Visionary Disability Inclusion Leader

Dr. Jitender Aggarwal

Founder & CEO, Sarthak Educational Trust

Social Reformer | Institution Builder | Policy Advocate

Dr. Jitender Aggarwal is one of India's foremost disability inclusion leaders, social reformers, and institution builders. For over two decades, his pioneering work has transformed the landscape of disability empowerment in India, championing equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) across education, employment, accessibility, technology, and dignified livelihoods.

A Journey of Purpose

From Adversity to a Life of Impact

A Defining Turning Point

A qualified dental surgeon by profession, Dr. Aggarwal's life took a defining turn in 2004 when he lost his eyesight due to macular degeneration.

What could have marked the end of a successful professional career instead became the beginning of a lifelong mission to build an inclusive society where disability is viewed not as a limitation, but as a source of ability, resilience, and opportunity.

"Disability inclusion is not an act of charity—it is a matter of rights, dignity, equal opportunity, and nation-building."

The Birth of a Vision

Driven by this vision, Dr. Aggarwal founded Sarthak Educational Trust on 3rd July 2008.

His belief was simple yet transformative: every Person with Disability deserves equal opportunities to learn, work, live independently, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Over the years, this vision has grown into a comprehensive ecosystem that supports Persons with Disabilities throughout their life journey—from early intervention and education to skills, employment, accessibility, technology, and leadership.

Building Institutions. Creating Impact.

Under Dr. Aggarwal's leadership, Sarthak Educational Trust has evolved into one of India's leading organizations dedicated to the holistic empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

5.5M+Persons with Disabilities and families reached

1.5M+Individuals directly benefited

1.25L+Persons with Disabilities supported into sustainable employment

5,000+Employer partnerships across India

30+Integrated disability service centres nationwide

1,000+NGOs connected through the India Disability Empowerment Alliance

Institution Building

Strengthening India's Disability Ecosystem

India Disability Empowerment Alliance (IDEA)

Dr. Aggarwal founded the India Disability Empowerment Alliance (IDEA), India's largest collaborative network of disability-focused organizations. IDEA connects over 1,000 NGOs, promoting collaboration, capacity building, policy dialogue, and knowledge sharing across the disability sector.

National Abilympic Association of India

He established the National Abilympic Association of India (NAAI) and serves as its Founder & Chairman, leading India's participation in the International Abilympics and creating opportunities for Persons with Disabilities to showcase their vocational excellence on the global stage.

Leadership Beyond Institutions

Shaping India's Disability Inclusion Agenda

Dr. Aggarwal has played a pivotal role in advancing accessibility, inclusive governance, skill development, employment, and equal opportunity through engagement with government and international institutions.

International Abilympics Federation

Executive Committee Member, International Abilympics Federation, Japan.

Accessible India Campaign

Advisor, Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), Government of India.

Accessible Elections

Member, Accessible Elections Committee, Election Commission of India.

Skill Development

Member, Selection Committee for the National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Government of India.

Milestones

A Legacy Built Through Purpose

2004 — A Life-Changing Moment

Dr. Aggarwal lost his eyesight due to macular degeneration, transforming a personal challenge into a lifelong mission for disability inclusion.

2008 — Sarthak Educational Trust

Founded Sarthak Educational Trust with a vision of creating equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.

Building a National Ecosystem

Expanded Sarthak's work across early intervention, education, skilling, employment, accessibility, assistive technology, rehabilitation, and advocacy.

Global Abilympics Leadership

Established NAAI and strengthened India's participation in the International Abilympics movement.

2023–2024 — National Recognition

Under his leadership, Sarthak received the National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and became the first recipient of the Rotary DEI Award.

2026 — CavinKare Ability Award

Conferred the CavinKare Ability Award for Eminence by the Ability Foundation, Chennai, recognizing his exemplary leadership and contribution to disability inclusion.

Driving Innovation for Inclusion

Technology as a Force for Accessibility

A firm believer in the power of technology and innovation, Dr. Aggarwal has spearheaded the development of scalable digital platforms and technology-enabled solutions that enhance access to education, skilling, employment, and rehabilitation services.

His initiatives continue to bridge gaps between Persons with Disabilities, employers, educational institutions, governments, and communities—making inclusion more accessible, scalable, and sustainable.

Building an inclusive future requires innovation that puts people, accessibility, and equal opportunity at the centre.

A Life-Cycle Model of Inclusion

Dr. Aggarwal pioneered a comprehensive approach that supports Persons with Disabilities across the entire life cycle.

Early Intervention
Inclusive Education
Skill Development
Sustainable Employment
Accessibility & Assistive Technology
Rehabilitation & Independent Living
Advocacy & Policy

Recognition & Honours

Celebrating a Lifetime of Impact

Dr. Jitender Aggarwal's pioneering work has earned widespread national and international recognition.

CavinKare Ability Award for Eminence (2026) — Conferred by the Ability Foundation, Chennai, in recognition of exemplary leadership and outstanding contribution to disability inclusion.
National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (2023) — Sarthak Educational Trust recognized as the Best NGO in the Disability Sector by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of India.
Rotary DEI Award (2024) — Sarthak became the first-ever recipient of the award for its contribution to diversity, equity, inclusion, and meaningful participation of Persons with Disabilities.
Special felicitation by the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, for exceptional contribution to the Abilympics Movement and India's outstanding performance at the 10th International Abilympics.
Elected to the Executive Committee of the International Abilympics Federation, Japan.
Recognized through honours including the Diversability D-30 Disability Impact List, BW Businessworld Social Impact Award of Excellence, Dr. Batra's Positive Health Heroes Award, Mary Glowrey–Liliane Kelmans Disability Award, Mahatma Award, AIWEFA Nina Sibal Memorial Award, Nobel Foundation Recognition, Asia Governing Council Commendation Award, and special felicitation on Kaun Banega Crorepati – Karamveer Special.

In the Spotlight

Watch Dr. Jitender Aggarwal's Journey

From Kaun Banega Crorepati to receiving the prestigious National Award for Sarthak Educational Trust.

Kaun Banega Crorepati – Karamveer Special

National Award – Best NGO in Disability Sector (DEPwD)

A Legacy of Inclusive Nation Building

For Dr. Jitender Aggarwal, disability inclusion is not an act of charity— it is a matter of rights, dignity, equal opportunity, and nation-building.

His work has transformed millions of lives while reshaping how India perceives disability—from dependence to empowerment, from welfare to capability, and from exclusion to inclusion.

Through his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service, he continues to inspire governments, industry, civil society, and communities to build an India where every Person with Disability has the opportunity to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.