Caritas India Seeks Donations to Promote Dignity and Equality for Persons with Disabilities

Campaign appeals for solidarity to empower 10,000 people through care, support and inclusion

NEW DELHI (Indian Catholic News) — Caritas India has launched an urgent appeal for donations under its disability-focused campaign, Chetana, which seeks to promote dignity, rights and equality for persons with disabilities across the country.

In its new fundraising appeal for Chetana, meaning “Journey of Hope”, the Catholic humanitarian organisation said the campaign aims to “raise awareness, break stigma, and empower individuals through inclusivity.” The initiative envisions “a society where every person, regardless of ability can live with respect and independence.”

Through this “Disability Campaign for dignity, rights and equality for persons with disabilities,” Caritas India hopes to build a society where no one is left behind. “By removing these barriers, we can unlock the immense potential of individuals who have so much to contribute to our communities and the world at large,” the appeal said.

The appeal notes that around 26.8 million people in India were reported to have disabilities, according to the 2011 Census — representing 2.21% of the total population. “People with disabilities face vulnerability due to numerous barriers — attitudinal, physical, and financial,” Caritas India said in its appeal published on its official website caritasindia.org. “These obstacles are not inevitable; they are within our power to address, and we have a moral responsibility to do so.”

Caritas India is calling on individuals, institutions and corporate partners to “be the reason for someone’s smile today” and help transform lives through “love, dignity and service.” The organisation said contributions will go towards supporting 10,000 persons and children with disabilities with early identification and prevention, care and support, assistive devices, and livelihood opportunities.

“Your donation is not just ‘charity’ — it’s solidarity,” the appeal stated. “Together, let’s bring dignity, justice and hope to every human life who is in need. Let’s turn empathy into action.”

Caritas India, established in 1962, said it has “reached and supported the most excluded and marginalised communities irrespective of caste, gender, ethnicity and religion through a network of over 200 organisations across the country.” The organisation has contributed to nation-building over six decades and is part of the second-largest humanitarian network in the world.

Its work spans a wide range of areas, including humanitarian aid, disaster risk reduction, livelihood security, climate change adaptation, peacebuilding, good governance, healthcare and community-based rehabilitation.

The organisation emphasised that “your gift, big or small, helps us reach those who are underprivileged and create real, impactful and lasting change.”

Caritas India is urging donors to “make a difference today” by contributing to this nationwide initiative to empower persons with disabilities and restore their dignity.