MSSI is overjoyed to announce that our incredible member, Smitha Sadasivan, has been honored with the prestigious national award for being a role model for persons with disabilities (Shreshth Divyangjan)! This outstanding recognition was presented by the Honorable President of India on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023.

Hailing from Chennai, Ms. Smitha Sadasivan is a beacon of inspiration as a person with Multiple Sclerosis and an active member of the MSSI Chennai chapter. Her dedication extends beyond her own journey, as she tirelessly contributes to various voluntary disability and health networks.

Smitha is a force for change, advocating, sensitizing, and collaborating for inclusive and accessible policies, programs, products, services, infrastructure, and ICT. Her remarkable contributions include championing the inclusion of Multiple Sclerosis in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2023 and spearheading efforts to make electoral processes accessible for all persons with disabilities nationwide.

Notably, Smitha played a pivotal role in transforming Marina into the 2nd longest beach in the world into an accessible haven for all in Chennai. Her impact reverberates globally, as she has represented and deliberated on the inclusion of all persons with disabilities in global health discussions, even speaking at the UN and WHS on these crucial matters.

Smitha, your unwavering commitment to human rights, inclusivity, and accessibility is truly commendable. Your journey is an inspiration to us all, and we are immensely proud to have you as a part of the MSSI family!