International Day of Persons with Disabilities: These trailblazers set on their own path
To celebrate inclusivity, participation and empowerment for people with disabilities, Shirkat, a special event hosted by FICCI FLO, Amritsar, and supported by the Department of Punjab Social Security and Women and Child Development, had India’s first wheelchair-bound bodybuilder Anand Arnold calling for equal opportunities and platform to people with disabilities (PwDs).
The evening featured a range of special performances, each resonating with individual strength and resilience while giving a shout-out to the inclusive community. A standout moment was the musical performance by students from St Soldier School, who played the traditional rabab, symbolising cultural unity. It was followed by powerful displays of determination, with Ablu Rajesh, a double amputee dancer, Imran Qureshi, showcasing advanced wheelchair skills, and Anand Arnold, delivering performances that left the audience in awe of their capabilities.
DC Sakshi Sawhney spoke about creating a more inclusive society. Her words emphasised the importance of equal participation for people with disabilities in all walks of life. A round-table discussion at the ‘Shirkat: Equal Participation’ event provided an insightful conversation by speakers. This segment of the event highlighted the importance of inclusive practices and policy advocacy.
Dr Simarpreet Sandhu, chairperson of FICCI FLO, Amritsar, said: “Shirkat is not just an event, it’s a movement to create inclusive spaces where every individual, regardless of their abilities, has equal opportunities to thrive.”
Have wings, will fly
Stories of Anand Arnold and Ablu Rajesh are not for the faint-hearted as they beat the odds to own their fate. Arnold, a Ludhiana-based star bodybuilder, who won hearts by appearing on India’s Got Talent, is a true underdog story. He wanted to pursue his dream of representing India in bodybuilding, just like his elder brother, and did not let cancer, become a deterrent in achieving that.
“I was diagnosed with cancer and its treatment cost me my legs. Finding myself on wheelchair was initially heartbreaking but I trained myself to believe and worked my way back to the gymnasium,” he shared. Today, he is celebrated for winning the title of Mr Olympia, Mr World (2016) and several other accolades for his country.
Another true grit story is of Amritsar-based young choreographer and content creator Ablu Rakesh. One wrong decision to cross the railway bridge in a hurry cost him both of his legs. But for Ablu, life and his dreams, were not yet over. “I loved to dance and had always pursued it as a passion. The initial shock and heartbreak over my accident had to give way for finding my way back to my dream,” he said.
And he did find his way. After getting prosthetic legs, he enrolled in Pankaj and Preeti Dance Academy, where he trained himself and today, he teaches dance to underprivileged children in his own academy. He passionately pursues cycling, for which he has also registered a record under his name and is a motivational speaker. His journey has now made him popular online.
