The Sports, Physical Education, Fitness & Leisure Skills Council (SPEFL-SC), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has launched two transformative initiatives—Divyang Shakti Project and the Life Saviour (Aapda Mitra Bal) Initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and strengthening disaster preparedness across India. These designed to equip educators, students, and youth with critical skills to drive meaningful societal change.
The Divyang Shakti Project is a pioneering initiative aimed at empowering educators and students across 18 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Kerala. This program has successfully trained 33,498 physical education teachers, special educators, and B.Ed and B.P.Ed students in implementing play-based sports programs for children with disabilities. By integrating inclusive physical education methodologies, the project enhances both the physical and mental well-being of children, ensuring they thrive academically and socially.
Speaking about the impact of the initiative, Tahsin Zahid, CEO of SPEFL-SC, stated, “In states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, the project has instilled an ‘Inclusive Culture’ by incorporating activities that improve teamwork, critical thinking, and confidence. The program was implemented in government schools, special needs institutions, and teacher training colleges to establish best practices for inclusive education. Our goal is to ensure that children with disabilities receive equal opportunities to develop and excel.”
By equipping educators with specialized training, the Divyang Shakti Project contributes to a more inclusive learning environment, helping children with disabilities integrate seamlessly into mainstream education and society.
Parallelly, the Life Saviour (Aapda Mitra Bal) Initiative has been launched to build a resilient volunteer force capable of responding to emergencies and disasters. Under this initiative, 20,317 youth volunteers underwent an intensive six-day training program focused on life-saving skills such as first aid, search and rescue operations, and crisis management.
This initiative, supported by MSDE under the SANKALP Scheme, equips volunteers with essential emergency response tools, including helmets, first aid kits, and iron hammers. The trained volunteers receive Government NCVET certifications under NEP 2020 and are linked with district administrations and state disaster management cells to actively participate in relief and emergency response operations.
Tahsin Zahid emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Life Saviour Initiative ensures that youth are well-prepared to respond to natural and man-made disasters. By training volunteers in disaster management and first-response techniques, we are fostering a culture of safety and preparedness across India.”
By developing a network of trained first responders, the Life Saviour Initiative empowers communities to mitigate risks and respond effectively to emergencies, significantly strengthening India’s disaster resilience.
Together, these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to addressing key social challenges through skill development and community-driven programs. The Divyang Shakti Project ensures that children with disabilities receive the support needed for their educational journey, while the Life Saviour Initiative empowers youth to play a crucial role in safeguarding their communities.
