SOORAJ: Accessibilty Awareness Ride

Riding for Rights: The Accessibility Awareness Movement

Every journey has a destination, but some journeys exist to create change. Accessibility Awareness Ride is one such mission dedicated to promoting accessibility, inclusion and equal opportunities for everyone.

Our accessibility awareness journey began with the Be Abled team. Later, we continued this mission in collaboration with Eagle Specially Abled Riders and Sangathi Foundation, travelling across different parts of India to spread awareness about accessibility and disability inclusion. These rides have shown that accessibility is not the responsibility of one individual or one organisation—it is a shared responsibility of society.

The true development of a nation is not measured by its roads and buildings alone, but by whether every person can use them independently and with dignity. Through our rides, we advocate the message of "Accessibility for All."

During our journeys, we visit government offices, public buildings, educational institutions, hospitals, bus stations, railway stations, tourist destinations and other public spaces to assess their accessibility. Whenever we identify accessibility barriers, we document them and submit complaints through the Sugamya Bharat App, official emails and direct representations to the concerned government departments and local authorities. We also follow up on these complaints until action is taken. These efforts have contributed to improvements such as ramps, accessible entrances, accessible toilets and other essential accessibility features at several locations.

Awareness is another important pillar of our mission. We conduct accessibility awareness sessions in schools, colleges, community organisations and public institutions. Educating children is one of the most effective ways to build an inclusive future. A single awareness session in one school can carry the message of accessibility into hundreds or even thousands of homes through students and their families. Today's children will become tomorrow's citizens, engineers, architects, planners, administrators and policymakers. By educating them today, we help create a more accessible society for the future.

However, accessibility awareness should not be limited to the general public. It must also reach town planners, architects, civil engineers, government officials, local self-government representatives, public works departments, urban development agencies, educational institutions and private organisations. Accessibility should become an essential part of planning and design from the very beginning, rather than being treated as an afterthought after construction is completed.

Accessibility is often misunderstood as something meant only for persons with disabilities. In reality, it benefits everyone, including pregnant women, senior citizens, parents with young children, people with temporary injuries or illnesses, and anyone facing mobility challenges. Features such as ramps, lifts, handrails, tactile pathways, accessible toilets and clear signage make public spaces safer, more convenient and more welcoming for all. Accessibility is therefore not a special provision—it is a fundamental element of Universal Design.

The Accessibility Awareness Ride is much more than a motorcycle ride. It is a movement for equality, dignity and inclusion. Every kilometre travelled represents a step towards changing attitudes. Every complaint submitted is an effort to remove barriers. Every awareness session is an investment in building a future where accessibility becomes a basic standard rather than an exception.

Our journey began with Be Anled and continued with Eagle Specially Abled Riders and Sangathi Foundation, but our vision remains the same—to build an India where every person, regardless of ability, can travel, study, work and participate in society independently and with dignity.

"Accessibility is not a privilege for a few; it is a fundamental right for everyone."

These journeys were never undertaken as adventure expeditions or personal achievements. Every kilometre travelled had a purpose. I wanted to interact with persons with disabilities, understand regional challenges, identify accessibility barriers, engage with government authorities, educate the public and demonstrate that disability should never limit one's ability to contribute meaningfully to society.

The first of these major expeditions was the Delhi–Solan–Delhi Awareness Ride, covering approximately 800 kilometres. The journey demonstrated that even as a wheelchair user, I could undertake demanding long-distance travel while spreading awareness and encouraging social responsibility.

Encouraged by the response, I later undertook the Delhi–Kargil–Delhi Highest Altitude Awareness Ride, covering approximately 2,500 kilometres. This expedition promoted disability awareness and women's empowerment while proving that physical disability need not become a barrier to determination and service. The successful completion of this challenging mission was recognised by the India Book of Records, encouraging me to continue using long-distance travel as a platform for social change.

Delhi-Kargil-Delhi Ride

Delhi–Kargil-Delhi Accessibility Awareness Ride – 2,500 KM - News reported by Kodungallur Vartha -26/10/2021

Each journey strengthened my understanding of the realities faced by persons with disabilities across India. I visited railway stations, bus terminals, government offices, hospitals, tourist destinations and public institutions, carefully observing whether accessibility standards were actually being implemented. I discovered that although legal provisions existed, many accessibility barriers continued to prevent persons with disabilities from participating fully in society. These observations strengthened my resolve to transform awareness into action and advocacy into measurable change.

The experiences I gained through these journeys convinced me that accessibility could not be achieved through awareness alone. Real change required continuous engagement with authorities, evidence-based advocacy and persistent follow-up until corrective action was taken. From that point onwards, my work evolved into a nationwide mission to bridge the gap between the legal rights guaranteed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and their implementation on the ground.

In 2024, I undertook the Delhi–Dhanushkodi –Delhi Accessibility Awareness Ride, covering approximately 6,926 kilometres across multiple States. The objective of this expedition was not merely to travel long distances but to observe accessibility in different regions, interact with persons with disabilities, meet government officials, create awareness among the public and encourage effective implementation of accessibility standards. During the journey, I visited numerous railway stations, public offices, educational institutions, tourist destinations and community spaces. These interactions helped me understand that, although accessibility had improved in several places, much remained to be done before persons with disabilities could enjoy equal participation in society.

Delhi -Dhanushkodi -Delhi Ride

Discussion with Disability commissioner, Goa

Dhanushkodi Border

Thirupathi Temple

In 2026, I further expanded this mission by successfully completing the India–Nepal–Bhutan Tri-Nation Accessibility Awareness Ride, covering nearly 12,000 kilometres over two months. This journey became one of the most significant milestones of my life. It demonstrated that disability should never limit a person's ability to travel, inspire others and contribute to society. More importantly, it enabled me to interact with persons with disabilities, organisations, students, public representatives and government officials across different regions, encouraging discussions on accessibility, inclusion and independent living. I have prepared a comprehensive report on this Accessibility Awareness Rides and the findings, recommendations, and issues identified during these journeys. The report is intended for submission to the Hon'ble President of India and the

India-Nepal-Bhutan Ride

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