New Delhi:  The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), in collaboration with LTIMindtree [NSE: LTIM, BSE: 540005], a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, has announced the commencement of nominations for the prestigious NCPEDP-LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards for 2023. With a history spanning 24 remarkable years, these awards stand as a beacon of inspiration, celebrating those who champion equal employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in India.

Nominations for these prestigious awards are now open and will be accepted until the 20th of October 2023. The NCPEDP–LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards recognize and honour individuals, organizations, and entrepreneurs who have demonstrated unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions towards the cause of disability-inclusive employment and leadership.

The inception of the Helen Keller Awards in 1999 was a response to the startling revelation in a survey done by NCPEDP that less than only 1 percent of disabled people were employed in both public and private sectors in India. Since then, these awards have consistently steered the path forward, creating role models and celebrating exceptional achievements in the realm of persons with disability employment. 

Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP, underscores the pressing need for these awards, stating, “The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the challenges of employment for the disabled. The NCPEDP–LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards are an earnest endeavour to foster inclusivity and self-reliance of disabled people in India. By providing reasonable accommodations, organizations can cultivate an inclusive workforce culture that transcends disability-based discrimination.”

“LTIMindtree is proud to partner with NCPEDP in recognizing the remarkable contributions of individuals and organizations dedicated to advancing disability-inclusive employment in India. These awards reflect our shared commitment to creating a more inclusive society and workforce. We encourage all eligible nominees to come forth and join us in making a difference,” said, Paneesh Rao, Chief Sustainability Officer, LTIMindtree.

The NCPEDP–LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards 2023 are accepting nominations in the following categories:

Category A: Role Model Persons with Disabilities: Persons with Disabilities from within the disability sector and outside who have been active ambassadors of the cause of employment for people with disabilities and are positive role models for others. Each year, three individuals from across the nation are awarded in this particular category.

Category B: Role Model Supporter of Increased Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities: Individuals from within the disability sector or outside who have contributed substantially to the cause of promoting employment opportunities for people with disabilities over an extended period of time. In this category also each year, three individuals receive the award.

Category C: Role Model Companies/NGOs/Institutions: Organisations from the disability sector or outside who have shown their commitment towards promoting equal employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Annually, accolades in this category are distributed to four individuals spanning the entire nation.

Role Model Entrepreneurs with Disabilities: Entrepreneurs with disabilities who have managed to set up businesses and sustained them over a period of time. The efforts of these individuals have positively impacted not only their lives but also the lives of others involved. This category was added in 2021 and three awards are given under this category, across the country.

If you or someone you know falls into any of these categories, seize this opportunity to nominate and shine a spotlight on their exceptional efforts. To submit nominations and for more information, please visit here.