New Delhi: “We need to normalise differences and maximise value in every individual”. This is the first step to inclusion according to Shanti Raghavan, disability rights advocate and founder of EnAble India.
Amidst conversations about artificial intelligence and global economies at the ongoing World Economic Forum, Davos, Shanti stood out with her perspective on inclusion and individuals becoming purple- aware.

As one of the first disability rights advocates at the forum, Shanti descriptively speaks about the economic empowerment of people with disabilities through the concept of the purple economy – a roadmap for disability inclusion.

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One of the most inspiring examples she shared is the success of ‘Purple Rides,’ an initiative designed to make travel inclusive and accessible for people with mobility and visual impairment and deaf individuals. Launched by Enable India in collaboration with Namma Yathri in Bengaluru in 2023, the auto and cab drivers are trained to assist passengers with disabilities under this initiative. For Shanti, this is a testament to how technology and awareness can seamlessly blend to create economic opportunities while keeping inclusion at the core. Speaking with NDTV, Shanti said,

“I can tell you the drivers of the city feel proud of being part of Purple Rides. In one year, more than 2 lakh drivers have gained knowledge about different types of disability and how to assist each individual.”

She believes that time has come to view disability through a similar lens, where businesses, technology, and innovation converge to empower people with disabilities, and Purple Rides was a stepping stone towards it.

Empowerment starts from being aware about the issue, Shanti added. Creating awareness about disabilities is a pivotal step. And this is what Samarth by Hyundai, in partnership with NDTV is focused on. The EnAble India founder said,

“Samarth plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.”

By highlighting stories and issues related to disability, the initiative is fostering important discussions, she said.

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At Davos, Shanti spoke at the launch of the initiative, YesCities, a step towards transforming urban areas. She added,

“This initiative will have inclusion at its heart and that’s where EnAble India will step in!”

Another initiative she highlighted was ‘IncludeAbility,’ a competency framework designed by EnAble India with the aim to normalise differences. The essence of the framework lies in viewing people with disabilities as a reservoir of strengths and solutions, rather than a challenge.

Her vision is clear: see the person, not just the disability. She said,

“When I meet someone, I want to connect with their passions, their strengths.”

In doing so, Shanti challenges businesses and individuals to unlock the potential of persons with disabilities, making inclusion not just a moral obligation but a business imperative.

Shanti Raghavan’s voice at Davos is a call to action – one that redefines inclusion as a pathway to empowerment of people with disabilities.

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