Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan took an unusual step on Thursday morning by travelling in a Palle Velugu bus from Mangalagiri to Penumaka, choosing to experience public transport as an ordinary citizen rather than in his official capacity. The visit, he said, was aimed at listening directly to people, especially Divyang passengers, and understanding their daily challenges.
During the journey, Pawan Kalyan interacted with several Divyang men and women who were heading to work, markets, and other routine activities. He described the conversations as simple, honest, and filled with quiet strength. One interaction, however, left a lasting impression on him. A young student from JNTU, preparing to become a special educator, spoke about economist Amartya Sen’s “Double Handicap” concept, explaining how persons with disabilities often face higher financial burdens just to lead a normal life.
The student told him that the “Divyanga Shakti” policy is not just about reducing expenses but about enabling people with disabilities to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation. Pawan Kalyan said the young man’s perspective was deeply inspiring, as he was not only overcoming his own challenges but also preparing to support others.
Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, Pawan Kalyan stated that Divyanga Shakti is not merely a transport scheme but a step towards dignity and independence. He emphasized that the ability to travel without hesitation is a basic yet powerful aspect of inclusion, allowing individuals to participate actively in daily life.
He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision of an inclusive India and to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for implementing such initiatives at the grassroots level. According to him, while more work remains, the experience reinforced the importance of policies that directly impact people’s lives.
The Divyanga Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel to persons with disabilities in Andhra Pradesh, is being seen as a significant move towards social inclusion and empowerment.
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