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Centre partners with institute for early integration of accessibility into education < Back Disability, News, Education IIT KGP to offer course on disability accessible design Centre partners with institute for early integration of accessibility into education MMS Staff 15 Jul 2024 2-min read Civil engineering students at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) will soon have the opportunity to study accessible building design, thanks to a new partnership between the Centre’s disability affairs department and the institute. This course - currently an elective - will be available to students in the sixth and seventh semesters starting from the 2024-25 academic session. Two professors from the institute’s Department of Architecture and Regional Planning, Subrata Chattopadhyay and Haimenti Banerjee, are reportedly working on developing the Accessible Built Environment course, along with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). The course will cover such topics as smart and inclusive habitats, accessibility and infrastructure-driven liveability, and inclusive urban planning. The Centre subsequently plans to introduce the course in 27 other institutes, including other IITs. Presently, the course will carry 30 credits, and it aims to integrate accessibility into education early so that future engineers can incorporate it into their building designs. Accessible infrastructure - the need of the hour - still remains a distant dream in India despite the Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016 (RPwD Act) mandating all existing public buildings become accessible within five years of the passing of the act. Over the next three years, the course will be an elective at IIT-Kharagpur and will likely become a mandatory subject thereafter. Rajesh Aggarwal, Disability Affairs Secretary, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “The objective is to integrate accessibility into education early so that students incorporate it into building design.” Previously, IIT-Kharagpur collaborated with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) on the Building Accessible Safe and Inclusive Indian Cities (BASIIC) initiative. In addition to IIT-Kharagpur, the disability affairs department is in discussions with the Council of Architecture to include this subject in their curriculum as well. A senior official from IIT-Kharagpur highlighted the need for this course, saying, “Constructing accessible buildings needs experts and it is important that our future infrastructure builders have professional training about the same.” This initiative is part of the government’s Accessible India 2.0 campaign, which aims to achieve universal accessibility for persons with disabilities (PwDs). The Accessible India campaign focuses on making buildings and transport systems across the country accessible for people with disabilities. Under this campaign, access audits were conducted on 1,671 buildings across 48 cities, and retrofitting work has been sanctioned for 1,314 buildings, with 623 buildings already retrofitted in 20 states. The norms for retrofitting, as specified in section 44 of the Persons with Disabilities Act, include creating ramps in public buildings, modifying toilets for wheelchair users, and installing Braille symbols in elevators. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

No coaching. No resources. A state scheme and Collector backed Yogeshwari Selvam's IIT dream < Back Disability, Education, News From rural TN to IIT-B: Disabled girl to study aerospace engineering No coaching. No resources. A state scheme and Collector backed Yogeshwari Selvam's IIT dream MMS Staff 20 Jun 2025 3-min read When 17-year-old Yogeshwari Selvam from rural Tamil Nadu secured a seat in Aerospace Engineering at IIT Bombay, it was a revolutionary moment for India’s public education system. A disabled girl from a Tamil-medium government school, with no access to private coaching, cracking one of the country’s toughest entrance exams in her first attempt? In a landscape where structural disadvantage is often treated as personal failure, Yogeshwari’s story is one of what’s possible not when you “defy the odds,” but when the system starts to work. A spark in a small village Yogeshwari hails from Padanthal village in Virudhunagar district. Her father works in a tea stall, and her mother is employed in a fireworks factory, both part of Tamil Nadu’s working-class backbone that quietly sustains the state’s economy. Education was always a priority in the Selvam household. Her two older brothers made it through college, and Yogeshwari was determined to follow but with a dream that seemed impossibly distant: to study aerospace engineering. The spark came early. “I developed an interest in space during Class 7,” she says. “I didn’t even know what aerospace engineering meant exactly but I knew I wanted to study it.” It wasn’t until Class 12 that she even heard of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the national-level entrance test required to enter the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). “I got to know about JEE through the Kalloori Kanavu program,” she says, referring to a career awareness initiative under the Tamil Nadu government’s Naan Mudhalvan scheme, which introduces government school students to competitive exams, college streams, and career options. For Yogeshwari, it was a turning point. State support and 40 days of opportunity She was among the 230 students from government schools selected for specialised crash coaching funded by the Virudhunagar District Collector’s office. The classes were held in Erode, over a 40-day period after her plus-two exams. Until then, Yogeshwari had studied in Tamil medium and had never attended English-language instruction. “The training was in English. It was difficult in the beginning,” she admits. “But I picked it up little by little just by staying focused.” She secured the 75th rank under the Differently-Abled (OBC non-creamy layer) category in JEE (Advanced) and with it, a seat at IIT Bombay. Representation, not resilience Yogeshwari’s story is often framed as one of resilience. And it is. But it is also about representation of government school students, disabled students, rural girls, and Tamil-medium learners in elite Indian institutions that have historically excluded them. Yogeshwari credits District Collector VP Jeyaseelan for helping her realise this path was possible. Through the Coffee with Collector initiative, she and other students had the rare chance to meet a government official who treated their dreams with seriousness. “The Collector told us the State would take care of our education,” she says. “That made my parents more confident.” She also thanks Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for launching schemes like Naan Mudhalvan, calling them a “boon for children from poor families.” But her journey is also a reflection of how much invisible labour students like her must still do, navigating caste, class, disability, and language barriers just to be seen as deserving of the same shot at excellence. Disability, not inability It’s worth noting that Yogeshwari is disabled, though most media coverage around her barely addresses this beyond a category label. In a system where disabled children are routinely segregated or written off, Yogeshwari’s admission into IIT is not a “miracle”. It’s a sign that when disabled students are included in mainstream education with proper support, they thrive. Disability-inclusive coaching, accessible content, and sensitivity training are still missing from many such interventions, a gap that Tamil Nadu’s education policy must now begin to address if it wants more Yogeshwaris to succeed. Looking to the skies What lies ahead for Yogeshwari? She speaks with confidence. “I want to work at ISRO one day,” she says. “Sunita Williams and Kalpana Chawla are my role models. If they can do it, so can I.” But she’s not chasing glory, she’s chasing possibility. And in doing so, she’s also become one: for millions of young girls across India who are told their dreams are too big for their village, their gender, their disability, or their mother tongue. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

From actor Vijay Varma to model Winnie Harlow, meet the artists using their skin as a canvas, not a flaw < Back Disability, Media What Is Vitiligo? Creators who show the world it’s nothing to hide From actor Vijay Varma to model Winnie Harlow, meet the artists using their skin as a canvas, not a flaw MMS Staff 25 Jun 2025 5-min read There’s something strange about growing up in a world that teaches you to fear your own skin. Not the metaphorical kind. The literal, surface-level, look-in-the-mirror-every-day kind. In a world obsessed with “flawless” skin, what happens when your skin tells a different story? Vitiligo, a condition that causes the skin to lose pigment in patches, affects roughly 1 per cent of the global population. And yet, it remains misunderstood, stigmatised, or, worse, erased. But that silence is breaking, and it’s breaking beautifully. Across film, fashion, TikTok, and spoken word, a growing wave of creators with vitiligo are refusing to shrink themselves to fit narrow standards of beauty. They’re not just embracing their skin, they’re turning it into art, activism, poetry, and power. This World Vitiligo Day, we spotlight five powerful voices who are changing what representation looks like, one unapologetic patch at a time. Vijay Varma: Not a secret, not a statement... just his skin Vijay Varma didn’t write a heartfelt Instagram caption about his vitiligo. He didn’t break the internet with a skin-positive photoshoot. He just mentioned it, casually, in an interview. “I used to worry when I was out of work,” he said. “Wondering if this condition would become a hurdle.” That’s it. No drama. No pity. Just a plain and simple bit of truth from someone in one of the world’s most appearance-obsessed industries. Vitiligo, for the uninitiated, causes patches of skin to lose their pigment. In showbiz, where continuity matters and faces are the product, even minor differences can be exaggerated into “problems.” So yes, Vijay covers his vitiligo while filming, not out of shame, but because he wants people to focus on the character, not the skin. But off-screen? He’s never hidden it. And that choice, to just exist with it, without apology, is revolutionary. In a world that often demands people with visible differences to either hide or turn into “inspiration,” Varma offers a third way: live, work, thrive, and let your skin be skin. Amara Aleman: Her skin became the canvas she needed Amara Aleman used to do everything she could to hide her vitiligo. Long sleeves in summer. Thick makeup. Staying indoors. Silence. That’s what living with vitiligo looked like for her when she was first diagnosed in 2017. She was isolated, anxious, and unsure if she'd ever feel comfortable in her own skin again. Then one day, she stopped trying to blend in... and started painting out. Amara, who now has over 300K followers on TikTok, is best known for turning her vitiligo patches into vibrant works of art. She calls them her “ArtSpots”, the lighter parts of her skin where pigment is missing. And she doesn’t just fill them in. She builds whole worlds on them. From floral patterns to Pride flag palettes, her body becomes a living, breathing canvas. She uses tattoo cover-up and body paint not to erase her skin, but to draw attention to it... on her own terms. The shift wasn’t just cosmetic. It was psychological. “Once I saw how positively it was affecting others with the condition,” she says, “the ideas really flourished.” What started as survival has now become art, community, and representation. In a world that says, “cover up,” Amara’s response is: watch me glow. Saja Kilani: A love letter to the skin she once tried to erase When Saja Kilani was younger, she hated her vitiligo. It made her feel different. Visible in the wrong ways. So she did what many people do when their skin doesn’t fit the beauty standard... she tried to change it. Specifically, through medical tattooing, a process meant to recolour the skin and blend the patches back in. It didn’t work. And years later, instead of hiding from that experience, Saja wrote a poem about it. ‘Dear Vitiligo’ isn’t just a poem. It’s a turning point. In it, the Palestinian-Jordanian-Canadian actress speaks directly to the skin she once rejected. It’s tender, powerful, and painful. It’s also necessary. In the accompanying film, Saja collaborates with a makeup artist and photographer not to hide her vitiligo, but to showcase it. Her patches are painted around, highlighted, celebrated. For once, she controls the lens. The most unexpected reaction came from her cousin’s eight-year-old daughter. After watching the video, the little girl said: “I wish I had vitiligo too.” For Saja, that moment felt like closure. Today, she isn’t just reclaiming her skin. She’s offering language, softness, and agency to others who might still be in hiding. Her message is simple: “You can choose whether your condition is your insecurity. Or not.” Winnie Harlow: Done being the “Model with Vitiligo” Winnie Harlow’s story has been told a hundred times. But rarely on her terms. Yes, she has vitiligo. Yes, she was bullied as a kid. Yes, she became the first person with the condition to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway, to front major campaigns, to appear on magazine covers. But if you listen to her, that’s not the part she wants to be known for. “I’ve lived a full life,” she says. “And honestly, I’ve dealt with way worse things than my skin.” Still, the world wants her to play a specific role: the girl who overcame adversity to become beautiful. She’s over it. Winnie credits her Jamaican upbringing, especially her mother, for giving her the confidence to exist in a world that told her she didn’t fit. That confidence carried her through bullying, rejection, and eventually into fashion and entrepreneurship. After suffering a severe sunburn on a photoshoot (because no one wanted sunscreen to “ruin” the shot), she created Cay Skin, a brand built for skin like hers: melanin-rich, sensitive, often ignored by the mainstream. Winnie’s goal now is to stop being “the model with vitiligo.” She wants to write children’s books. To build brands. To create spaces for Black women to lead. As she puts it: “My skin has been one of my greatest gifts. It taught me to be louder, prouder, and to see beyond my own cover, and everyone else’s too.” What Is Vitiligo? And why does it matter? Vitiligo is a chronic condition where the skin loses melanin, the pigment responsible for colour. It can affect any part of the body: face, hands, scalp, and even the inside of the mouth. The cause is still unclear, but researchers believe it’s linked to autoimmune responses, genetics, and environmental triggers. And while it isn’t dangerous, the emotional impact -thanks to society’s obsession with uniform skin - can be deep and lasting. Which is why stories like these matter. This is what representation really looks like The people featured in this piece aren’t brave despite their skin; they’re powerful with it. They’re not here to inspire you for pity likes. They’re showing up to expand the frame of what’s seen as beautiful, desirable, professional, and worthy. They’re creators. Models. Actors. Entrepreneurs. They’re also - sometimes - people who’ve cried in bathrooms, dodged stares, or tried to disappear. But today, they are choosing to be visible. And in doing so, they’re making space for all of us to show up in our full, imperfect glory too. If you’ve ever felt different because of your skin, your body, your face, this is your reminder: your story is not a flaw. It’s a feature. Let it be seen. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Recent study reveals how AI ranks resumes with disability-related credentials lower < Back Work, Disability Disabled job seekers disadvantaged by AI bias in hiring Recent study reveals how AI ranks resumes with disability-related credentials lower MMS Staff 23 Jun 2024 5-min read The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT in resume screening is becoming increasingly common among recruiters. And a recent study by researchers at the University of Washington has uncovered a significant issue: AI tools can be biassed against resumes that imply a disability. This finding has profound implications for disability inclusion and rights, as it highlights how technological advancements can inadvertently reinforce existing prejudices. The study and its findings This research, presented at the 2024 ACM FAccT (Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency) investigated how ChatGPT ranked resumes with disability-related credentials. Led by Kate Glazko, a doctoral student at the UW's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, the study found that resumes with disability-related accolades — such as the "Tom Wilson Disability Leadership Award" — were consistently ranked lower than identical resumes without these credentials. Worse - when the AI was asked to explain its rankings, it revealed biassed perceptions of disabled individuals. For example, a resume with an autism leadership award was said to have "less emphasis on leadership roles," pushing the stereotype that autistic individuals are not capable leaders. Attempting to mitigate bias The researchers attempted to mitigate this bias by customising the AI with instructions to avoid ableism. While this approach reduced bias for five of the six disabilities tested (deafness, blindness, cerebral palsy, autism, and the general term "disability"), only three disabilities saw an improvement in rankings compared to resumes without any mention of disability. "Ranking resumes with AI is starting to proliferate, yet there's not much research behind whether it's safe and effective," said Glazko, the study's lead author. "For a disabled job seeker, there's always this question when you submit a resume of whether you should include disability credentials. I think disabled people consider that even when humans are the reviewers." Fair point. "In a fair world, the enhanced resume should be ranked first every time," said senior author Jennifer Mankoff, a UW professor in the Allen School. "I can't think of a job where somebody who's been recognized for their leadership skills, for example, shouldn't be ranked ahead of someone with the same background who hasn't." When researchers asked GPT-4 to explain the rankings, its responses exhibited explicit and implicit ableism. For instance, it noted that a candidate with depression had "additional focus on DEI and personal challenges," which "detract from the core technical and research-oriented aspects of the role." "Some of GPT's descriptions would colour a person's entire resume based on their disability and claimed that involvement with DEI or disability is potentially taking away from other parts of the resume," Glazko said. "For instance, it hallucinated the concept of 'challenges' into the depression resume comparison, even though 'challenges' weren't mentioned at all. So you could see some stereotypes emerge." Implications for disability inclusion and rights These findings are troubling for several reasons. First, they reveal that AI tools can reinforce biases, undermining efforts to promote disability inclusion and rights. If AI tools are used to screen resumes, disabled candidates may be unfairly disadvantaged, even if they possess the necessary qualifications and leadership skills. Second, the study underscores the broader issue of how technological advancements can replicate and amplify real-world biases. AI systems learn from existing data, which often contain historical biases and ableist notions. Without careful oversight and correction, these systems can push, and even worsen existing, discriminatory practices. Challenges disabled people face in finding meaningful employment Disabled individuals face numerous barriers when seeking employment, including: Biassed hiring practices, discrimination, and being faced with stereotypes about disabilities. Many workplaces are not fully accessible, creating physical and technological barriers for disabled employees. There are often fewer job opportunities made available for disabled individuals, particularly in competitive fields. Employers may be unwilling or unable to provide necessary accommodations, such as flexible working hours or assistive technologies. Negative attitudes and misconceptions about disabilities can affect workplace interactions and professional development opportunities. Tips for employers to promote fair and inclusive hiring To ensure fairness and inclusivity in hiring and promoting, employers can take the following steps: Provide bias training for hiring managers and staff to recognize and counteract biases. Write inclusive job descriptions that emphasise essential skills and competencies rather than unnecessary physical requirements. Ensure that job application processes are accessible to all candidates, including those with disabilities. Offer reasonable accommodations during the hiring process and in the workplace. Use diverse hiring panels to reduce individual biases and ensure a variety of perspectives in the hiring process. Clearly define and communicate the criteria for hiring and promotion, focusing on skills, experience, and potential rather than assumptions about disability. Provide ongoing support and development opportunities for disabled employees to thrive in their roles. Implement feedback mechanisms to allow disabled employees to voice concerns and suggest improvements. The nullification of disability inclusion and rights The use of biassed AI in resume screening effectively nullifies inclusion efforts towards communities that have historically been marginalised and their identities stigmatised. Disabled individuals already face numerous barriers in the job market, and AI tools that perpetuate age-old bias just adds another layer of discrimination. Something we don’t need at all. This issue is particularly concerning given the increasing reliance on AI in hiring processes. A fair scenario would include resumes that highlight leadership skills and achievements — whether related to disability or not — be ranked based on the candidate's qualifications and potential. The fact that AI tools can diminish the value of disability-related credentials is a reminder that technological solutions must be developed and implemented with a strong emphasis on fairness and inclusivity. Ensuring fairness in AI To address these issues, it is crucial for developers, researchers, and companies to prioritise fairness in AI development. This includes: Conducting regular audits of AI systems to identify and correct biases. Ensuring that training data includes diverse representations of disabled individuals and their achievements. Providing clear guidelines to AI systems on avoiding ableism and other forms of discrimination. Incorporating human oversight in the resume screening process to catch and address biases that AI may miss. By taking these steps, we can work towards a future where AI tools contribute to, rather than hinder, disability inclusion and rights. Ensuring that technological advancements promote fairness and equality is essential for building a more inclusive society. More information: Kate Glazko et al, Identifying and Improving Disability Bias in GPT-Based Resume Screening, The 2024 ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency (2024). DOI: 10.1145/3630106.3658933 This article was originally published on Techxplore.com Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Here's your list of heartwarming tales of inclusion for the holidays < Back Disability, Media, Neurodiversity Holiday movies & shows with disability portrayal you must watch Here's your list of heartwarming tales of inclusion for the holidays MMS Staff 26 Dec 2024 3-min read The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and gathering around stories that warm the heart. For many in the disability community, representation in these stories can be especially meaningful. This list highlights films and shows that affirm disability as part of the human experience, celebrating inclusion and offering nuanced portrayals that enrich the festive season. Christmas Ever After (2020) This romantic comedy stars Ali Stroker, a Tony-winning actor who uses a wheelchair, as Izzi Simmons, a romance novelist spending the holidays in a small-town inn. Izzi’s disability is not a plot point to overcome but an integral and affirming aspect of her character. The film’s joyful tone and authentic representation challenge stereotypes, offering a love story that centers a disabled woman’s agency and vibrancy. The Family Stone (2005) Thad Stone, a deaf and gay character, is portrayed as a vital and cherished member of his family in this ensemble holiday film. His relationship with his partner, Patrick, is depicted with warmth and normalcy, emphasizing the richness of intersectional identities. The inclusion of sign language and the film’s focus on family acceptance make it a thoughtful and affirming holiday story. Wonder (2017) Wonder shares the journey of Auggie Pullman, a boy with a craniofacial condition, as he navigates a new school environment. The film affirms Auggie’s worth and humanity by centering his resilience, while also showcasing the importance of community and kindness. Its celebration of difference and its message of empathy make it an inspiring watch for the holiday season. Snow Cake (2006) Set in a snowy Canadian town, Snow Cake features Sigourney Weaver as Linda, an autistic woman whose life intersects with that of a grieving stranger. Linda’s autism is portrayed as a fundamental part of her identity, highlighting her independence and unique perspective. The film’s winter setting and themes of connection and healing resonate deeply during the holidays, offering a compassionate and nuanced portrayal of disability. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) This animated classic serves as an allegory for disability and societal exclusion. Rudolph’s red nose, initially viewed as a flaw, becomes his strength, mirroring the experiences of many disabled individuals. The Island of Misfit Toys reflects a world where difference is isolated, yet ultimately celebrated. The story’s affirmation of individuality and its heartwarming resolution remain timeless. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) & (1994) These beloved films explore themes of belief, acceptance, and understanding, resonating with disabled audiences through their broader message of valuing individuality. While not explicitly about disability, the characters’ journeys challenge societal norms, advocating for inclusion and empathy. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) This iconic holiday film subtly addresses disability through Harry Bailey, who loses his hearing as a child. More broadly, the story’s message — that every life has value and impact — aligns with disability affirming principles. By celebrating interconnectedness and community, the film underscores the importance of recognizing everyone’s contributions. Last Christmas (2020) This romantic drama centers on Kate, a young woman living with a chronic heart condition. The film portrays her illness as part of her reality rather than a source of pity, emphasizing her journey toward self-acceptance and connection. By integrating humor, romance, and personal growth, Last Christmas offers an empowering narrative of resilience. Carol of the Bells (2019) This poignant drama focuses on a man reconnecting with his birth mother, who has Down syndrome. Featuring actors with disabilities, the film affirms the inherent value and dignity of all its characters. Its authentic performances and themes of forgiveness and family make it a powerful and affirming holiday story. Klaus (2019) This animated gem includes a Deaf character who communicates through sign language, woven naturally into the story’s tapestry. The film’s themes of kindness, transformation, and community resonate deeply, offering an inclusive and visually stunning holiday experience. This Is Us (2016 – 2022) This critically acclaimed series features Jack Damon, a blind musician, as a central character. Through its holiday episodes, the show explores family, accessibility, and resilience, presenting disability as a natural part of life. Jack’s journey affirms the richness of diverse lived experiences, making This Is Us an emotionally resonant choice for the season. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

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Explore career opportunities with us and join a team that values innovation and collaboration. Discover roles that challenge and inspire growth in a supportive environment. Apply today to contribute to our mission and advance your career. We offer a chance to make a real impact at the intersection of media and social impact. Careers at Much Much Media Hey there! Thanks for showing interest in working with us. We're always on the lookout for writers, producers, directors, parents, caregivers, experts and people from all walks of life who believe they could contribute to our mission. Fill out the form below and someone from our team will get in touch with you if there's a match. For inquiries, write to careers@muchmuchmedia.com Come work with us First name* Last name* Email* Phone Position Available from Tell us something interesting about yourself* Upload your CV Link to CV/ LinkedIn/ portfolio APPLY

Much Much Spectrum is a Mumbai-based media production company and social impact agency. We specialize in turning brand visions into engaging conversations and impactful campaigns. We have collaborated with giants like Meta, Mahindra, Google, and Netflix to create content that resonates deeply. About us Based in Mumbai, Much Much Media is a boutique media production company and social impact agency with a community of over 50,000 people. We help brands, non-profits, and agencies make important conversations interesting while ensuring their vision and goals are not only met, but resonate deeply with audiences. Why ‘Much Much?’ In colloquial Hindi, "much much" means chatter. We chose the name Much Much Media to embody our mission of making important conversations engaging and enjoyable through our content and media. Based in Mumbai, Much Much Media is a boutique media production company that transforms briefs from brands and agencies into highly loved and binge-worthy social media content, films, campaigns, ads, and more. Our journey Much Much Spectrum was launched three years after Much Much Media as our original content division, aimed at bringing to light the stories of underrepresented communities that are often missing from mainstream media. This initiative was inspired by our founders' discovery of their own neurodivergence, establishing us as India’s first neurodivergent-led media company. Our objective is to bridge the gap in affirming narratives, particularly around subjects like health, disability, and mental health, which have been historically stigmatized in India. These topics are frequently portrayed through lenses of pity, sympathy, or excessive inspiration, often resulting in unaffirmative portrayals. In the last two years, Much Much Spectrum has built a global community of over 50,000 people. We have partnered with various brands and non-profits to tell impactful stories through our platform and community. 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 INCEPTION AS AN AGENCY Launched Much Much Media as a dynamic marketing communications agency. SIGNIFICANT COLLABORATIONS Collaborated with industry giants Meta and Mahindra (Jawa Motorcycles), setting a strong foundation. EXPANDING HORIZONS Delivered bespoke projects for prominent brands including Google, Netflix, Coca-Cola Foundation, HSBC, and United Way Mumbai. INNOVATION AND EXPANSION Founded Much Much Spectrum to co-create original content focusing on health, neurodiversity, and other pivotal social issues. IMPACTFUL CAMPAIGNS Ran four nationwide social impact campaigns, including a significant initiative for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. GROWTH AND COLLABORATION MILESTONES Partnered with the Government of India to raise awareness about disabilities. Our global community reached a robust 50,000 members. Launched the Much Much Spectrum website, enhancing our digital presence and engagement. Our mission At Much Much Spectrum, we focus on creating impactful content and strategies that resonate with diverse cultural contexts while being globally acknowledged. We empower communities and foster collaborations among a wide range of stakeholders in the social impact arena. Our mission is to prioritize lived experiences, community wisdom, and inclusive models in social storytelling. We aim to establish a practice that reflects local realities, democratizes knowledge, centre stages community insights, and integrates research and data with personal narratives. Through compelling content, we strive to engage a broader audience, making important conversations both accessible and captivating. Our values Inclusive Collaborative Ethical Reliable Our founders Aditi Gangrade Chief Creative Officer - Much Much Media Aditi Gangrade is a Gen-Z entrepreneur and filmmaker, renowned for her pioneering work in promoting neurodiversity and disability representation in the media industry. As someone who identifies as Autistic and ADHD, and also experiences PMDD, Aditi co-founded the innovative Mumbai-based studio, Much Much Spectrum, alongside her equally talented neurodivergent partner, Aalap Deboor. This inclusive content, insights, and consultation studio has made a significant impact by establishing a global community of 50,000 individuals focused on mental health, disability, neurodiversity, and gender. Much Much Spectrum, under Aditi's visionary leadership, aims to build India's largest repository of lived experiences through a rich tapestry of digital content and films. Aditi's passion for intersectional storytelling and her commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in media has been a driving force behind her work. Her directorial prowess was recently showcased in the film 'Unmasking Autism,' which was screened at the prestigious Pride Filmtage Bremen Film Festival in Germany. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Aditi worked as a creative producer and director. The inception of Much Much Spectrum, an extension of her media company Much Much Media, was motivated by the personal revelation of neurodivergence she shared with her partner. Much Much Spectrum collaborates with a diverse range of entities including non-profits, brands, corporate firms, and government agencies, striving to actualize disability inclusion. Apart from spearheading all creative and editorial efforts at Much Much Media, Aditi now also takes time out to coach young neurodivergent people starting their careers, as well as consult parents and caregivers on neurodiversity. To book a session with her, click here . Aalap Deboor Chief Executive Officer - Much Much Media Aalap is a writer-director-producer with 15 years in the entertainment industry. After a career in journalism working with Hindustan Times, followed by TV programming & production with MTV & Vh1 (where Aalap produced the shows Coke Studio & Unplugged and led Vh1 India's digital media efforts), and then in digital content & strategy as Head of Music for One Digital Entertainment - Asia's largest creator network - he started Much Much Media, a content & research studio. Aalap has directed and produced 100+ brand campaigns, and developed & successfully implemented data-driven content strategies for 50+ Bollywood music artists, building numerous digital channels and IPs from the ground up, including JioSaavn's Hip Hop Highway - India's first hip hop podcast - and MTV Roots, India's first indie music show. He has directed talent such as AR Rahman, Raftaar, Armaan Malik and Prajakta Koli, and led production on social campaigns, shows, ads and music videos for 50+ global brands including Vodafone, Tinder, Diageo and Nokia, featuring personalities ranging all the way from Shah Rukh Khan and Bill Gates to Russell Peters and Bhuvan Bam, netting over 250m+ views. Our advisors Rahul Jindal Director - Google, India Currently Global Director of Operations & Practices at Google, and an IIT-A alum, Rahul brings close to 20 years of rich experience in management across industries, with global and local roles at such companies as Infosys, CPA Global and Evalueserve. Rahul has been an active part of the disability and neurodiversity discourse. He's a former Executive Sponsor of Google's Disability Alliance, and former head of Google's Employee Resource Group in India. He has been active in raising awareness about disabilities, employing people with disabilities in high-tech & digital marketing roles, and spearheading active efforts in Assistive Tech.

Paramjeet Bisht of Uttarakhand practised his race walking only past 9 pm to avoid judgemental onlookers < Back News Youth ridiculed for ‘funny walking style’ represents India at Paris '24 Paramjeet Bisht of Uttarakhand practised his race walking only past 9 pm to avoid judgemental onlookers MMS Staff 3 Aug 2024 1-min read A 23-year-old resident of Uttarakhand - teased by the residents of his village for his ‘funny’ gait - represented India yesterday in the men’s final of the 20-kilometre walk at Paris Olympics 2024. On Thursday, Paramjeet Singh Bisht reportedly finished 37th in the 20 km men’s final where he took part alongside two other Indians - Vikash Singh and Akshdeep Singh. A native of Khalla village in Chamoli district Uttarakhand, Bisht used the roads of his village to practise for the event when they were secluded past 9 pm every day. He wanted to avoid the gaze of the other villagers, who ridiculed him for his ‘funny walking style,’ Bisht has said . “They would often laugh at me... as they were not aware it’s a globally recognised sport.” While Bisht clocked 1 hour, 23 minutes and 48 seconds in the finals, Singh crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 22 minutes and 36 seconds, and Akshdeep pulled out of the race around the 6-kilometre mark. Bisht presently holds the national record for the under-17 and under-19 men’s 5-kilometre walk events. In 2022, he joined the Indian Navy as a senior secondary recruit. “It was a great journey for me,” Bisht simply wrote on his Instagram after the race. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

After 14 years, India’s Census is finally catching up with its disabled population < Back Disability, Health, News Why India’s 2026 Census could be a turning point for disability rights After 14 years, India’s Census is finally catching up with its disabled population MMS Staff 9 Jun 2025 4-min read In April 2026, India will conduct its long-overdue national Census — 14 years after the last one. And for the first time ever, the Census will recognise all 21 categories of disabilities listed under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. A history of invisibility When the last Census was held in 2011, the government only acknowledged 8 types of disabilities. As a result, millions of disabled people across India were effectively excluded from the official record. And when you're not counted, you’re not planned for. India has consistently maintained that only 2.2% of its population is disabled. But global estimates by the WHO and UN agencies suggest that closer to 16% of the world’s population lives with a disability. The gap is massive. And it’s not just statistical — it's political, social, and deeply personal. Why is our official number so low? The reasons are many: – A limited definition of disability – Social stigma and fear of disclosure – Lack of awareness around invisible and intellectual disabilities – The sheer inaccessibility of self-reporting tools, especially in rural areas But the biggest reason? We haven’t designed systems that actually want to know the truth. Why data matters Over the last four years, we – Aditi & Aalap – have travelled across the country attending disability conclaves, public policy events, the Purple Fest in Goa, and countless inclusion panels. At nearly every event, one word echoes louder than the rest: data. Advocates, government officials, and corporate partners all agree — without accurate data, there can be no meaningful development. When a community isn’t counted, it becomes easier to exclude them from policies, budgets, infrastructure, and everything else that defines full citizenship. The private sector knows this well. Corporations spend billions collecting data to determine what to make, how much to make, where to sell it, and to whom. When that kind of basic insight is missing for millions of disabled people in India, how can anything — access, employment schemes, therapy programs, public toilets — ever be built at scale? Right now, the entire ecosystem runs on donations and goodwill. While that generosity deserves recognition, it’s simply not enough to sustain livelihoods for a population this size. What we need is structured, state-supported, and scalable change — and that begins with knowing who we’re building for. What’s changing in 2026 Here’s what’s new and significant about the 2026 Census: All 21 disabilities listed under the RPwD Act will be officially recognised Indian Sign Language (ISL) will be used as an official mode of communication during the Census Census Question No. 9 has been updated to be more inclusive of varied disabilities Government and NGO-led awareness drives will focus on increasing self-reporting and community-level participation It still won’t be perfect. Many disabilities like Bipolar disorder, ADHD, endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, Long COVID, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/ CFS), Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Lupus/ Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), among others remain outside the RPwD Act. And invisible disabilities continue to be misunderstood. But it’s a start — a start that means today’s children with disabilities won’t have to grow up hearing the dehumanising ‘R-word’. Until 2016, India’s official language for classifying intellectual disabilities included the term “mental retardation.” This language wasn’t just outdated — it was deeply hurtful, rooted in colonial and medicalised frameworks that stripped people of dignity and personhood. The RPwD Act of 2016 finally replaced this with more respectful and rights-based terminology: “intellectual disability” and “specific learning disabilities.” This change wasn’t just symbolic. It set a new tone for how institutions — schools, hospitals, census departments — describe and relate to disabled people. What this means for the next generation is powerful: children and families will no longer have to see that slur stamped on their identity papers, school records, or government forms. They won’t have to carry the burden of a word that for decades has been used to insult, isolate, and diminish. More than numbers At the end of the day, this is about people. It’s about the right to be seen and heard in the story of a nation. Because how do you plan for a country when you don’t even know who lives in it? The 2026 Census is our chance to change that. It’s an opportunity to give India’s disabled population something they’ve long been denied — not just visibility, but value. Once we have the numbers, the picture will become harder to ignore. Budgets can be argued for. Laws can be passed. Cities can be designed. Lives can be improved. Data is not the end goal. But it’s where the work begins. And it’s high time India got to work. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS