On Monday, iconic landmarks in India, including the Rashtrapati Bhavan, South Block, and Parliament, were illuminated in red. This was part of the nationwide ‘Act4Dyslexia’ campaign, aimed at raising awareness about dyslexia and other learning disabilities. It is estimated that these disabilities affect 20% of India’s population, including around 35 million students.
The campaign was organized in collaboration with UNESCO MGIEP and ChangeInkk Foundation. “In a bold step towards spreading awareness about dyslexia, major government buildings and monuments in Delhi were lit up in red, the recognized color for dyslexia awareness,” said Noopur Jhunjhunwala, co-founder and trustee of ChangeInkk Foundation.
Similar illuminations took place in cities like Patna, Ranchi, Jaipur, Kohima, Shimla, and Mumbai, emphasizing the need to eliminate stigma and promote understanding of dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Jhunjhunwala, who is a mother of a 16-year-old daughter with dyslexia, stated, “By lighting up our cities and walking together, we hope to inspire a shift towards a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive, regardless of learning disabilities.”
Dyslexia is often misunderstood as a sign of being a “slow learner.” Individuals with this condition may struggle with comprehension, speech, reading, writing, spelling, or mathematics. However, they can possess strong skills in critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving. Remarkably, about 40% of self-made millionaires have dyslexia, and many famous inventors, such as Albert Einstein, also had this learning disability, according to the ChangeInkk Foundation.
Founded by a family of dyslexics, the ChangeInkk Foundation is a leading non-profit organization focused on unlocking the potential of 200 million Indians with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). Dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities were officially recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016. This act mandates equal opportunities in education and employment for those affected.
The National Education Policy 2020 also supports this initiative, emphasizing inclusive education from foundational to higher education levels. Jhunjhunwala noted that this year, the campaign has expanded significantly, with over 1,600 awareness walks organized across the country. These walks span state capitals, districts, blocks, villages, and schools, all taking place in October, which is recognized as Dyslexia Awareness Month.
So far, the initiative has engaged over 400,000 participants, who together have taken more than 2 billion steps to promote the ‘Act4Dyslexia’ campaign. These walks began on October 8, led by state education departments, parent groups, and educational institutions, in collaboration with over 150 organizations.
Leave a Reply