Dear Lovely Sarkar, What happened is truly concerning and underscores a persistent issue. While laws and guidelines are prepared, execution in highly regulated areas remains a challenge. Our society still has a long way to go, and unfortunately, these incidents continue to occur.
I face similar situations frequently as a professional in a leading public sector insurance company. For example, when I book an Uber, drivers often bypass me and ask the person dropping me off for payment, assuming that as a blind person, I cannot handle it myself. There is often a mix of curiosity, hesitation, and even jealousy from others when we navigate these spaces. While legal drafts and letters may create temporary pressure, they often fail to truly sensitize people. I believe we must play our part strongly because real change comes from people, not just laws. I would like to understand what immediate attempts were made by the individuals involved to sensitize the staff during these encounters. What were the reactions when they tried to address the conduct on the spot? Understanding these interactions is a critical step in ensuring long-term sensitization rather than just seeking a legal remedy. Best regards, KONGALETI SATYANARAYANA thanks and regards, Kongaleti Satyanarayana Reddy On Thu, Feb 19, 2026 at 4:38 PM RSKC-Rising Star Khilte Chehre < [email protected]> wrote: > 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. 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