Accessibility is not merely an act of charity but a critical component for India to unlock a potential USD 1 trillion boost to its GDP, according to Sminu Jindal, Managing Director of Jindal SAW Ltd and Founder-Chairperson of accessibility organization Svayam. Jindal, a prominent advocate for inclusivity, emphasizes that embedding accessibility into India's infrastructure from the initial planning stages is crucial, rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Speaking on the matter, Jindal highlighted that accessibility benefits everyone, not just those with disabilities. By creating inclusive spaces and opportunities, India can ensure the full participation of all its citizens in the economy and society. This approach will not only generate employment opportunities but also significantly increase foreign exchange earnings for the country.
Jindal's organization, Svayam, has been at the forefront of promoting accessibility across various sectors in India. Svayam, established in 2000, has evolved from a web portal providing information on accessibility rights to a leading organization driving systemic change. Some of Svayam's landmark achievements include partnering with the Archaeological Survey of India to make Qutub Minar the country's first accessible UNESCO World Heritage site. The organization has also been upgrading facilities at airports and transport terminals and working with various stakeholders to redesign public spaces for improved mobility.
Furthermore, Svayam has been actively involved in promoting accessible sports, collaborating with the Paralympic Committee of India to support Indian para-athletes at major competitions like the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics. The organization's efforts extend to the Disability Cricket Council of India, empowering the physically disabled cricket team, which led to their victory at the 2025 Physically Disabled Champions Trophy and a debut at Lord's.
Jindal's work has earned her recognition as one of Fortune India's Most Powerful Women 2025. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari conferred the award, celebrating Jindal's commitment to advancing accessibility across India's public spaces, transport hubs, tourism destinations, and sporting arenas. Jindal believes that mobility is a right, not a privilege, and accessibility enables participation, builds confidence, and creates opportunities for people facing mobility challenges.
Moreover, Jindal emphasized the importance of accessible tourism infrastructure as India prepares for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bids for the 2036 Olympics. She stated that accessible tourism could significantly benefit both society and the economy by attracting international visitors. She also suggested that agencies like UNESCO should make accessibility an integral parameter before awarding world heritage status for heritage monuments.
To further promote the agenda of accessible public spaces, Svayam is organizing a national summit in Delhi on November 6. This summit aims to bring together policymakers and industry leaders to discuss and advance accessibility initiatives across the country.
While there have been significant strides in raising awareness of accessibility, Jindal acknowledges that there is still a long way to go. She urges the government to prioritize accessibility in public transportation and other public spaces, noting the transformative impact it can have on society. She also points out the economic benefits of accessibility, as it encourages elderly and differently-abled individuals to participate more actively in economic activities, thereby boosting the economy.
In conclusion, Sminu Jindal's advocacy highlights the importance of viewing accessibility not as a charitable act but as a strategic investment that can unlock significant economic opportunities for India. By embedding accessibility into its infrastructure and promoting inclusive practices, India can create a more equitable society and achieve its goal of becoming a major global economic power.
