To Raise Awareness About Dyslexia, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Government Buildings Illuminate Red to Erase Stigma

There’s a rising need to talk openly about dyslexia. It is a learning difference that affects millions but remains misunderstood. Stigma around dyslexia can hold people back, affecting children and adults in classrooms, jobs, and everyday life. That’s why the recent move to light up iconic government buildings, including Rashtrapati Bhavan, in red to mark Dyslexia Awareness is drawing well-deserved attention across India. This initiative is not just symbolic as it tells people that embracing difference makes us a stronger, more compassionate society.

The Illumination Campaign: India Goes Red

October is celebrated as International Dyslexia Awareness Month.

To fight stigma & eliminate discrimination, iconic buildings in India, including Rashtrapati Bhawan, North & South Block, the Parliament, & India Gate turned red on Sunday, as part of Act4Dyslexia campaign. pic.twitter.com/W0NwYUJfeT

— United Nations in India (@UNinIndia) October 28, 2024

On Dyslexia Awareness Day, Rashtrapati Bhavan, North and South Block, Parliament, and major landmarks in cities like Patna, Jaipur, Ranchi, and Mumbai glowed in red. The campaign, part of the nationwide “Act4Dyslexia” and “Go Red for Dyslexia,” aims to erase the myths and move conversations beyond shame.

Delhi: A Walk for Dyslexia march was organized from Vijay Chowk to India Gate, marking October as National Dyslexia Awareness Month pic.twitter.com/IbDX8QcV2D

— IANS (@ians_india) October 26, 2025

Under the campaign, a “Walk4Dyslexia” was flagged off from Kartavya Path, Delhi, bringing together people of all ages to spread awareness and advocate for inclusive education. It emphasised that dyslexia is not a limitation but a different way of processing reading and writing. Early diagnosis, supportive schooling and inclusive mindsets were core themes. The campaign aimed to reduce discrimination and encourage schools, communities, and families to recognise and support dyslexic learners.

According to the official PIB press release, the Department of School Education & Literacy under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme is rolling out early screening, teacher training, and assistive technology to ensure children get the support they need. Their data shows that 12.15% of children with special needs in Indian schools are reported as having Specific Learning Disabilities, including dyslexia, but experts say the true number may be even higher.

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Understanding Dyslexia: A Global Health Challenge

According to the WHO and other global bodies, dyslexia is one of the most common specific learning disabilities worldwide. The WHO notes that dyslexia affects roughly one in five people globally and can impact reading, spelling, and writing skills. It is more common than most people think. A study highlights that around 10 % of students in some samples were found to have dyslexia or were at risk. With a global dyslexia prevalence of at least 10 %, significant numbers of students with dyslexia go undiagnosed and their symptoms unaddressed.

In one of our previous articles, Dr Gorav Gupta, Psychiatrist and Cofounder, Emoneeds, explains it as a learning disability that impacts an individual’s reading, writing, and spelling. According to him, in some cases, speaking skills are affected. It is rooted in neurological factors and has the potential to impede a person’s academic and career growth.

Why the Red Illumination Initiative Matters

The visual act of illuminating government landmarks in red is more than symbolic, as it serves multiple purposes:

• Visibility: It draws attention to dyslexia in public spaces, sparking conversations.
• Acceptance: The public act helps reduce stigma and promote the idea that learning differences are part of human diversity.
• Support: It encourages schools, parents and policymakers to recognise and act on dyslexia, like early detection, support systems, and inclusive teaching.
• Unity: The walk and awareness events show that dyslexia is not a private issue as it impacts communities, families and society.

ALSO READ: Aamir Khan Reveals Son Junaid's Dyslexia Journey, Here's What We Know!

Conclusion

The red-lighting of Rashtrapati Bhavan and other buildings is a smart public prompt: dyslexia matters, and awareness matters. The campaign invites each one of us to learn, support and include. Beyond the lights and the walk, the real goal is a society where children with dyslexia thrive, not because they hide their difference but because others recognise it, respect it and help them succeed.