“Divyang” or “Persons With Disabilities” Divyang or not Divyang this is the question

In Mann Ki Baat radio program, on 27 December 2015, the Indian Prime Minister said that instead of viklang, a new word divyang should be used to refer to persons with disabilities. Learn the meaning, connotation and problems with this word……. This new connotation of the word is totally unacceptable.

What are the right terminologies for referring to people with disabilities?

The newest terminology is the term “Divyang” in Hindi (meaning devine organ). Not just outside disability sector, but also within the sector. You may have heard statements “do not look at disability look at ability”. What they actually mean is do not look at impairment but look at their skills.

On the other hand, the disability movement nationally and internationally feel disability or persons with disability is the right terminology.

Why is that so?

Negative Cultural Stereotype

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says he will not let UP become ‘divyang’. He just reinforced a disability stereotype.

Has the re-christening of people with disability as ‘divyang’ helped people with disabilities and how they are treated and perceived in India?

On the eve of the Uttar Pradesh Investors Summit, CM Yogi Adityanath spoke on a wide variety of issues ranging from the growth of the state to his government’s priorities.

On being asked about the modernisation of UP under his regime, Yogi said, “Hum UP ko divyang nahi banne denge (We will not allow UP to become disabled). Sabka vikas karenge (We will work for the development of all) but there will be no appeasement.”

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