Good Governance Day, observed on December 25 to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, serves as an occasion to reiterate his vision of a progressive India. Marking the day, Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood attended a tablet distribution programme aimed at the digital empowerment of 240 meritorious students from his Janakpuri Assembly constituency.
The programme also featured select individuals who have transcended challenges, disabilities, and limitations to achieve excellence in education and public life. Invited as special guests, they exemplified relentless hard work, self-belief, and exceptional merit in overcoming life’s challenges. Among them were Dr Ayushi Dabas, IAS, a former teacher who created a benchmark by securing the country’s highest rank in the visually impaired category; Dr Abha Khetarpal, who was affected by polio at the age of three and, despite numerous challenges, earned a doctoral degree. Living with over 80 per cent disability, she is the founder of Cross the Hurdles (2010) and actively works on issues related to disability rights, employment, inclusive development, and policy advocacy. Another distinguished guest was JNU research scholar Shaurya Sood, who lives with cerebral palsy and has consistently worked to ensure accessibility and rights in educational institutions and public spaces, particularly in the Delhi Metro.
Speaking on the occasion, Sood said, “The country observes the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Good Governance Day because, under his leadership, India experienced a corruption-free, governance-driven administration. The modern national highways and robust road infrastructure visible across the country today are a result of Atal ji’s visionary thinking. When education is supported by effective resources, students’ academic journeys become stronger and more sustainable. To promote digital learning, this tablet scheme is introduced every year so that students can make better use of online learning platforms, self-learning tools, and digital educational content.”
