More than 30 people with various disabilities from India, Nepal and Bangladesh joined together in Hyderabad, India to participate in a workshop on the right to work. During day one participants learned about the un/underemployment of people with disabilities across the region. Participants engaged in discussions about the concepts and principle of human rights.

Chief guest, Professor M. Kodandaram, alongside Dr. Marcia Rioux from DRPI and Pavan Muntha of Swadhikaar welcomed participants at today’s opening ceremonies. Professor Kodandaram is an educator and political activist in India. He is also the chairman of the Telangana Non-Political Joint Action Committee, which is formed for fighting for a separate Telangana State. He is a professor in Political Science from Osmania University.

Professor Kodandaram gave a brief history of the disability rights movement in India and described the recent state separatist movement (Telagana movement). Professor Kodandaram shared his experiences as a rights activist in India and Andhra Pradesh. He also talked about the value and challenges of democratization. According to Professor Kodandaram,

“Rights are not sanctioned, one must fight for their rights. Social and economic rights, like the right to employment are crucial for the implementation for securing civil and political rights.”