LUCKNOW, May 23 -- Asim Arun, minister of state (independent charge) for social welfare & SC/ST welfare urged companies to proactively hire persons with disabilities (PwDs) and continue building workplaces and communities where every individual, regardless of ability, can contribute and thrive. Disability inclusion is not just a moral imperative; it's a social and economic opportunity, he added. Arun was speaking at the inaugural edition of the CII Award for Excellence in Disability Inclusion on Thursday. The awards celebrate industry leadership in disability inclusion and recognise companies that are integrating accessibility, equity, and opportunity into their core operations. Subhash Chand Sharma, principal secretary, backward welfare & empowerment of persons with disabilities, said: "If persons with disabilities are differently-abled, it is society that must become more inclusive and responsive. We need to build sensitivity across all public-facing systems --whether in education, employment or service delivery -- and to match individual abilities to the right opportunities." Awanish Awasthi, advisor to chief minister, said: "It has been a privilege to serve on the jury for these awards, and I hope to continue contributing in the years to come. Disability inclusion is not an easy issue to work on. When I started out, even getting companies to conduct accessibility audits was a challenge. But we've come a long way since then. Today, we see visible improvements in infrastructure, with airports, restaurants and railway stations becoming more accessible. Yet, areas like public facilities on expressways and the skilling of persons with disabilities still need focused attention." Upasana Arora, chairperson of CII UP, urged for workplaces that take the whole society along so that no one can be left behind....