On the evening of October 29, India’s famous landmarks, including Rashtrapati Bhawan, North and South Block, along with several historical monuments and official buildings across the nation, were illuminated in a striking shade of red. This visual spectacle served a noble purpose—to spread awareness about dyslexia. This heartwarming initiative was reported by ANI and was carried out in alignment with the International Dyslexia Awareness Month, observed every year in October. The theme for this year was ‘Go Red.’
#WATCH | Rashtrapati Bhavan, North Block and South Block are lit in Red as part of the 'Go Red Campaign' for Dyslexia Awareness Month.
(Source: Noopur Jhunjhunwala, Co-founder and Trustee, Changeinkk Foundation) (29.10) pic.twitter.com/O0hfVZxANp
— ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023
The ‘Go Red’ theme highlights the need to eliminate discrimination, raise public awareness, and eradicate the stigma associated with dyslexia and other learning disorders. Dyslexia, a neurological condition that affects reading and writing, often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood. This initiative aims to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia and promote understanding and support for them.
As part of the awareness campaign, a ‘Walk4Dyslexia’ event was co-organized by several organizations, including the Changeinkk Foundation, UNESCO MGEIP, Orkids Foundation, and Soch Foundation. This event took place on October 28 at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, and it was a part of a country-wide campaign to raise awareness about dyslexia.
The ‘Walk4Dyslexia’ event saw active participation from over 300 individuals who came from different age groups and diverse backgrounds. Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Rajesh Aggarwal, and Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, Sanjay Kumar, inaugurated the Walk. This event not only promoted awareness but also reinforced the government’s commitment to celebrating diversity.
Rajesh Aggarwal expressed his happiness at walking alongside bright children and other participants during the ‘Walk4Dyslexia’ event. He highlighted the significance of recognizing dyslexia as a disability since 2016 and emphasized the importance of being sensitive and aware of the issues surrounding dyslexia. His message underscored the need to ensure that all children and adults have the best possible opportunities, irrespective of their learning differences.
Sanjay Kumar, in his statement, addressed the misconception that common is normal. He stated, “We are here to celebrate diversity, and we are all One for inclusion.” His words resonated with the spirit of the event, which aimed to embrace and support individuals with dyslexia, highlighting the diversity of human abilities.
The ‘Walk4Dyslexia’ event was not confined to New Delhi alone; it was part of a nationwide movement. More than 50 organizations came together to organize similar events in over 21 locations across India, including Delhi, Orissa, Jharkhand, Mumbai, Kohima, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Kolkata, Jaipur, Bhopal, and Chennai. This widespread participation showcased the growing momentum in raising awareness about dyslexia and promoting inclusivity.
Noopur Jhunjhunwala, the Founder of ChangeInkk Foundation, shared her personal connection to the cause, being a parent of a dyslexic child. She expressed her heartwarming feelings about witnessing the increasing awareness and support for dyslexia each year. She emphasized that the Speak4Dyslexia movement was no longer on the fringes of special education, but a growing force advocating for understanding and acceptance of dyslexia.
