Language is powerful, and the words we use to describe people can either hurt them or empower them. In India, a major linguistic and social change occurred regarding how we address people with physical disabilities.
The Hindi word 'Divyang' (दिव्यांग) translates to "Someone with a Divine Body" or "Differently Abled".
Word: Divyang (दिव्यांग).
English Equivalent: Differently Abled or Person with Disability (PwD).
Old Word Replaced: Viklang (विकलांग), which meant 'defective body'.
Literal Meaning: A person with a divine or extraordinary body/limb.
Introduced By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 to promote respect and dignity.
The word is a combination of two pure Sanskrit/Hindi words:
Historically in India, people with physical or mental disabilities (like someone who is blind, deaf, or uses a wheelchair) were called 'Viklang' (विकलांग), which literally means 'a broken or defective body'. This word was highly negative, insulting, and caused deep psychological harm to disabled citizens.
In December 2015, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, officially appealed to the nation to stop using the word 'Viklang'. He suggested replacing it with the highly respectful word 'Divyang' (or Divyangjan for the community). The reasoning was that while these individuals may lack one physical ability, God has gifted them with extraordinary willpower and alternate talents.
Following this massive social shift, the Government of India completely removed the word 'Viklang' from all official documents, train tickets, and government certificates, replacing it strictly with 'Divyangjan' (Persons with Disabilities - PwD).
Divyang is a highly respectful Hindi word used to describe a person with physical or mental disabilities. It translates to 'differently abled' or 'someone with divine limbs'.
Viklang is a negative, outdated term meaning a broken or defective body. Divyang is a positive, empowering term that focuses on the person's extraordinary willpower rather than their disability.
The word was introduced and popularized by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during a radio address in 2015 to change society's attitude toward the disabled.
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