New Delhi: The Sports, Physical Education, Fitness & Leisure Skills Council (SPEFL-SC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has introduced two significant initiatives—Divyang Shakti Project and Life Saviour (Aapda Mitra Bal) Initiative—aimed at fostering inclusivity and enhancing disaster preparedness across India.
Divyang Shakti Project: Empowering Inclusive Education
This pioneering initiative focuses on equipping educators and students across 18 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Kerala, with the skills to implement play-based sports programs for children with disabilities. So far, 33,498 physical education teachers, special educators, and B.Ed and B.P.Ed students have been trained. The program promotes inclusive physical education practices that enhance the physical and mental well-being of children, helping them thrive both academically and socially.
Mr. Tahsin Zahid, CEO of SPEFL-SC, emphasized the impact of the initiative, stating:
“Our goal is to ensure that children with disabilities receive equal opportunities to develop and excel. By integrating inclusive activities, we aim to build an environment that promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and confidence.”
Life Saviour Initiative: Building Disaster-Ready Communities
In parallel, the Life Saviour (Aapda Mitra Bal) Initiative is designed to create a resilient volunteer force capable of effectively responding to emergencies and disasters. A total of 20,317 youth volunteers have received intensive six-day training focused on first aid, search and rescue operations, and crisis management. Supported by MSDE under the SANKALP Scheme, the initiative provides volunteers with essential emergency response tools and Government NCVET certifications under NEP 2020. These trained volunteers are also linked with district administrations and state disaster management cells to ensure swift and coordinated disaster response.
Mr. Tahsin Zahid highlighted the importance of this initiative by stating:
“By training volunteers in disaster management and first-response techniques, we are fostering a culture of safety and preparedness across India.”
Towards a More Inclusive and Resilient India
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to addressing key social challenges through skill development and community-driven programs. While the Divyang Shakti Project focuses on creating inclusive educational opportunities for children with disabilities, the Life Saviour Initiative empowers youth to safeguard their communities during crises.
Through these efforts, SPEFL-SC and MSDE are paving the way for a more inclusive, skilled, and disaster-resilient India, equipping future generations with the knowledge and abilities needed to drive meaningful change.