December 3rd Movement was started in 2015 by seven individuals with the aim of securing the rights and dignity of people with disabilities wherever they are denied. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated on December 3, and hence the organization was named the “December 3rd Movement.” It has been active ever since. The December 3rd Movement now spans more than 22 districts across Tamil Nadu, with over 25,000 people with disabilities as active members. We are continuously fighting not only for the social justice of people with disabilities but also for society as a whole. Therefore, we work alongside various other social justice and human rights movements.

Through different forms of protests and demonstrations, we have been successful in securing these rights. In 2018, our movement became the first in India to hold a political conference for persons with disabilities by bringing together leaders of all political parties on a single platform. In line with the 2016 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, the movement has been advocating for the reservation of 5 percent of seats for persons with disabilities in local government elections. We have also conducted awareness programs such as rallies, public meetings, and street campaigns.

For the first time in the recent local government elections, the December 3rd Movement enabled more than 49 individuals with disabilities to participate, with 11 of them achieving electoral success. On behalf of this initiative, we assure you that the December 3rd Movement, which is continuously undertaking various efforts and achieving significant milestones, will continue to strive for greater success. We are committed to ensuring that the community of people with disabilities gains prominence and equality.

Thank you.