Respected Leaders and Members of the Disability Rights Community, I am writing to place before you an incident that raises serious concerns regarding attitudinal accessibility within regulated aviation infrastructure, and to seek collective reflection and possible action.
On 10 February 2026, at approximately 10:20 PM, during lawful access *to Encalm Lounge( 9289811301) *operating within an airport facility, a staff member remarked in reference to blind travelers in our group: *“अंधे हैं तो अंदर कैसे आ गए?” (“If they are blind, how did they get inside?”)* The statement was made in the presence of visually impaired citizens who had valid access to the lounge. Service was denied, the remark questioned the legitimacy of blind individuals occupying a public commercial space within national aviation infrastructure. Additionally, on 1 December 2025, during immigration clearance at Indira Gandhi International Airport, members of the same group experienced dismissive conduct suggesting doubt toward independent international travel by blind citizens. These incidents are not being shared as isolated grievances. They reflect a broader concern: that attitudinal barriers continue to exist within spaces governed by statutory obligations under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Airports and associated hospitality services are public-facing, regulated environments. They must reflect constitutional guarantees of dignity, equality, and non-discrimination. If blind citizens are still being treated as anomalies in such spaces, it indicates an implementation gap that requires collective attention. We believe that accessibility cannot be limited to infrastructure alone. Sensitisation and institutional culture are equally critical to ensuring meaningful inclusion. I share this with humility and seriousness, and I invite your guidance on appropriate collective steps — whether through representation to authorities, policy engagement, or statutory mechanisms — to ensure that such conduct is addressed constructively and does not recur. The objective is not confrontation for its own sake. It is to strengthen the movement toward dignity-led accessibility and equal participation for persons with disabilities across India. I look forward to your counsel and solidarity. With respect, Lovely Sarkar Senior Programmes Manager Rising Star Khilte Chehre Delhi, India 8527044355 -- Disclaimer: 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; 2. AI cannot be held liable for any commission/omission based on the mails sent through this mailing list.. Search for old postings at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "AccessIndia" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/accessindia.org.in/d/msgid/accessindia/CAC%3DrEjvbDjKi1x%2Br29xwMwuqEpDJbYMFssJCu0hZ0Zu%3DGCJoZw%40mail.gmail.com.
