilities in India, who continue to face substantial barriers to accessibility and opportunity. Through a rich array of activities—including speaker sessions, school skits, wheelchair dance performances, and a talent showcase—the organizers aimed to shift the conversation from mere sympathy to active participation and empowerment.
Project Aavaran: Adaptive Footwear and Apparel Innovation
A key highlight of the program was Project Aavaran, a pioneering student-led initiative that has developed adaptive footwear and apparel. This project grew out of extensive research conducted with over 1,000 individuals with mobility impairments. What began as a classroom idea has since evolved into a venture positively impacting over 120 lives across multiple disability groups.
"Our surveys showed that accessibility is not only about function but also dignity and style. People didn't want medical-looking products. They wanted something fashionable and easy to use. That insight shaped Aavaran," the student organizer emphasized.
The showcase featured mobility-impaired para-athletes walking the runway in the adaptive apparel. The innovative designs included zipper-fastened shoes with memory foam insoles and flexible construction, developed with valuable inputs from leading design institutions.
Expert Insights and Celebrated Guests
The event also featured keynote addresses and a panel discussion led by experts and community leaders. Chief guest Jitendra Sharma, Director at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities, was joined by special guest and para-athlete Sachin Chamaria, along with other notable athletes such as Munna Khalid, Narayan Thakur, Deepak, and Manisha.
Art, Performance, and a Centenary Milestone
Further enriching the program were an art competition for differently-abled children and performances that highlighted creative expression and accessibility in the arts. Organizers noted that the event marked an important milestone during SRCC's centenary year, reflecting how student-led initiatives are increasingly linking entrepreneurship with meaningful social impact.
The campus welcomed visitors from various schools, NGOs, startups, and government bodies, fostering a collaborative environment dedicated to advancing disability inclusion through innovative and empathetic approaches.
