New Delhi: As part of the global #GoRedforDyslexia campaign marking Dyslexia Awareness Month, the Department of School Education & Literacy and the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) jointly flagged off the ‘Walk for Dyslexia 2025’ at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The event, inaugurated by Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, and Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, aimed to promote awareness, inclusivity, and compassion for individuals with learning differences.
Organized in collaboration with Changeinkk Foundation, UNESCO MGIEP, Orkids Foundation, and Soch Foundation, the nationwide campaign witnessed participation from over 300 individuals across age groups and professional backgrounds. The symbolic color of the event — red — was reflected nationwide as Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Central Secretariat, and several historical monuments and government buildings across India were illuminated in red to signify solidarity with individuals living with Dyslexia.
Speaking at the event, Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, highlighted the urgent need to foster awareness and acceptance around Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs), particularly Dyslexia — one of the most common yet misunderstood learning differences among children.
“Every child learns differently. Dyslexia is not a limitation but a different way of understanding and expressing knowledge. With early identification, support, and empathy, children with Dyslexia can achieve remarkable success. Today’s walk is a walk for awareness, for compassion, and for inclusion,” said the Secretary.
He further emphasized the importance of PRASHAST 2.0, a mobile app-based screening tool developed by NCERT, which assists schools in the early identification of children with disabilities, including Dyslexia. Shri Kumar underlined that early detection, combined with greater awareness among teachers, parents, and communities, is critical to ensuring inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.
The Secretary also acknowledged the tireless efforts of civil society organizations such as Changeink Foundation, Orkids, and SOCH Foundation, for their contribution in bringing visibility and support to children and adults with learning differences. The Walk for Dyslexia 2025, he said, had evolved from being a symbolic event into a nationwide movement of compassion and collective responsibility towards inclusion and understanding.
Under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, the Department of School Education & Literacy has launched multiple initiatives to strengthen early screening and intervention for children with SLDs, including Dyslexia. These measures include:
- Implementation of PRASHAST 2.0, a mobile-based screening tool developed with NCERT, enabling teachers and special educators to identify children with disabilities early.
- Integration of inclusive education modules into the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) to better prepare future educators.
- Provision of customized learning support, including assistive devices (text-to-speech and reading tools), accommodation, and therapeutic support for children with SLDs.
- Block-level screening and identification camps in coordination with state education departments, health departments, and DEPwD to ensure timely diagnosis and certification.
According to global estimates, Dyslexia affects one in every five individuals worldwide. In India, data from UDISE+ 2024–25 indicates that 12.15% of all Children with Special Needs (CwSN) enrolled in schools are reported to have Specific Learning Disabilities (SLDs) — including Dyslexia. However, surveys by civil society organizations suggest the actual number could be higher, with many children outside formal schooling systems continuing to struggle without diagnosis or support.
The movement aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritizes early identification, capacity-building for teachers, and inclusive education reforms. Together, these initiatives reflect India’s growing commitment to ensure that every child — regardless of their learning differences — has the opportunity to succeed.
The momentum behind #GoRedforDyslexia demonstrates a shift from awareness to empowerment — celebrating the unique strengths of dyslexic minds and promoting pathways for inclusion and achievement.
