Rajasthan’s Nupur Bhardwaj, just 18, is driving change for the deaf community. Her eight-year journey-sparked by a classroom friendship and her father’s guidance-has led to founding Samvad Connect, a free interpretation service breaking barriers in schools, government offices, and workplaces.
Supported by founder Manoj Bhardwaj’s decades of advocacy, Samvad Connect is transforming accessibility and inclusion for hundreds in Rajasthan, while Nupur continues her impact at the grassroots-even after being selected for advanced study in sign language.
She founded Samvad Connect, a free sign-language interpretation service, and was recently selected for advanced study at the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre. Despite her achievements, Nupur has chosen to stay in Rajasthan, continuing her efforts on the ground-an approach widely commended by officials in the community.
Breaking Barriers: The Early Years
Nupur’s advocacy took root at the age of 10, when a new student joined her Jaipur school-one who could neither hear nor speak, and who found it nearly impossible to communicate in a setting where no one else knew sign language. Thanks to her father, Manoj Bhardwaj, a lifelong deaf community supporter, Nupur had learned basic sign language and quickly became the classmate’s bridge to the world.
“I saw her struggling and realised I couldn’t just stand by,” Nupur recounted in a recent interview. That experience shaped her resolve to dedicate her life to inclusion and accessibility for deaf children everywhere.
Building Samvad Connect and Community Impact
Driven by her experiences, Nupur’s work expanded beyond the classroom. As she helped deaf peers with government filings and legal paperwork, she identified the widespread lack of interpretation services in public offices. This led to the creation of Samvad Connect-an initiative now lauded for providing accessible, no-cost sign-language interpretation across public spaces in Rajasthan. In interviews, Nupur has stressed, “Accessibility is everyone’s right, and the deaf community is no exception.”
Her efforts have received positive coverage from both advocacy groups and mainstream media, with community members praising her practical approach to empowerment and systemic change. This year, Samvad Connect was showcased at major state events focused on language equality and inclusion, underlining its growing reach and relevance.
A Commitment to Grassroots Change
Despite offers to relocate for advanced studies at the distinguished Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre, Nupur opted to remain in Rajasthan and continue her direct work with the community. This decision, celebrated by officials and disability rights advocates, highlights the importance of locally sustained support and leadership.
“Our young leaders must be empowered to serve where they are needed most,” commented a representative from the centre. Online, her story continues to inspire conversations about dignity, access, and belonging, demonstrating how one individual’s determination can help transform attitudes and infrastructure.
Living Changemaking: More Than Just Advocacy
Beyond interpretation and system reform, both Nupur and Manoj are now local icons for social harmony and dialogue. Regular workshops for families, police, and teachers build empathy and bridge divides.
Samvad Connect’s network has trained dozens to use digital sign language tools-a growing area of their outreach in 2025. Their story underlines how a changemaker’s action is rooted in community kindness, not just policy.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, Nupur’s story mirrors the core values of dialogue, compassion, and positive social change. Her example affirms that real inclusion is not merely a policy-but an everyday practice rooted in empathy and allyship.
As debates on accessibility evolve, Nupur’s journey is a reminder that small, sincere actions are the bedrock of progress.
