Hyundai's "Samarth" Initiative Marks 1st Anniversary, Promoting Inclusivity For Specially- Abled (Image:Hyundai)
Hyundai India in partnership with NDTV’s “Samarth” initiative has completed its first year marking a milestone in promoting inclusivity for people with disabilities as they celebrate its anniversary today (October 18 2024). The initiative was launched in 2023 in the presence of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as it aims to provide equal opportunities and accessibility to the specially-abled community.
As a part of this ‘Samarth By Hyundai‘, the company launched car accessories like swivel seats (manual and powered) in one year to make travel more accessible for people with disabilities. Additionally, most of its showrooms have been made wheelchair-friendly to ensure a barrier-free experience for the specially-abled ones. The initiative has also supported 7 Paralympians and 20 para-athletes through financial aid, sports guidance, assistive devices and mentorship to excel in their respective sports. Also, The ‘Samarth Hero Awards’ have been introduced to recognise individuals and organisations promoting inclusivity and empowering differently-abled people.
Hyundai stated that the programme aims to support people with disabilities with assistive mobility devices across India focusing on physical, visual, spinal cord injury, speech and hearing impairments. Hyundai has distributed 72 assistive devices with plans to deliver 684 devices in three years.
Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, of Hyundai Motor India Limited, speaking at the anniversary event said, “At Hyundai, we believe in making a meaningful impact beyond mobility. ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ is a testament to our commitment to creating a more inclusive society and finding agricultural solutions for farmers and also pondering on rural development.”
Tarun Garg, Whole Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, added, “We began our journey to build an inclusive society last November. We’ve raised awareness, built partnerships and created moments of accessibility. This is just the beginning.”
Jayant Chaudhary, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship praised the initiative, saying, “Hyundai-NDTV partnership is high-impact. India must continue working towards becoming an inclusive society.” Also, Several education experts joined the grand culmination of Samarth by Hyundai and discussed the quality of education and facilities for differently-abled children.
If every corporation and every individual in India starts to think about these very important concerns, India will change – Jayant Chaudhary, Minister for State, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Join in for the grand culmination of Season 1 of Samarth by Hyundai. SAMARTH BY… pic.twitter.com/pcLK6Z4Cxn
— 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐚 (@Unique__Ladka) October 18, 2024
What Is Samarth Initiative?
According to Hyundai, Samarth is an initiative towards creating a more aware and inclusive society for people with disabilities in India and with technology, partnerships, product innovations and storytelling Samarth aims to provide equal opportunities. Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) the CSR arm of Hyundai has also partnered with NGOs like GoSports Foundation and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled to provide holistic support to para-athletes and blind cricket players.
(To know more and apply as a beneficiary of the programme, visit: https://samarthanam.org/samarth-assistive-devices/)
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