Raju R. Waghmare
Disability Rights Activist | Social Worker | Advocate for Accessibility and Inclusion
Raju R. Waghmare, visually impaired since the age of five, is a nationally respected disability rights advocate and social worker. A graduate of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, he has spent over two decades creating a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities (PwDs) through legal advocacy, grassroots initiatives, and policy guidance.
Leadership & Strategic Roles
- Founder – BE WITH ME, a volunteer-driven helpline providing assistance to PwDs and the elderly
- Founder – BUSS (Blind’s Unity for Self-Sufficiency), enabling visually impaired individuals to achieve financial independence through livelihood initiatives
- Legal Advocate – Led landmark Public Interest Litigations in the Bombay High Court for accessible voting, barrier-free infrastructure in railways and hospitals, inclusive government websites, and increased housing reservations in MHADA
- Policy & Community Work – Trains NGOs, leads consultations on disability law, and supports government policy development
- Pandemic Relief – Assisted over 2,300 disabled individuals and senior citizens with ration, medicines, and vaccination access
Nation Building & Impact
- Empowering thousands across Maharashtra and India through education, employment, healthcare, urban design, and livelihood protection for PwDs
- Advocates for accessibility, inclusion, and dignity as a core principle for building equitable communities
- Champions the rights of the visually impaired, ensuring they navigate the world safely and independently
Vision
Raju’s role on the Quiet India Advisory Board reflects his commitment to accessibility and inclusion. He emphasizes that noise pollution disproportionately affects visually impaired individuals, threatening safety, independence, and orientation. His presence ensures the movement remains rooted in dignity, equity, and empowerment for all.
“Noise not only disrupts life—it endangers independence and safety for the most vulnerable. Accessible and quiet environments empower dignity, confidence, and inclusion.”
