Kanhangad: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the construction of the International Institute for People with Disabilities (IIPD) in Kasaragod, marking a key initiative for disability empowerment. The project, led by the Different Art Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, aims to provide comprehensive training and rehabilitation services under one roof.
Speaking at the event held at the Palladium Auditorium in Kanhangad, the Chief Minister highlighted the state’s commitment to disability inclusion, with policies influenced by Gopinath Muthukad’s nationwide study on the sector. The government is working towards making public infrastructure more accessible, with increased funding for disability welfare.
Renowned singer K.S. Chithra unveiled the IIPD website during the event, which saw the participation of prominent dignitaries such as Manikandan Melath, Patron, NRDC, Jayadeep, representative, BPCL, Sreekanth M.K, representative, Canara Bank, P. Manoj Kumar, Director General, Central Petroleum Ministry and Fr. George Kannanthaanam, Project Shelter founder.
Several political figures, including MPs P.V. Abdul Wahab and Rajmohan Unnithan, MLAs M. Rajagopalan and C.H. Kunhambu, Baby Balakrishnan, District Panchayat President, Sujatha K, Municipal Chairperson, Kanhangad and Imbashekhar IAS, District Collector, were also present. Others who graced the occasion included Swami Krishnananda Bharati of Pothamkandam Ashram, D. Shilpa IPS, SP, Balakrishnan Nair, DYSP, Raghavan, senior film actor, Gopinath Muthukad, Executive Director, DAC and directors Mohanan, Adv. Hariraj M.R, Jayadali, Prahlad Acharya, Shyla Thomas, Mahesh Gupthan, Jagadeeshan, and Thomas.
Spanning 20 acres in Madikai, Kanhangad, IIPD is set to become India’s largest institution for persons with disabilities, offering training, therapy, vocational programs, and medical support. Inspired by the Different Art Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, this expanded facility will accommodate 500 individuals annually, including children affected by endosulfan poisoning.
The ₹100 crore project is expected to complete its first phase by 2026 and commence full operations by 2029. Open to people worldwide, IIPD is a pioneering effort to transform disability empowerment in India.
