THE National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2016, noted that on December 27, 2015 during the course of his ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the prime minister had referred to persons with disabilities thus: “Those in whom Paramatma has created a deficiency in the body, those for whom some part of the body does not work properly, we call them ‘viklaang’…….……..‘Why don’t we, in our country, replace the word ‘viklaang’ with the word ‘divyaang’?’ These are those people who possess divinity – divyata – in one or more parts of their body; whose bodies are possessed by divine power (divya shakti)…..” This term ‘divyaang’, has been used not just by the PM but by various others in the government, who have taken the cue, and also by a section of the media. The NPRD underlined that mere change of terminology is not going to bring about any change in the manner in which people with disabilities are treated. Invoking divinity will in no way lessen the stigma and discrimination that persons with disabilities have been historically subjected to and continue to encounter in their daily lives. Exclusion and marginalisation cannot be addressed by using patronising terms like ‘divyang’. On the contrary, they will only invoke sympathy and underline that charity is what counts. Persons with disabilities, overcoming various odds and multiple hurdles have proven their mettle. It would be fallacious however to conclude that this is due to any divine attribute. Such invocations would only tend to create myths, even while squarely failing to address the issues that the disabled face. Dignity, accommodation and recognition of their rights as equal and productive citizens are what persons with disabilities long for and not any change in nomenclature. NPRD has reiterated that disability is not a divine gift. And the use of phrases like ‘divyang’ in no way ensures de-stigmatisation or an end to discrimination on grounds of disability. What needs to be addressed are stigma, discrimination and marginalisation that persons with disabilities are subjected to on account of the cultural, social, physical and attitudinal barriers that hinder their effective participation in the country’s economic, social and political life. The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) and its affiliates are not the only ones who are voicing their opposition to the use of this term. Various other organisations have openly come out against this and several write-ups have also appeared in various prominent dailies. NPRD therefore has urged the PM to refrain from using the term ‘divyang’ and also shelve any plan that the government may be making to officially use this term.