Kerala Presents a Model to the World: Construction of IIPD Begins in Kasaragod
Kasaragod : The construction of the International Institute for People with Disabilities (IIPD), a ₹100-crore flagship project aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities, began in Kasaragod on Wednesday (September 10). The inaugural ceremony for construction was graced by renowned filmmaker and Padma Vibhushan awardee Adoor Gopalakrishnan, along with acclaimed writer T. Padmanabhan. The institute being established in Kasaragod is a model initiative that Kerala is presenting to the world, said Adoor Gopalakrishnan on the occasion. The success of the IIPD will be pivotal to the cultural and human progress of society, he added.
Writer T. Padmanabhan praised DAC Executive Director Gopinath Muthukad for his determination in realizing the project. Every task he has undertaken has been fulfilled, and I firmly believe this ambitious project too will be completed during his time” Padmanabhan noted.
The ceremony opened with floral tributes to the late M.K. Luka, who had donated land for the project. Construction of the IIPD will be carried out by the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS). On the occasion, DAC Executive Director Gopinath Muthukad formally handed over the agreement and the first instalment of the construction cost to ULCCS Chairman Rameshan Palery.
The function was presided over by DAC Chairman and former Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson IAS. Project details were presented by Dr. Muhammed Asheel, National Professional Officer at the World Health Organization, India.
District Panchayat President Baby Balakrishnan, Madikai Grama Panchayat President S. Preetha, Damodar Architects CEO K. Damodaran, Manoj Ottapalam, Thankamma, and Sasheendran Madikai were also present.
Modelled on the DAC in Thiruvananthapuram, the Kasaragod IIPD will feature international-standard arts and sports training facilities, advanced therapy systems, personalized assistive device units, vocational training centres, medical facilities, and specialized training centres. This will be the first institution in India to bring together such a wide spectrum of services for persons with disabilities under one roof.
The IIPD at Kasaragod is envisioned as a vital support system, but also neighbouring regions such as Dakshina Kannada District in Karnataka. It is designed to support children affected by endosulfan as well as persons with disabilities from across India and beyond. With a total project cost of ₹100 crore, the first phase is expected to be completed by 2026, and the institute will be fully operational by 2029. Once complete, the IIPD will be the largest institution of its kind in India, offering training for nearly 1,000 persons with disabilities annually across multiple disciplines.
