With an aim to promote inclusive growth and transforming urban environments, Iytha 

Mallikarjuna among 33 individuals, institutions, and organizations were conferred with the National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on Tuesday.

This highlighted those who have made significant contribution towards inclusivity and breaking barriers. 

The awards, presented by President Droupadi Murmu on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, December 3, acknowledged exceptional contributions across fields like education, sports, arts, and social entrepreneurship. 

Iytha Mallikarjuna was recognized as the Sarvshreshth Divyangjan for his works in creating opportunities for persons with disabilities (PwDs). 

The event will also witness the gracious presence of Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, along with Ministers of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale and Shri B.L. Verma. 

Every year on 3rd December, the DEPwD recognizes confers the National Awards to honour individuals, organizations, NGOs, and State/ District/ UT administrations that have displayed exceptional commitment and achievements in the disability sector. 

The event not only celebrates the stories of struggle and success of persons with disabilities but also underscores the message of empowerment, inclusion, and equality as the pillars of true progress. 

The National Awards 2024 will be presented in two major categories with multiple subcategories:

1. National Awards for Individual Excellence Best Person with Disabilities Outstanding Persons with Disabilities Best Child with Disabilities (Male/Female) Best Individual Working for Disability Empowerment Best Rehabilitation Professional or Worker in the Disability Sector Best Research/Innovation/Product Development in Disability Empowerment 

2. National Awards for Institutional Excellence Best Institution Working for Disability Empowerment (Private Organizations, NGOs),

3.Best Employer for Persons with Disabilities (Government/PSUs/Private) Best Placement Agency for Persons with Disabilities Best State/UT/District for Implementation of Accessible India Campaign Best Accessible Transport/ICT Solutions (Private/Government) 

4.Best State/UT/District in Implementing RPWD Act and Schemes for Persons with Disabilities 

5.Best State Disability Commissioner under the RPWD Act, 2016 Best Organization for Rehabilitation Professionals Development 

Applications for the National Awards 2024 were invited via the National Awards Portal (www.awards.gov.in) from June 15 to August 15, 2024. 

The department received a remarkable 1,886 applications, comprising 1,704 in individual categories and 182 in institutional categories. 

On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar also unveiled 16 transformative initiatives aimed at enriching the lives of persons with disabilities. 

These initiatives span inclusivity, innovation, and technology, reinforcing the department’s commitment to empowerment.

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