By Chetan Kapoor, CEO, Tech Mahindra Foundation
Sometimes the most profound realizations come not from grand revelations, but from moments of honest reflection. For me, such a moment came three years ago while visiting some of our projects in the disability space being implemented by our incredible NGO partners.
The Foundation Years: Building with Purpose
Since 2006, Tech Mahindra Foundation has been driven by a simple yet powerful mantra: “Empowerment through Education.” From day one, we committed that at least 10% of all who we support would be persons with disabilities. This wasn’t just a number on a dashboard; it was a promise to ensure that our programs truly served those who needed them most.
Over the years, we developed two flagship programs: ARISE+ for education and SMART+ for employability. Both were launched in 2013. Working alongside exceptional NGO partners, we’ve supported over 70,000 persons with disabilities through these two programs.
The Moment of Truth
But success sometimes blinds us to our own limitations. Three years ago – just as we were getting out of the pandemic pandemonium – I observed something that should have been obvious much earlier: our ARISE+ and SMART+ programs were running on parallel tracks. Barring very few exceptions, children who benefited from ARISE+ had no natural pathway to SMART+ as they grew older.
This realization hit hard. Here we were, supporting individuals who often need assistance throughout their lives, yet we were treating their needs in isolation rather than as part of a continuous journey.
Seeing the Bigger Picture
As I reflected deeper, other critical gaps became apparent. Organizations in the disability space were operating in silos, with monumental knowledge and resources scattered across hundreds of NGOs, startups, and institutions with minimal collaboration. Families and caregivers – especially from economically disadvantaged backgrounds – struggled with social stigma, lack of awareness, delayed detection, and most critically, not knowing where to turn for help.
Meanwhile, with AI and digital platforms rapidly evolving, I could see unprecedented possibilities to address these systemic challenges at scale – something that wouldn’t have been possible just five years ago.
From Insight to Vision
By September 2023, these thoughts had crystallized into what felt both necessary and audacious: what if we could create a national network connecting solution providers with solution seekers in the disability space?
This wouldn’t be just another directory. The vision was comprehensive:
Universal Coverage: All 21 disabilities under India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
Life-Stage Approach: From early detection through education, healthcare, livelihoods, and beyond
Geographic Reach: Quality support from Mumbai to Meghalaya
Technology-Enabled: Digital core making information discovery intuitive
Human-Centric: Care and service as the “soul” purpose
Turning Vision into Reality
Transforming this vision into The Ability Network has been the extraordinary collective effort of my colleagues at Tech Mahindra Foundation. I particularly acknowledge Neha Soneji, who has been instrumental in bringing this idea to fruition, ably supported by Pauravi Srivastava.
Early on, we recognized we couldn’t – and shouldn’t – build this alone. We were fortunate to bring on four exceptional organizations as co-creators: Ujwal Impact Advisors, EkStep Foundation, EnAble India and Nayi Disha. Their deep domain expertise, steadfast commitment and innovative approaches have been instrumental in structuring TAN. Subsequently, organizations like Pacta and The Bridgespan Group have pitched in with their support.
We’ve also received crucial backing from the Dept of Empowerment of PwDs, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. I particularly want to acknowledge Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary at the DEPwD, whose vision for inclusive development and belief in collaborative approaches have given TAN the institutional foundation it needs to take shape and flourish.
The Ability Network Takes Shape
What has emerged is a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem designed to transform how India supports its estimated 60-80 million persons with disabilities.
TAN is profoundly human-centric while leveraging the best of technology. Whether accessed through the web portal, or the work-in-process WhatsApp chatbot, it will connect families to verified government schemes, curated solution providers, local support networks, funding opportunities, and caregiver resources.
What makes TAN different is its collaborative DNA. This isn’t just Tech Mahindra Foundation’s initiative – it’s a living ecosystem where NGOs, startups, government entities, and enterprises unite with shared purpose, ensuring that the voice of persons with disabilities and their caregivers remains central to everything we build.
The Journey Continues
As we introduce the TAN website to the public, I’m reminded that this genesis story is just the beginning. Our success won’t be measured by the technology we build or partnerships we forge, but by the lives we touch and barriers we help break down.
Every parent who finds timely support for their child’s early intervention needs, every young adult with disability who discovers new employment opportunities, every caregiver who finds a community that understands their journey – these will be the real chapters of TAN’s story.
The vision is ambitious: to create India’s most comprehensive support ecosystem for persons with disabilities. But given TMF’s nearly two-decade journey and the incredible partners who’ve joined us, I believe we’re just getting started.
The Ability Network is available at abilitynetwork.in. Join us in writing the next chapter of this story.
