Hyundai, with Shah Rukh Khan, Launches Samarth Holistic Programme for Para-athletes in India

Hyundai is the first automobile manufacturer to introduce a comprehensive mobility programme for people with disabilities in India. To create an inclusive and progressive world through the power of mobility, the 'Samarth' initiative is in line with the brand's far and wide vision of 'Progress for Humanity.' It has been launched by the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF), the company's corporate social responsibility arm, in collaboration with the GoSports Foundation to offer comprehensive support to para-athletes in the nation. To encourage fairness for the community of persons with disabilities, the project will support promising and exceptional athletes in both team and individual sports, promote an innovative culture, and offer vocational education to improve skills. 

Moreover, HMIF and Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled have teamed up to provide assistive technology to those with disabilities. Collectively, these entities aim to establish a programme that employs blind cricket as a medium to support the social and physical growth of India's visually impaired population. Through this agreement, HMIF will assist visually impaired cricket players by conducting several training camps at the local, regional, and national levels for visually impaired cricket players. Also, the project will host a bilateral international series for the national blind cricket team, providing them with an additional platform to showcase their abilities.

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Some Other Internal Efforts

As per the press release, the South Korean auto major is fostering inclusivity and empowering people with disabilities in line with its global mission of Progress for Humanity through several internal functionality improvements as well. It is making an effort to guarantee that its online presence is accessible to everyone, including making sure that its website is user-friendly for those with disabilities. The company also hopes to contribute to a more egalitarian and inclusive digital ecosystem. Furthermore, Hyundai is working with MOBIS to develop and introduce Swivel Seats and accessories, all in an attempt to make automobiles more accessible for those with disabilities. In addition to this, the manufacturer plans to make all of its dealerships and workshops accessible to people with disabilities by February next year.

With a primary focus on guaranteeing the safety, comfort, and convenience of its passengers with disabilities, the company claims that it intends to demonstrate its dedication to creating cars that are inclusive and sensitive to their needs. The firm believes that this project can be a catalyst for promoting inclusivity, increasing awareness, and empowering people with disabilities in all facets of life.

Samarth Holistic Programme: What Hyundai and Shah Rukh Khan Have to Say?

Un Soo Kim, MD & CEO, of HMIL, said, “We don’t just make cars but also believe in empowering India, and to empower India, we undertake social initiatives under the pillars of- Earth, Mobility, and Hope. These are aligned with Hyundai’s global vision of ‘Continue’ and propagate ‘Progress for Humanity’. Samarth is a manifestation of this belief. We are pleased to announce the launch of the ‘Samarth’ initiative, which is a step towards creating a more aware and inclusive society towards differently abled in India. We aim to cultivate a more equitable and sensitized society for the differently abled and want them to see their true capabilities.”

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Shah Rukh Khan, commented, “Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) (CSR arm of Hyundai Motor India) in partnership with GoSports Foundation, a 15-year-old national award-winning foundation, is starting an exclusive programme to provide holistic support to para-athletes in India towards the quest for Paralympics. The programme will support a mix of emerging & 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."