The Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) commemorated former Prime Minister’s birth anniversary on August 20, 2017 by awarding specially designed motorised vehicles. Former Union Minister, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Chairman, Rajiv Gandhi Access to Opportunities Program Committee of the Foundation, handed over the keys to 100 differently-abled young people from 22 States. The distribution event was organised at Jawahar Bhawan, New Delhi as part of the Rajiv Gandhi Access to Opportunities Program (RGATO).
“Initiated in 1992, RGATO has so far supported over 2500 differently-abled young people across 25 states and 5 Union Territories. The enhanced mobility has helped the awardees access employment and education opportunities, become financially independent, and gain dignity and respect in the society”, said Vaibhav Walai for the RGF.
The Foundation adopts a detailed awardee selection process. This includes verification of applicants and a detailed profiling by the Foundation’s team. The Program Committee, chaired by Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar and comprising of experts and representatives from industry and civil society, carries out the final selection. The Foundation receives support from various organisations for this program.
Deepak Chandra, Secretary of the Foundation, donors, past awardees, volunteers and staff members of the Foundation also participated in the event.