The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Traditional Medicine (ICMR-NITM) recently hosted a two-day intensive training program in Belagavi, focusing on the crucial topic of Accessibility Standards.
This specialized program was designed for key personnel, including nodal officers, engineers, and administrative and accounts officers from various ICMR Institutes nationwide. Its primary goal was to enhance institutional capabilities in implementing universal accessibility and inclusive design principles across research and administrative facilities.
Leading experts contributed to the sessions, with speakers from IIT Roorkee, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the Quality Council of India (QCI), IGNOU, NCPEDP, Planet Abled, and Youth4Jobs. They provided technical insights and practical demonstrations on accessibility codes, universal design principles, and optimal strategies for creating inclusive infrastructure.
During a special address, Gaurav Raheja, a professor from IIT Roorkee, passionately discussed the shared responsibility of making ‘accessibility for all’ a fundamental societal mission. He stressed that accessibility must be deeply integrated into design thinking, educational frameworks, and public policy to ensure that infrastructure genuinely caters to a diverse range of human needs. Professor Raheja underscored that accessibility extends beyond mere compliance; it embodies empathy, innovation, and a commitment to institutional responsibility.
Echoing this sentiment, Gangadhar K.N., additional District and Sessions Judge, emphasized the necessity of equitable and barrier-free infrastructure to uphold the dignity and inclusion of all citizens.
Jagdish Rajesh, Deputy Director General (Admin) at ICMR, reiterated ICMR’s dedication to cultivating accessible and inclusive environments throughout its research institutions.
Dr. Subarna Roy, Director of ICMR-NITM, reaffirmed the institute’s strong commitment to inclusive accessibility. He highlighted its proactive efforts in advancing infrastructure that supports equitable participation for everyone. Dr. Roy noted that ICMR-NITM’s ongoing dedication to promoting barrier-free and inclusive environments has earned it national recognition for successfully integrating accessibility principles into its institutional planning, research, and community engagement.
He added that ‘This initiative demonstrates ICMR’s continuous resolve to promote inclusion, accessibility, and sustainable design within its facilities, perfectly aligning with the national vision of ‘Accessibility for All’.
Concluding, Dr. Roy stated that ‘ICMR-NITM continues to spearhead ICMR’s endeavors in traditional medicine research and integrative health, collaborating closely with state health authorities and medical colleges across Karnataka. The institute has made significant contributions to identifying and addressing regional public health challenges, all while advancing evidence-based traditional medicine research,’ according to a recent release.