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Beyond Barriers- Incredible India

INDEX

IntroductionVision

Mission StatementObjectives

Beyond Barriers- Incredible India

Introduction

Tourism comprises a blend of entertainment, exploration, relaxation,

cultural enrichment and education. It serves as a get away from routine

and monotony. It rejuvenates and relaxes a person when away from the

usual environment. India is one such tourist destination where culture

echoes, tradition speaks, beauty enthrals and diversity delights. It is a

vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites, misty

mountain retreats, colourful people, rich cultures and festivities.

People with Disabilities (PwDs) have the same rights as per the

constitution of the country. The Indian Constitution stresses that all should be treated equally. Then why do those with disability get no equal treatment or ‘barrier-free accessibility’, be it travel, sport or job

opportunities?

They have equal right to travel with dignity and grace and access to all tourism infrastructures. All are entitled to the freedom to travel and enjoy

the natural beauty and sights of the country. Disabled tourists, in western countries are far more independent and

travel freely because of barrier free infrastructure. PWDs from India who visit such locations can travel independently and explore many tourist destinations than our own country. This is very sad.

Studies glaringly reflect an estimated statistics that about 10% of

India’s population comprise of people with disability. Add to these senior citizens, temporarily injured, pregnant women, heart patients. Can you believe that this could make up more for than half of our entire

population? Truly shocking! Though different from each other, these groups, too, need similar infrastructure and facilities to support their mobility in day to day life and make their life more productive than what it

presently is.

What most people consider as normal circumstances, NOW CONSIDER

that which is mentioned here below with PWDs in mind: (a) Inaccessibility in transportation like buses, trains, taxis, railways,

(b) Lack of facilities in hotels, guest houses, circuit houses, resorts,

boathouses, clubs,etc.

(c) Lack of access to tourist sites like, monuments, heritage structures,

museums, tourist spots in general discourages them to venture out for

vacation. In India majority of tourism service providers do not,

understand the economic and social significance to create barrier-free

tourism. There is insufficient integration of the planning and

development of the built environment and tourism development, both

within and across countries. The current status for tourism for people

with disability is negligible.

Beyond Barriers- Incredible India

Then ‘why not PUSH it’ was what set the ball rolling for these FOUR with

farsight!

Arvind Prabhoo, Nishant Khade, Sunita Sancheti and Neenu Kewlani, all

wheelchair users who love to travel are now taking up for this cause with

vehemance and perseverance so that others, like them, too can travel

independently in comfort. These ‘Adventurous Four’, as popular author

Enid Blyton would have called them, are enterprising individuals who

inspite of their disabilities, are keen that members in society like them are

given equal opportunity when it comes to travelling and tourism. They

decided to vehemently take up this important issue of Tourism for PWDs

as they have personally experienced challenges and issues faced by PWDs

(People with Disabilities (PwDs).

They shall carry out a campaign under the aegis of Vijay Merchant

Rehabilitation Centre For The Disabled (VMRCD)

Vijay Merchant Rehabilitation Centre For The Disabled (VMRCD)

established in 1988 by philanthropist, late Shri Vijay Merchant, is a

charitable trust registered with the Charity Commissioner, Maharashtra, in

April 1988 and Income Tax Department Trust Cell having an IT exemption

certificate under section 80G of the Income Tax Act.

By making one or two places of tourist interest accessible for PWDs in

each state, VMRCD firmly believes in seeing our country barrier free, a

tourist destination for all.

Vision

VMRCD firmly believes in seeing India, our beautiful country, barrier free,

a tourist destination for all and truly treat ALL as equal.

Mission Statement

Around INDIA in 80 days. To travel across India, visit 28 state capital and

40 cities covering approx 16000 kms in 81 days, for hands on experience

and assessment of accessibility across the entire country.

Beyond Barriers- Incredible India

Objectives

ü The team to travel across the country by road. Visit 28 states and 40

cities covering approx 16000 kms in 81 days.

ü To visit at least 2 tourist destinations in each state and conduct an access

audit. To do so in collaboration with a local NGO working in the disability

sector and State Tourism Department.

ü To meet Chief Minister and Disability Commissioner of every state and

brief them about barrier free tourism. Barrier Free Tourism a MUST on

their PRIORITY AGENDA.

ü Submit the access audit report and other observations to the State

Tourism Board, Chief Minister, Disability Commissioner and Indian

Tourism Department Corporation (ITDC)

ü To encourage Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to replicate the Access 4 All

model of car rental service for PWDs.

ü To network with other NGOs, active groups and govt agencies working in

the disability sector. Sensitize them and promote the importance and

need of Barrier Free Tourism for All.

Meet Our Four Adventurers

Beyond Barriers- Incredible India

The team will take off on 28th September 2011, by road. The team has

chalked out a suitable travel plan. The states and cities have been

earmarked. The midway points between each state has been identified.

The team will visit following states

Sl.

No

State Cities Tourist Destinations to be

visited/ audited

1 Maharashtra Mumbai, Chiplun

2 Union Territory - Daman

NIL

3 Union Territory - Silvassa

NIL

4 Union Territory- Delhi Lal Qila, Humayun Tomb

5 Union Territory-

Pondicherry

Aurobindo Ashram, Quite

beach

6 Gujarat Gandhinagar,

Ahmedabad

Sabarmati Ashram,

Akshardham

7 Madhya Pradesh Indore, Bhopal Lalbaug Palace, Bharat Bhavan,

Archeological Musuem

8 Rajasthan Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur Ranthambore Park, Hawa

Mahal/ City Palace

9 Punjab Ludhiana, Amritsar Golden Temple, Maharaja Ranjitsingh Fort

10 Jammu & Kashmir Jammu, Srinagar Gulmarg (Gondola), Dal Lake

11 Himachal Pradesh Shimla Viceregal Lodge, Himachal State Museum & Library.

12 Haryana Chandigarh Nek Chand Fantasy garden,

Garden of Fragrance/ Rose

13 Uttarakhand Dehradun, Haridwar Ram Rai Darbar, Mindrolling

Monastry, Har Ki Pairi Ghat,

Mansa Devi Temple

14 Uttar Pradesh Moradabad, Lucknow State Museum, Bara Imambara

15 Bihar Patna Qila House, Khuda Baksh

Library

16 Sikkim Gangtok Enchey gompa, Himalayan Zoological Park

17 Assam Guwahati Sukreshwar Park, Umanda Mandir

18 Meghalaya Shillong Saint Cathedral, Wards Lake

19 Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar Gaykersinyi, Nehru Museum, Sanctuary

20 Nagaland Kohima War Cemetry, State Museum

21 Manipur Imphal Bir Tir Kendrajit Park, Govindaji Temple, Manipur State

Museum

22 Mizoram Aizwal Salvation Army Temple, State

Musuem

23 Tripura Agartala Ujjaynta Palace, Jaganath

Temple

24 West Bengal Cooch Behar, Kolkatta Rajbari ( Royal Palace), Science City, Motherhouse

25 Jharkhand Ranchi Tribal Museum 26 Chhattisgarh Raipur NIL 27 Orissa Bhubhaneshwar Regional Science Centre,

Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves

28 Andhra Pradesh Hyderabad Chowmallah Palace, Ramoji City

29 Tamil Nadu Tirupati, Chennai Tirupati temple, Vivekanand

House, Enfield Factory

30 Kerala Thiruvananthpuram Veli Tourist Park

31 Karnataka Bengaluru, Shimoga Iskon Temple, Tipu Sultan Palace, Hal Aeropspace,

32 Goa Basilica of Bom Jesus, Rama Fort

Arvind and Nishant will be travelling separately, by their own respective

cars. Each car will have 2 drivers and 2 care givers. Sunita and Neenu will

travel together in a rented car. They will be accompanied by 2 female care

givers.

A reputed Hotel Group which has properties in all or majority of the States

and cities and can provide accessibility will sponsor the Team stay.

Similarly, Government guest houses that are accessible will also be

approached. Furthermore, the Team will tie up with a reputed Hospital

Group and Insurance Company. Other Corporate sponsors are most

welcome!

Beyond Barriers- Incredible India

Beyond Barriers- Incredible India

To keep posted all those seriously interested in their Mission The Team,

will share their experiences through daily updates that will be put on

facebook.com and twitter.com with periodic video uplink on

youtube.com

For a gigantic mission like this, a very strong Media and PR coverage is

required. The Team plans to invite the mammoth support of a popular TV

channel, Newspaper Group and Radio Station. All of them will cover and

further the effects of this ‘on-the-wheels’ campaign at a National level.

Media will play a crucial role to create and sustain social awareness. They

will also witness the challenges, and difficulties faced by the Team while

exploring the tourist destinations across the country. This will hopefully

also be an impetus for authorities who matter to take action on high

priority basis to implement the existing laws and issue orders to the

Hospitality sector to incorporate facilities for all within a certain time-

frame.

The Team plans to return by the third week of December 2011.

Thereafter, a press conference will be organised that will also showcase a

short film, reflecting the journey, highlighting the observations and

experience of the Team.

A comprehensive report will be submitted to The Prime Minister and

periodic follow-up will be conducted by VMRCD.

Now, do YOU understand why we need your support in making our

country, barrier-free for all.

So, COME, JOIN us in our achievable mission to make our India, a tourist

destination that is accessible and absolutely barrier-free.

We DEPEND on you, so JOIN US in our achievable mission to make our

India, a great tourist destination, barrier free for all.

Please visit the link below

www.facebook.com/fearlessfour

Your suggestions and support will be appreciated.

Registered Office

B/7 Sunder Dham, Rambaug Lane, Off. S.V, Borivili (W), Mumbai - 400 092.

Phone No : 26166755

email: beyondbarriers@vmrcd.org website : www.vmrcd.org

Head Office

Praboo Ghar, 26, Hanuman Cross Rd. No. 2, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai - 400 057.