Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), through its flagship philanthropic initiative ‘Samarth by Hyundai’, organized the first-ever “Samarth India Conclave and Expo”. This event is a national platform aimed at promoting inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. The conclave gathered prominent figures from the Government of India, corporate sectors, global and national NGOs, leading start-ups, urban infrastructure designers, accessibility experts, and technology innovators to discuss the future of an inclusive India and collaborate on strategies for a more equitable and accessible society. The event featured various panel discussions and sessions that focused on advancing inclusion through technology, the evolution of the assistive tech ecosystem, breakthroughs in inclusive design technology, and strategies to close societal gaps to foster inclusivity.
Notable attendees included Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, and Anupam Kher, an Indian actor and director. During the conclave, Hyundai Motor India introduced the Samarth Accessibility Matrix (SAM), an innovative rating system designed to assess and score infrastructure based on its accessibility standards. Created by the Samarthyam Centre for Universal Accessibility, SAM promotes measurable, accountable, and inclusive design practices, establishing a new national benchmark for accessibility in India. This framework aims to assist businesses, institutions, and public spaces in creating barrier-free environments aligned with global best practices.
Additionally, the Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF) announced a program to mentor and fund promising start-ups focusing on next-generation assistive technologies under the Samarth by Hyundai initiative. These start-ups will receive support in the coming years to develop and implement innovations that improve mobility, independence, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India Limited, remarked on the event, stating, “At Hyundai, we see mobility as more than just movement; it is momentum for change. It empowers the communities we serve and creates a brighter future for all. ‘Samarth by Hyundai’ embodies our unwavering commitment to fostering a world where technology and humanity advance together.
With the launch of the Samarth India Conclave & Expo, I am confident we can make accessibility universal and instinctive for every individual, everywhere.” Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor India Limited, added, “Samarth by Hyundai reflects our belief that accessibility is not optional; it is a fundamental right. With the first-ever Samarth India Conclave and Expo, we take pride in uniting India’s most influential changemakers to expedite inclusive progress. Through the Samarth Accessibility Matrix and support for assistive technology startups, we seek to empower transformative solutions for individuals with disabilities.
Hyundai is committed to championing initiatives that create tangible, measurable change and ensure equal opportunities for all.” The Samarth India Conclave and Expo symbolizes more than just an event; it represents a movement aimed at revisiting, redefining, and reimagining inclusivity as a fundamental aspect of progress. The event featured participation from 25 startups specializing in assistive technology, each showcasing innovative products designed to enhance accessibility and empower lives. Additionally, HMIL exhibited its specially adapted 2 turn plus accessories, underscoring the brand’s dedication to facilitating mobility for all and establishing new standards in inclusive innovation. Through these advancements, HMIL reaffirms its belief that technology, when driven by empathy and purpose, can significantly promote social equity.