Bhubaneswar, Nov. 4: Saroj, a physically challenged boy, could work out solutions for chemistry problems in seconds. But it wasn’t long before disability came in the way of his passion. The tables and the shelves in the lab were placed too high for him to access. He was forced to forego his passion and take an arts subject.

Most handicapped students in the state are forced to take arts for the absence of disabled-friendly labs. To create awareness about the rights of disabled people, Badhte kadam, a campaign by the National Trust under the ministry of social justice and empowerment was launched at the L. V. Prasad Eye Institute here. The campaign, flagged off by minister of culture Prafulla Samal would see young teams hitting roads, conducting awareness programmes at different locations.

Photo and poster exhibitions, display of aids and appliances used by the disabled, talent hunt, essay writing, art competition and signature campaigns will be organised as part of the campaign. Last year, the Badhte kadam was organised in eight coastal districts of the state. This year, it will reach out to 10 more districts.

The campaign will conclude on December 2, a day before the World Disability Day on December 3.“The campaign not only aims at making all sections of society aware of the plight of the handicapped people but also boosting the morale of the disabled. It will also help people with disability live with as much rights and responsibilities as any normal person,” said coordinator of the state chapter of National Trust Sanyas Behera.