On Monday, major landmarks in Delhi, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, South Block, and Parliament, were illuminated in red to raise awareness about dyslexia. This event was part of the nationwide ‘Act4Dyslexia campaign’ aimed at highlighting the challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities, which affect an estimated 20% of India’s population, including 35 million students.
Event Overview
The illumination of iconic government buildings and monuments across Delhi, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, North and South Blocks, Parliament, and India Gate, symbolized support for dyslexia awareness. The event was organized in collaboration with UNESCO MGIEP and the ChangeInkk Foundation.
Noopur Jhunjhunwala, co-founder and trustee of ChangeInkk Foundation, shared, “In a bold step towards spreading awareness about dyslexia, we illuminated key monuments in red, the color for dyslexia awareness.”
National Reach and Support
The campaign not only lit up Delhi but also extended to other major cities such as Patna, Ranchi, Jaipur, Kohima, Shimla, and Mumbai. This initiative aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding dyslexia and other learning disabilities, promoting greater understanding and inclusivity.
As a mother of a 16-year-old dyslexic daughter, Jhunjhunwala emphasized, “By lighting up our cities and walking together, we hope to inspire a shift towards a more inclusive society where every individual, irrespective of learning disabilities, not only survives but thrives.”
Understanding Dyslexia and Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia, often misunderstood as “slow-learner syndrome,” affects an individual’s ability to read, write, spell, and perform mathematical calculations. However, individuals with learning disabilities often excel in critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation, and logical reasoning. Remarkably, 40% of self-made millionaires have dyslexia, and many famous inventors, like Albert Einstein, were dyslexic.
ChangeInkk Foundation’s Efforts
Founded by a family of dyslexics, the ChangeInkk Foundation is dedicated to unlocking the potential of over 200 million Indians with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). The foundation is a leading non-profit organization working to promote inclusivity and provide better opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities.
Legal Recognition and Policy Support
Specific Learning Disabilities, including dyslexia, were officially recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016, which ensures equal opportunities in education and employment. Furthermore, the National Education Policy 2020 reinforces the importance of inclusive education at all levels.
Campaign Expansion and Participation
This year, the ‘Act4Dyslexia’ campaign saw tremendous growth, with over 1,600 awareness walks organized across India, including in state capitals, districts, villages, and schools. The initiative has engaged more than 4 lakh participants, who collectively took over 2 billion steps to spread awareness about dyslexia. October is officially observed as Dyslexia Awareness Month.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was the main goal of the ‘Act4Dyslexia’ campaign?
- A) To promote business opportunities for dyslexic individuals
- B) To raise awareness about dyslexia and learning disabilities
- C) To collect funds for research on dyslexia
- D) To honor inventors with dyslexia
- Which landmark buildings were illuminated to mark the campaign in Delhi?
- A) Qutub Minar, India Gate, Lotus Temple
- B) Rashtrapati Bhavan, South Block, Parliament
- C) Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun’s Tomb
- D) Akshardham Temple, India Gate, Parliament
- Which foundation organized the event in collaboration with UNESCO MGIEP?
- A) ChangeInkk Foundation
- B) Vikram Sarabhai Foundation
- C) Dyslexia India Foundation
- D) Empowerment Foundation
- What percentage of self-made millionaires are reported to have dyslexia?
- A) 10%
- B) 20%
- C) 40%
- D) 50%
- Which act officially recognized Specific Learning Disabilities, including dyslexia, in India?
- A) The Disabilities Act of 1995
- B) The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016
- C) The Equality Act of 2010
- D) The National Disability Rights Act
- How many participants were involved in the ‘Act4Dyslexia’ campaign this year?
- A) Over 1 lakh
- B) Over 2 lakh
- C) Over 4 lakh
- D) Over 6 lakh