Inclusiv'e Voices with Kalyani Vippagunta

Meet Kalyani Vippagunta, an HR professional hailing from the city of Hyderabad, Telangana. Kalyani, now in her late 40s, has been living with dwarfism since birth. She holds a degree in M.Com and PGCHRM from XLRI Jamshedpur. She is a passionate singer and derives joy from interacting with people, spreading happiness through her infectious smile. Kalyani takes great pride in her Indian heritage and continuously explores and learns more about the culture and heritage of Mother India. She can engage in lengthy discussions about Indian music and the country itself.

Kalyani's professional background spans over two decades of dedicated service in the HR team of an MNC. She is a certified Mental Health Ambassador by NHRD, providing HR consulting services to startups and consulting for NGO operations and new initiatives. Kalyani excels as a soft skills trainer and is a fervent advocate for disability awareness. She is actively involved in accessibility audits and ongoing DEI certification programs, constantly expanding her knowledge. Her commitment extends beyond the corporate world, as she has volunteered for multiple CSR programs since 1995. This includes livelihood enhancement, soft skills training for youth through NGOs, and support for self-help groups focused on women and children. Kalyani collaborates with educational institutes, both governmental and private, to provide educational support at ZPH schools in her native area. She served as the CSR Point of Contact (POC) in Chennai for the MNC, actively contributing to youth and student programs across various locations. Kalyani consistently advocates for persons with disabilities, organizing and participating in cultural events for various institutions. Her involvement in internal and external CSR initiatives has earned her praise and encouragement from both professional and personal circles alike. Kalyani's dedication extends to societal causes, as seen in her participation in the UNESCO campaign in Hyderabad, focusing on menstrual health and hygiene management. She was also part of the Policy consultation of the prestigious G20 Civil 20 India's Gender Equality and Disability working group summit, where the historic decision of the standalone working group for Disability, Equity, and Justice (DEJ) in the space of SEWA and Philanthropy was made. Her family shares her commitment, always supporting and encouraging their ancestral village to ensure basic education for all. She envisions dedicating the rest of her life to fulfilling her responsibilities towards society.

Kalyani's understanding of accessibility is that it encompasses anything that makes her comfortable and aligns with her needs, while reasonable accommodations involve anything that allows for flexibility. Kalyani prioritizes independence; she employs many interesting 'jugaad,' sharing one of them, she says, "I carry an extendable back scratcher stick in my bag to reach switchboards. This approach helps me avoid unnecessary conversations, jokes about my height, or having my requests dismissed." She also prefers using a wheelchair when extensive walking is required.

In the workplace, this entails providing an adjustable workstation suited to her stature, placing items at accessible heights, offering flexible work hours to accommodate medical appointments or mobility constraints, and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that allows her to thrive. These measures go beyond mere assistive needs. They demonstrate an awareness of her unique challenges and strengths, taking proactive steps to create an environment that empowers her to lead an independent and self-sufficient life despite her disability, allowing her to reach her full potential.

In Kalyani's remarkable journey, she embodies the spirit of a self-motivated and highly confident individual who proudly celebrates her ability within disability. Her unwavering belief in sharing and caring reflects her unique character, a rare gem in today's world. She stands as a shining example of resilience, a self-sufficient and independent soul who consistently seeks to be there for others in their times of need. In a world often lacking awareness, understanding, and compassion for various issues, Kalyani firmly believes that, with the right thoughts and support, everyone can stand by each other and share their path when they genuinely care about something. Her journey is a testament to the enduring power of hope and the remarkable impact one determined individual can have on the world around them.

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