Humans are bound to face hardships in their lives. But when someone with a physical disability overcomes the shortcomings brought about by their condition, it is real courage. And when they find mega success in their life, that is an inspiring story to behold. For a differently-abled person, it takes a lot of strength and a complete no-fear attitude to succeed. Not just in Kashmir, but specially-abled persons have set many milestones across the world and have proved that they too can do wonders. From inventors and CEOs to performers and artists, hundreds of renowned personalities are differently-abled and have achieved tremendous success.
Disability doesn’t mean inability. For sure, the wings of a disabled person might be clipped by a cruel twist of destiny. But it does not prevent them from flying high and conquering the sky. Rather than dwelling in the past, they look at the bright future awaiting them.
Like many differently-abled persons across the globe, we have a list of specially-abled persons in Kashmir who, by not allowing their disabilities to become an impediment in their professional trajectory, has become an inspiration for many. Reyaz Ahmad Beigh (KAS) survived the mishap at the age of four and lost both arms. The disability didn’t stop Reyaz from pursuing education or qualifying the civil service exams.
Another such person is Javed Ahmad Tak, a social activist and 2020 Padma Shri awardee who suffered a bullet injury that impaired his spinal cord. The injury left him half paralysed and wheelchair-bound. He was pursuing a bachelor’s degree, and it took him six years to return to normal life. Javed has set up Humanity Welfare Organization which helps specially-abled people.
Shaheel Mohammad, the founder of Special Cell, Kashmir University, was diagnosed with poliomyelitis at the age of three years. After two to three years of medicinal treatment, it only improved up to 30%. He was bedridden for a long time after the first level of medication. Shaheel started participating in debates, quizzes and other co-curricular activities which changed the perception of his teachers about a specially-abled child. Shaheel’s life changed drastically at the university. He studied law due to which he got to know about his rights and responsibilities of the society towards the specially-abled. It made him “more civilised”.
Then there is Zakiya Manzoor, a visually impaired school topper. Zakia scored 82% in her Class 10 exam and 89.5% in her Class 12 exams. After passing with high grades, Zakiya decided to pursue civil services. She believes that she has the potential to change many scenarios of the education system in Kashmir. These are a few examples, but the world is full of such courageous people. Every normal person should learn a lesson from such people and work hard to achieve success in their lives. When physically challenged people can set milestones of success, then what stops a physically and mentally fit person to become an inspiration for others?