In a groundbreaking move, Hyundai Motor India Limited–credited as India’s first smart mobility solutions provider–is steering the automotive industry towards a more inclusive future with the launch of Samarth, a transformative initiative dedicated to raising awareness and providing support to people with disabilities across the nation.
This visionary project, deeply rooted in Hyundai’s global commitment to Progress for Humanity, seeks to create an inclusive and progressive world through the lens of mobility. Notably, this new initiative is a tri-party collaboration between Hyundai Motor India Foundation–the automobile company’s CSR arm, GoSports Foundation, and Samarthanam Trust.
Samarth Levels The Playing Field
Through this initiative, Hyundai aims to help create a more aware and sensitised society towards people with disabilities in India. For this, the team has partnered with NGOs and media networks to create a mass movement while aligning Hyundai dealerships and networks to become more inclusive. With technology, partnerships, product innovations, and storytelling, Samarth aims to turn the world into a level-playing field for all. The initiative also extends to holistic programs fostering inclusivity, innovation, and impact in the para-sports ecosystem.
Un Soo Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Limited, explains, “Samarth is a step towards creating a more aware and inclusive society towards differently-abled individuals in India. We aim to cultivate a more equitable and sensitised society for the differently-abled and want them to see their true capabilities.”
Hyundai Drives Change
Spotlighting online accessibility is one such step in this direction. The company is making its website differently-abled-friendly. The CSR arm of the company, along with Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, is also supporting differently-abled individuals with assistive devices. Together, they have created a program to use blind cricket as a platform for the physical and social development of the visually impaired. This includes training camps at grassroots and national levels, and organising the International Bilateral series for the national Blind cricket team.
Speaking about the focus on para-sports during the launch of Samarth, actor Shah Rukh Khan, said, “The programme will support a mix of emerging and elite athletes in both team events and individual sports to promote equity for the community of people with disabilities, foster a culture of innovation, upskill through vocational education, and positively impact the para-sports ecosystem to inspire the nation.”
But that’s not all! Imagine every Hyundai dealership and service center transforming into a welcoming haven, where every interaction is an inclusive experience. Samarth looks at bringing this image to life by achieving 100% wheelchair accessibility for all outlets by February 2024. Beyond dealerships, Hyundai Motor India and MOBIS have also introduced swivel seats and accessories to enhance the differently-abled friendliness in automobiles.
Source: Travel Leisure
