Two disabled Ahmedabad women prove they are winners : AHEMADABAD

The city can feel proud that two women with disabilities have been honoured at the national level for their commendable achievements. Neeta Panchal, founder of a city-based advocacy group, along with five others from the country, will get on Monday the Shell Helen Keller Award given by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP). The other achiever, Darshita Shah, a record-holder from the city, got a national award from the President on December 3, the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

Panchal, 29, was 16 in the year 2001 when Gujarat experienced one of the worst earthquakes in recent history. A native of Kutch, she was trapped under the debris of her school building for two days. When rescued, doctors found that her injuries had made her a paraplegic. She underwent more than 17 surgeries to improve her condition and even called off her engagement. Depressed, she had once tried to commit suicide.

"But life started getting better after I got in touch with Handicap International and began participating in a number of events, including sports. Success boosted my confidence and also brought me in touch with persons with similar problems. I co-founded Disability Advocacy Group (DAG) in 2010. This has taken up a number of issues with state and central governments," said Panchal. Her personal life also started looking up when she got married and became a mother four years back. Panchal travels extensively to spread awareness about the problems of people with disabilities.

For Darshita Shah, her ordeal began when she was just eight months old and contracted polio. Immediate medical intervention saved her life but polio left her with disabilities. However, she never let the disabilities come in her way and struggled and doggedly pursued education. She went on to get 17 academic degrees, a feat acknowledged by record books. Today, she wears many hats as social entrepreneur, social worker and volunteer for a number of city-based organizations. She was one of the recipients of the National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities-2013 that was given away by President Pranab Mukherjee on December 3.


Source : TOI , 9th December 2013