INDIA: Ajay Govind, the Training Lead of Digital Storytellers for Social Change (DiSSC) and co-founder of Words Rhythms Images (WRI), has been recognized as the Role Model Supporter of Increased Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities at the prestigious 25th NCPEDP Helen Keller Awards 2024. This accolade celebrates his innovative use of digital storytelling as an educational and empowerment tool for marginalized voices, particularly persons with disabilities (PwDs) and older individuals.
Govind’s illustrious journey as a writer-director is driven by his belief in storytelling as a medium for fostering understanding and inclusion. A graduate of English Literature from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, he has showcased his creative genius through award-winning films like Madappally United, music videos, and lyrical compositions for psychological thrillers. His unique approach to blending creativity with purpose has positioned him as a trailblazer in educational storytelling.
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Transforming Lives Through DiSSC
Govind’s vision materialized with the launch of DiSSC in 2020, co-conceptualized with Remya Sasindran. Supported by Elrha’s Humanitarian Innovation Fund (HIF), DiSSC began as a participatory mobile video-making program to address the struggles faced by PwDs and older individuals during the Kerala floods of 2018-2019. By transforming personal experiences into compelling narratives, the initiative introduced storytelling as a tool for advocacy and education.
Since its inception, DiSSC has evolved into a dynamic platform tackling diverse social issues. In 2022, it partnered with the Aryan Group in Dehradun to train communities in using video storytelling for highlighting local challenges, such as water scarcity. This led to significant policy discussions and interventions. By 2023, DiSSC had empowered over 20 organizations across India with storytelling skills to drive advocacy, raise resources, and spread awareness.
Inclusion at the Forefront
In 2024, DiSSC took a monumental leap in promoting inclusivity. Collaborating with v-shesh, the initiative conducted workshops tailored for PwDs across 15 Indian cities and extended its outreach to the Philippines and Indonesia. These sessions focused on the transformative potential of accessible storytelling, enabling marginalized individuals to advocate for their rights while educating wider audiences about inclusivity.
A Movement of Empowerment
Reflecting on this achievement, Govind remarked, “Over 250 participants trained across 15 cities this year. These training rooms were already full of stories. Through DiSSC, we introduced people to the tools of video-based storytelling, keeping accessibility and disability inclusion at the heart of it. We look forward to not only continuing to be enablers but also creating more enablers in the times to come.”
Co-founder Remya Sasindran emphasized the enduring impact of storytelling, stating, “Storytelling has brought people and cultures together for centuries. The smartphone has made storytelling more ubiquitous. DiSSC aims to leverage this for social change so that everybody gets a chance to tell their stories in the way that they want to.”
Shaping an Inclusive Future
Ajay Govind’s recognition at the Helen Keller Awards underscores the success of his philosophy: storytelling as a vehicle for education, advocacy, and empowerment. Together with his partners and community, Govind has transformed storytelling into an educational movement that bridges divides, dismantles barriers, and inspires social change.
The award is not just a milestone but a testament to the collective effort behind DiSSC’s mission, ensuring that accessible storytelling continues to foster a more inclusive and equitable future.
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