Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) proudly celebrated the first anniversary of its transformative social initiative, ‘Samarth by Hyundai,’ dedicated to supporting and empowering people with disabilities in India. Launched in 2023, the initiative aligns with Hyundai Motor Company’s global vision of “Progress for Humanity” and aims to create an inclusive society through widespread awareness, support, and opportunities for differently-abled individuals.
The culmination event, attended by dignitaries including Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister of Sports; Dr. Virendra Kumar, Hon’ble Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment; and Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Skill Development, featured key highlights:
- Felicitation of Paralympians: Hyundai honored 7 Paralympians supported under the initiative for their remarkable achievements.
- Charter of Recommendation to the Government: HMIL presented its “Charter of Recommendation for Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity” to the government, seeking enhanced policies and infrastructure for people with disabilities.
- Launch of Samarth Hero Awards: To recognize efforts in empowering people with disabilities, HMIL announced the “Samarth Hero Awards” to celebrate outstanding contributions.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of HMIL, emphasized Hyundai’s commitment to inclusivity: “At Hyundai, we believe in making a meaningful impact beyond mobility. ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ is a testament to our commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all. I am immensely proud of the strides we’ve made in our first year, and I thank our partners, stakeholders, and the government for their unwavering support.”
Achievements in the First Year
Throughout the past year, ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ has driven impactful changes, including the introduction of disabled-friendly vehicle accessories like the TurnPlus swivel seat mechanism, making dealerships more accessible, and launching a 360-degree media campaign featuring Shah Rukh Khan to reach over 300 million people across India.
Strategic partnerships have been a cornerstone of the initiative. Collaborating with GoSports Foundation and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, Hyundai has supported a range of activities:
- Support to Blind Men’s Cricket Series: In collaboration with Samarthanam Trust, HMIF organized a thrilling international blind cricket series where the Indian team triumphed over Sri Lanka. The company remains committed to supporting grassroots training for blind cricketers.
- Samarth Para-Sports Programme: With GoSports Foundation, HMIL supported 20 para-athletes with financial aid and mentorship, with 7 athletes representing India in the Paralympics, including 2 medalists.
- Assistive Devices Conclave: The Samarth Assistive Devices Conclave highlighted the importance of assistive technology. Hyundai distributed 228 devices in 2024, with plans to provide 684 devices over the next three years.
- School Engagement Programme: HMIL reached over 50,000 students across 120 schools to promote inclusivity through awareness campaigns.
The celebration of the first anniversary marks a significant milestone in Hyundai’s journey towards creating a more inclusive society in India, underlining its long-term commitment to the country and its people. As ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ moves forward, the company aims to continue expanding its initiatives, ensuring that progress towards inclusivity remains at the forefront of its mission.
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