My Life Journy

MY JOURNEY

A Life of Challenges, Resilience, Purpose and Change

This is the story of my journey — from humble beginnings and unexpected challenges to discovering purpose, empowering lives, advocating for accessibility, and working towards a more inclusive India.

“Every journey begins with a dream. Mine became a mission—to build a society where accessibility, dignity, and equal opportunity are a reality for everyone.”

— Sooraj P A

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — MY LIFE JOURNEY

1. Chapter 1 — From a Cook’s Son to a Dreamer
2. Chapter 2 — Learning Beyond the Classroom
3. Chapter 3 — My First Earnings and the Value of Hard Work
4. Chapter 4 — My First Career and Life in Saudi Arabia
5. Chapter 5 — A Family’s Greatest Test
6. Chapter 6 — The Night That Changed My Life Forever
7. Chapter 7 — Learning to Live Again
8. Chapter 8 — The Long Road of Pain and Recovery
9. Chapter 9 — When Love Found Me
10. Chapter 10 — A New Beginning
11. Chapter 11 — The Birth of Handicrops
12. Chapter 12 — Empowering Thousands Through Training
13. Chapter 13 — The Paper Pen Revolution
14. Chapter 14 — Building Asia’s First Wheelchair-Led Company
15. Chapter 15 — ECO MADE: A New Beginning
16. Chapter 16 — Voice of Disabled: A Movement for Rights
17. Chapter 17 — Living Beyond Limitations
18. Chapter 18 — Understanding Law and Accessibility
19. Chapter 19 — Riding Across India for Accessibility
20. Chapter 20 — Recognition That Inspired Greater Responsibility
21. Chapter 21 — The World’s Longest Accessibility Awareness Ride
22. Chapter 22 — The International Accessibility Awareness Ride
23. Chapter 23 — Looking Back, Moving Forward
24. Chapter 24 — My Vision for the Future
25. Chapter 25 — A Message to Every Reader
26. Chapter 26 — Gratitude
27. Chapter 27 — Continuing My Mission

PART II — POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AN INCLUSIVE INDIA

A Vision for a Barrier-Free Future

28. Chapter 28 — Accessibility Tax: A New Policy Proposal for India
29. Chapter 29 — Establishing a National Accessibility Auditing System
30. Chapter 30 — Accessibility Education and Professional Training
31. Chapter 31 — Creating a National Accessibility Auditor Cadre
32. Chapter 32 — Building an Inclusive India

Conclusion — Towards an Accessible and Inclusive Nation

PART I — MY LIFE JOURNEY

From Spinal Cord Injury Survivor to Social Entrepreneur, Disability Rights Activist & Accessibility Campaigner

Welcome to my personal blog.

This blog is more than the story of my life. It is a journey of resilience, hope, determination, and purpose. From a simple childhood in Kerala to surviving a life-changing spinal cord injury, from rebuilding my life as a wheelchair user to becoming a social entrepreneur and accessibility campaigner, every chapter reflects the challenges I faced, the lessons I learned, and the mission that continues to guide me.

Over the years, I have trained thousands of persons with disabilities, founded organizations and social initiatives, promoted eco-friendly entrepreneurship, travelled across India and neighbouring countries on Accessibility Awareness Rides, and advocated for equal rights, inclusive infrastructure, and barrier-free communities.

This blog is divided into two major parts.

Part I – My Life Journey presents my personal story, including my childhood, education, career, accident, recovery, entrepreneurship, advocacy, awareness rides, achievements, and vision for the future.

Part II – Policy Recommendations for an Inclusive India presents practical ideas and policy proposals based on my lived experiences. These recommendations aim to support governments, policymakers, engineers, architects, educational institutions, and civil society in building an India where accessibility is recognised as a fundamental human right.

Whether you are a student, policymaker, researcher, entrepreneur, disability rights advocate, or simply someone seeking inspiration, I hope these pages encourage you to believe that barriers can be removed, opportunities can be created, and meaningful change is always possible.

Thank you for visiting my blog and becoming part of this journey.

Happy Reading!

Sooraj P.A.

CHAPTER 1

From a Cook's Son to a Dreamer

“Every journey begins with a small dream. Mine began in a simple home in Kodungallur.”

I was born in 1982 in the historic town of Kodungallur, in Thrissur district, Kerala. I am the elder son of Late Anandan P.K., a cook by profession, and Ratnamani. I have a younger brother, Tharaj. My family was not wealthy, but we never considered ourselves poor in values. My parents taught us that honesty, hard work, and compassion were more valuable than money. Those lessons became the strongest foundation of my life.

My father worked tirelessly to support our family. His dedication inspired me from an early age. My mother managed our home with patience, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Watching my parents face life's challenges with dignity taught me that success is built on perseverance rather than privilege. As a child, I was naturally curious. I always wanted to understand how things worked, how they were made, and how problems could be solved. While many children spent their free time playing, I enjoyed observing skilled workers and learning practical tasks.

Those small experiences gradually developed my confidence. Without realizing it, I was preparing myself for challenges that life would place before me many years later. Looking back today, I understand that my childhood did not simply shape my personality—it built the resilience that would help me rebuild my life after tragedy.

Every great journey begins with ordinary beginnings.

Mine began in a humble home, with hardworking parents, simple dreams, and the belief that every new skill learned today could become an opportunity tomorrow. That belief would stay with me throughout my life.

CHAPTER 2

Learning Beyond the Classroom

“Education gave me knowledge. Learning gave me confidence.”

My education began in Kodungallur, where I completed my school studies before continuing my higher education in Thriprayar. Like many students, I attended classes, prepared for examinations, and dreamed about building a successful future. But I never believed that education should be limited to textbooks.

From an early age, I was eager to learn practical skills that could help me become independent. Every new skill represented another opportunity to build a better future. After completing my Pre-Degree, I earned an AICTE Diploma in Advanced Computer Applications and completed a Typewriting Course. While pursuing my Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.), I also studied Aluminium Fabrication and Website Designing.

My learning journey did not stop there.

I later completed courses in Computer Hardware & Networking and Mobile Phone Servicing, believing that technology would continue to shape the future and create new opportunities. Looking back, I realise that every course I completed became useful at different stages of my life. Some helped me find employment, while others later supported my entrepreneurial journey and social initiatives.

More importantly, these experiences taught me that learning should never stop. Education is not simply about earning certificates. It is about developing the confidence to solve problems, adapt to change, and create opportunities where none seem to exist. That belief became one of the guiding principles of my life. Even today, I continue to learn from every journey, every challenge, and every person I meet. Because the day we stop learning is the day we stop growing.

CHAPTER 3

My First Earnings and the Value of Hard Work

“The greatest satisfaction is earning your first income through your own efforts.”

Even while I was a student, I wanted to become financially independent. I never wanted to depend entirely on my parents for my personal expenses. I believed that if I could work, I should. During weekends, holidays, and semester breaks, I joined local workers and learned different kinds of manual labour. I worked in cement construction, electrical wiring, plumbing, and house wiring. The work was physically demanding, but every day taught me something new.

I was never embarrassed by hard work. Instead, I took pride in learning directly from experienced workers. Every task improved my skills, strengthened my confidence, and taught me the importance of discipline, teamwork, and responsibility. The money I earned was not a large amount, but it meant everything to me. It paid for my personal expenses and allowed me to experience the dignity of earning through honest work. By the time I completed my B.Com. degree, I had saved enough money to buy my first motorcycle with my own earnings. That motorcycle was far more than a vehicle.

It was a symbol of independence, determination, and the rewards of perseverance.

Those early work experiences also changed the way I looked at life. I realised that no profession is small when it is performed with honesty and dedication. Every worker deserves dignity and respect, regardless of the nature of their job. Many years later, after my spinal cord injury, the practical skills and work ethic I developed during those years helped me rebuild my life with confidence.

Looking back today, I understand that my first earnings gave me something much more valuable than money. They gave me self-belief. And once a person truly believes in themselves, no challenge is impossible to overcome.

CHAPTER 4

My First Career and Life in Saudi Arabia

“Every new place teaches a new lesson. My journey to Saudi Arabia changed the way I saw the world.”

After completing my graduation, I began my professional career at Joy Alukkas Hotels in Thrissur, where I worked in the billing and cashier section. It was my first full-time job, and it taught me the importance of discipline, responsibility, and customer service.

Later, I joined the Joy Alukkas Wedding Centre in Thiruvalla as a salesman. Working in sales helped me develop confidence in communicating with people from different backgrounds. I learned that understanding customers and building trust were just as important as selling a product.

Soon, a new opportunity came my way.

I moved to Saudi Arabia to work in my uncle's duty-paid shop. It was a secure job with a stable income, but after some time, I realised that sitting inside an air-conditioned showroom all day was not the kind of life I wanted. I wanted to explore, meet people, and challenge myself. With the support of another uncle, I started selling ladies' jalabiyas and children's clothing in traditional Arab weekly markets, known as Souqs.

Life in the Souqs was very different. During the summer, I worked under the scorching desert sun. In winter, I woke before dawn to work in the freezing cold. The long hours and demanding conditions tested both my physical and mental strength. But those years became one of the greatest learning experiences of my life.

Living in Saudi Arabia introduced me to people from many countries and cultures. I gradually learned to speak Arabic, Hindi, Tamil, and a little Telugu, making it easier to communicate with customers and friends from different backgrounds. More importantly, I learned that respect has no language. Kindness, honesty, and hard work are understood everywhere in the world. Those experiences broadened my perspective, strengthened my confidence, and prepared me for the many challenges and opportunities that awaited me in the years ahead.

I never imagined that, before long, life would call me back to India—not for work, but to stand beside my family during one of the most difficult times we had ever faced.

CHAPTER 5

A Family's Greatest Test

“Life does not always test our strength through success. Sometimes, it tests our love, responsibility, and sacrifice.”

In 2009, my family faced one of the most difficult chapters of our lives. My younger brother was diagnosed with kidney failure. The news came as a shock to all of us. His condition required immediate medical attention, and he had to undergo dialysis three times every week just to survive.

Without a second thought, I returned to India from Saudi Arabia. At that moment, my career and personal ambitions became less important than my responsibility to my family. For nearly a year, our lives revolved around hospitals, dialysis centres, medical appointments, and endless prayers. Every day brought new challenges, but it also strengthened the bond within our family.

Watching someone you love struggle for life is one of the most painful experiences anyone can face. Despite the uncertainty, we never lost hope. Then came a moment that demonstrated the true meaning of unconditional love. My mother made an extraordinary decision. She volunteered to donate one of her kidneys to save my brother's life. The transplant surgery was successfully performed at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram.

The operation gave my brother a second chance at life and brought immense relief to our family. That experience changed me forever. It taught me that family is not simply about living together. It is about standing together when life becomes most difficult.

I also learned that responsibility is not something we choose only when circumstances are convenient. It is something we accept without hesitation when the people we love need us the most. At that time, I believed this was the greatest challenge my family would ever face.

I did not know that only a few years later, my own life would change forever—and that I would become the one fighting for survival.

CHAPTER 6

The Night That Changed My Life Forever

“Sometimes, a single moment divides life into two parts—before and after.”

The year 2012 changed my life forever. One day, I travelled from Kodungallur to Punalur to meet a friend. After reaching there, I was unable to contact him. While I was waiting, I received news that a statewide hartal would begin at midnight. To avoid being stranded, I decided to return home immediately.

At around 10:00 p.m., I was driving along the Alappuzha Bypass. Then, within a matter of seconds, everything changed. Suddenly, a man ran across the road directly in front of my car. Without thinking about my own safety, I instinctively turned the steering wheel to avoid hitting him. My car veered off the road, fell into a roadside trench that had been dug for cable work, and rolled over several times before finally coming to a stop. The man survived.

But my own life would never be the same again. Inside the damaged vehicle, I tried to move. I tried to stand. But I could not feel or move my legs. In that instant, I realised that something was terribly wrong.

Using the mobile phone of a passer-by, I called my younger brother and informed him about the accident. For nearly an hour, I lay on the roadside waiting for help. Eventually, an ambulance arrived and rushed me to Government Medical College, Alappuzha.

The following morning, I was transferred to Medical Trust Hospital, Ernakulam, where an MRI scan confirmed that I had sustained a severe spinal cord injury. Doctors immediately performed emergency spinal surgery. Metal rods and screws were implanted to stabilise my spine and prevent further damage.

The operation was successful. But the injury had already changed my life forever. I could not imagine what lay ahead. But the greatest challenge of my life had only just begun.

CHAPTER 7

Learning to Live Again

“Sometimes, the greatest battle is not against the injury, but against the fear of what comes next.”

When I woke up after surgery, my life had changed forever. I tried to move my legs. Nothing happened. The doctors gently explained that I had suffered a spinal cord injury. Although the surgery had successfully stabilised my spine, the damage to my spinal cord was severe. At that time, there was no treatment that could restore the lost function.

I had become a wheelchair user.

Hearing those words was one of the most difficult moments of my life. In a single day, everything I had taken for granted had disappeared. Walking... Standing... Running... Driving... Even the simplest daily activities suddenly became enormous challenges. As the days passed, I began to understand the full impact of my injury.

I lost normal bladder and bowel control and had to depend on a urinary catheter for daily life. I also experienced severe nerve pain and muscle spasms, problems that are often invisible to others but deeply affect everyday living. Because specialised spinal rehabilitation was not easily available during the early stage of my recovery, prolonged immobility led to calcium deposits forming around my knees. This greatly reduced their movement and made rehabilitation even more difficult. The physical pain was intense. But the emotional struggle was even greater.

There were moments when I questioned what my future would look like. Would I ever work again? Would I ever travel again? Would I become dependent on others for the rest of my life? These questions had no immediate answers. Slowly, however, I realised that I had only two choices. I could spend the rest of my life mourning what I had lost. Or I could begin building a new life with what I still had.

I chose the second.

That decision did not remove the pain overnight. It did not make the challenges disappear. But it gave me something far more important. It gave me hope. Looking back today, I believe that the day I accepted my new reality was the day my second life truly began.

CHAPTER 8

The Long Road of Pain and Recovery

“Recovery is not always about returning to the life we had. Sometimes, it is about creating a new life with courage and acceptance.”

After leaving the hospital, my real journey of recovery began. Life outside the hospital was completely different from before. Simple tasks that I once completed without thinking now required planning, patience, and support. I started regular physiotherapy with the hope of improving my strength and independence. Every exercise was difficult, but I continued because I believed that every small improvement mattered. Since there was no complete medical cure for spinal cord injury, I explored different treatments with the hope of improving my condition. During this period, I also visited Wayanad and underwent traditional treatments. For several years, I continued my search for recovery.

I never gave up hope.

However, one treatment that I underwent caused serious complications. My left hip joint was badly damaged, resulting in continuous pain and difficulty in movement. After years of suffering, I eventually had to undergo surgery to remove the damaged hip ball.

I learned that recovery is not only measured by medical improvement. Recovery is also about developing inner strength. It is about finding reasons to smile even when life is painful. It is about accepting the changes we cannot control while continuing to fight for the possibilities that remain.

During this period, I slowly understood that my purpose in life was changing. My goal was no longer only about walking again. My goal became creating a meaningful life, becoming independent, and helping others who were facing similar struggles. The pain I experienced became the foundation for a greater mission. A mission to ensure that persons with disabilities would not have to face their challenges alone.

CHAPTER 9

Love Arrived When I Needed It Most

“Sometimes, life sends us the right person at the moment we need them the most.”

During my long period of treatment and recovery, when my future seemed uncertain, an unexpected blessing entered my life. Through a matrimonial website, I met Soumya. Before we met, she already knew about my condition. She knew that I had suffered a spinal cord injury. She knew that I was a wheelchair user. She knew that my life would be different from what most people imagined. Yet, she chose to see the person beyond the disability. She did not look at my wheelchair as a limitation. She looked at my dreams, my values, and my determination.

Many people believed that my accident had ended my chances of living a normal family life. But Soumya proved that true companionship is built on understanding, acceptance, and unconditional support. On 2 May 2013, while I was still undergoing treatment, we got married. The wedding was a simple but deeply meaningful moment in my life. I tied the wedding knot while I was still on my treatment journey.

That day gave me a new confidence. Marriage gave me more than a life partner. It gave me a friend who stood beside me during pain, uncertainty, and challenges. Soumya became my strongest support system. She supported me through medical difficulties, rehabilitation, travel, business activities, and every new step I took after my injury. She believed in my abilities at times when I struggled to believe in myself.

Her support played an important role in transforming my life from survival to purpose. Looking back, I realise that disability changed many things in my life. But it also brought me one of life's greatest gifts—a person who chose to walk beside me on a journey that neither of us could have predicted.

CHAPTER 10

A New Beginning

“When one door closes, life often opens another door with a new purpose.”

After my accident, many things in my life changed. Some old friendships slowly disappeared. People who had been part of my earlier life moved away, and I had to accept that my world was changing. At first, this was painful. But life also introduced me to a new circle of people—many of them persons with disabilities who understood my struggles without needing explanations. They shared similar experiences. They understood the challenges of accessibility, employment, independence, and social acceptance.

During my treatment and rehabilitation, a large part of my savings had been spent on medical expenses. I knew I had to rebuild my life again. I started a small mobile recharge business as my first step towards becoming financially independent. But somewhere inside, I felt that my purpose had to be bigger than just rebuilding my own life. During this period, I met many persons with disabilities who were talented, educated, and willing to work, but they lacked opportunities.

A question kept coming back to my mind:

“Can we create work opportunities that persons with disabilities can do from home?”

This question became the beginning of a new chapter. With the help of social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, I started connecting with persons with disabilities from different places. We shared ideas, discussed challenges, and searched for practical solutions. Slowly, these conversations became a community. It was no longer only about my personal recovery. It became about creating possibilities for many others who were searching for hope and independence. The small idea that began during my recovery period would later grow into a larger movement. A movement built on one simple belief: Every person has abilities. Society only needs to create the right opportunities.

CHAPTER 11

The Birth of Handicrops

“A small idea, when shared with the right people, can become a movement.”

After my accident, I began to understand that unemployment was one of the biggest challenges faced by persons with disabilities. I met many talented individuals who had skills, creativity, and the desire to work. However, they often faced the same barriers—lack of opportunities, lack of market access, and social attitudes that underestimated their abilities. I strongly believed that persons with disabilities did not need sympathy alone. They needed opportunities.

Through WhatsApp, I started connecting with persons with disabilities from different parts of Kerala and beyond. Our conversations were not only about problems; we discussed solutions, business ideas, and ways to become financially independent. As more people joined these discussions, a supportive community began to form. To connect with a larger audience, I created a Facebook group called Handicrops.

The vision was simple: Learn together. Work together. Grow together.

The group became a platform where persons with disabilities could share experiences, learn new skills, promote their products, and encourage each other. During these discussions, we explored different livelihood opportunities that could be started with minimum investment and operated from home. One idea attracted special attention—the production of eco-friendly paper pens. It was a simple product, but it carried a powerful message. It combined environmental protection with livelihood creation.

A person could make these products from home, develop a small business, and earn income with dignity. What started as an online discussion soon became a real initiative. Handicrops was no longer just a Facebook group. It became a symbol of confidence, entrepreneurship, and collective empowerment.

The journey that began with my own struggle was slowly becoming a mission to create opportunities for thousands of others.

CHAPTER 12

Training Thousands of Lives

“A skill becomes powerful when it creates independence for another person.”

An idea becomes meaningful only when it reaches people and creates real change. With this belief, we started organising skill development programmes for persons with disabilities. Our aim was not only to teach a skill, but to help individuals discover their own ability to become self-reliant. With the support of organisations such as Rotary Club and Lions Club, we conducted free training programmes in different parts of Kerala. Our first major training programme was conducted at Ottapalam in 2017, where around 50 participants learned to make paper pens, LED bulbs, umbrellas, and other livelihood products. The response was encouraging.

Many participants who attended the programme had never imagined that they could start a small business from their homes. Soon after, another large training programme was organised in Kodungallur, where around 165 persons with disabilities participated. The training covered various income-generating activities including:

• Seed paper pen making
• Paper bag making
• Candle making
• Chocolate making
• Mushroom cultivation
• Handmade products
• LED bulb assembly
• Other small-scale livelihood activities

The journey continued across different districts of Kerala. Later, training programmes were also conducted in Tamil Nadu and Delhi, reaching more communities and creating more opportunities. Over the years, I had the privilege of training more than 5,000 persons, including persons with disabilities, parents, students, and members of self-help groups. For me, the greatest achievement was not the number of programmes conducted. It was the messages and phone calls I received from participants who said: “Sir, this small business is helping my family today.”

Those words carried more value than any award or recognition. Because the true success of any initiative is not measured only by what we create. It is measured by the lives that become better because of it. The small training sessions became the foundation for a larger movement of empowerment and entrepreneurship.

CHAPTER 13

The Paper Pen Revolution

“A simple product can carry a powerful message of hope, sustainability, and empowerment.”

Among the many products introduced through our training programmes, one product became closely connected with our identity—the Seed Paper Pen. For us, it was never just a pen. It was a symbol. The idea was simple but meaningful. A pen made from recycled paper could reduce plastic waste, and after its use, the remaining part containing seeds could be planted in soil to grow into a plant. A small everyday object could become a message for environmental responsibility.

This concept connected two important missions close to my heart:

Creating livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and protecting our environment.

As awareness about eco-friendly products increased, the demand for our seed paper pens also grew.

We started producing customised pens for:

• Companies
• Educational institutions
• Government programmes
• Social organisations
• Events and campaigns

These pens were customised with logos, names, and messages according to customer requirements. Many organisations selected our products as corporate gifts and promotional materials because they represented both sustainability and social responsibility. For persons with disabilities who learned this skill, the paper pen became more than a product. It became a source of income. Many individuals started small home-based units and earned through their own efforts. The confidence they gained from becoming entrepreneurs was the most valuable outcome.

The success of the seed paper pen showed me an important lesson: Sometimes, a small idea can create a big impact when it is connected with the right purpose.

A simple paper pen carried a message: Disability is not inability. With opportunity and support, persons with disabilities can create value for society.

This small green revolution became one of the proudest milestones in my journey.

CHAPTER 14

Building Asia's First Wheelchair-Led Company

“True inclusion is not about giving opportunities to persons with disabilities. It is about creating platforms where they can lead.”

As Handicrops continued to grow, we identified another major challenge faced by small entrepreneurs. Many persons with disabilities who wanted to start businesses struggled because raw materials were expensive and not easily available. Without affordable materials, earning a sustainable income became difficult. We wanted to find a solution. To address this challenge, we established Handicrops Divyang Impex Limited (HDIL). The company was headquartered in Palakkad, Kerala. A unique feature of this initiative was its leadership. Five wheelchair users, including myself, became the directors of the company, and I served as the Managing Director.

It was a significant step towards disability-led entrepreneurship, demonstrating that persons with disabilities could not only participate in business but also lead organisations.

Our mission was clear:

• To provide quality raw materials at affordable prices.
• To support disabled entrepreneurs.
• To create a stronger business ecosystem for persons with disabilities.
• To promote independent livelihoods.

In 2018, Handicrops received recognition from the Kerala State Environment and Climate Change Department for its contribution to eco-friendly products and sustainable entrepreneurship.

However, every journey has challenges. Over time, differences in management and administrative decisions created difficulties within the organisation. Due to these internal issues, four directors, including me, decided to resign from the company. Leaving the organisation was not easy.

But I understood an important truth: A mission is always greater than an organisation.

Although I moved away from Handicrops Divyang Impex Limited, my commitment to empowering persons with disabilities remained unchanged.

The dream continued. The vision continued. And a new chapter was about to begin.

CHAPTER 15

A New Beginning – The Birth of ECO MADE

“Every ending creates an opportunity for a new beginning.”

Leaving Handicrops Divyang Impex Limited was a difficult moment in my journey. However, I believed that challenges should not stop the mission. Instead, they should become opportunities to create something new. This thought led to the beginning of ECO MADE.

Since my wife Soumya had grown up in Delhi, we frequently travelled between Kerala and Delhi. During these visits, I noticed that many raw materials required for eco-friendly products were available in Delhi at much lower prices compared to Kerala. I saw an opportunity. I started purchasing materials in bulk and supplying them at affordable prices to persons with disabilities across India who wanted to start their own small businesses.

Many entrepreneurs with disabilities found it difficult to travel long distances to purchase materials. To solve this problem, we started sending materials directly to their homes through India Post. But I soon realised that providing materials alone was not enough. Entrepreneurs also needed knowledge about marketing, branding, and reaching customers. To support them, I started conducting free online classes through social media platforms, teaching persons with disabilities how to promote and sell their products online.

To create a dedicated platform for eco-friendly handmade products, I launched www.ecomade.in. The platform focused on promoting sustainable products made by persons with disabilities. Over time, our product range expanded to include:

• Seed paper pens
• Paper folders
• Seed paper greeting cards
• Wedding invitations
• Bookmarks
• Calendars
• Diaries
• Gift tags
• Other eco-friendly handmade products

ECO MADE became more than a business. It became a platform for dignity, independence, and entrepreneurship.

The vision was simple: To create a society where persons with disabilities are not seen as dependents, but as skilled individuals, entrepreneurs, and contributors to the economy. The journey that started with a small idea continued to grow into a larger movement for empowerment.

CHAPTER 16

Voice of Disabled – A Movement for Rights

“Rights become meaningful only when people know them, understand them, and are able to claim them.”

After becoming a wheelchair user, I slowly realised that disability itself was not always the biggest challenge. The real barriers were often created by society.

• Inaccessible buildings.
• Broken footpaths.
• Lack of accessible transportation.
• Limited employment opportunities.
• And most importantly, a lack of awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities.

India had enacted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, a powerful legislation designed to protect and empower persons with disabilities. However, laws alone cannot create an inclusive society unless people know about them and implementation is ensured. This understanding became the foundation for starting Voice of Disabled in 2018.

The mission was clear:

To create awareness, protect the rights of persons with disabilities, and work towards building an inclusive society through advocacy and action.

Voice of Disabled became a platform where persons with disabilities could learn about their rights, share their challenges, and collectively work towards solutions.

Today, the organisation works for persons belonging to all 21 disability categories recognised under the RPWD Act and focuses on awareness, accessibility, empowerment, and equal opportunities. As the General Secretary, I have worked continuously with government departments, organisations, and communities by submitting petitions, representations, and policy suggestions on disability-related issues.

Some of the major areas of our work include:

• Conducting awareness programmes on the RPWD Act across Kerala.
• Advocating for accessible public buildings, roads, transport, and services.
• Raising accessibility concerns through government platforms.
• Campaigning against GST on wheelchairs and assistive devices.
• Representing disability issues in consultations connected with national and international disability movements.
• Supporting persons with disabilities facing discrimination and denial of rights.
• Helping deserving individuals access wheelchairs, tricycles, scooters, and other assistive devices.
• Organising awareness campaigns, meetings, and public programmes.
• Providing support during emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Conducting skill development programmes and promoting self-employment.

One of the important lessons I learned through this work is that accessibility is not a favour given to persons with disabilities. It is a right. When a ramp is built, a barrier disappears. When a public service becomes accessible, independence increases. When society changes its attitude, inclusion becomes possible.

Voice of Disabled is not just an organisation. It is a movement built on the belief that persons with disabilities should not be defined by limitations, but recognised for their abilities, contributions, and dreams. For me, every barrier removed is a step towards a more equal society.

CHAPTER 17

Living Beyond Limitations

“Disability changed the way I live, but it never changed my desire to live fully.”

Many people look at a wheelchair and assume they understand disability. But disability is much deeper than what the eyes can see. A spinal cord injury affects every part of life. Although I cannot walk, that is only one visible part of my journey. There are many invisible challenges that I face every day. I live with continuous nerve pain. I depend on a urinary catheter and leg bag as part of my daily life. I have experienced repeated urinary infections that require medical attention. I have lost normal bladder and bowel control. If I get injured in my legs during travel, I may not immediately feel the pain because sensation is absent. These are struggles that many people with disabilities experience but the outside world often cannot see.

However, I decided that these challenges would not define my future. Instead of constantly asking: “Why did this happen to me?” I started asking: “What can I still do?” That change in thinking transformed my life.

I began exploring possibilities that many people thought were impossible for a wheelchair user. I travelled independently by flight between Delhi and Kerala. I participated in adventure activities and awareness journeys. Along with another wheelchair user, I travelled nearly 20 kilometres into the sea by boat.

In 2024, I entered a swimming pool for the first time after my accident and swam for nearly an hour.

Since 2014, my wife and I have independently managed my catheter replacement, reducing my dependence on frequent hospital visits.

During exhibitions and travels across India, when accessible transport was unavailable, I found alternative ways to continue my journey. I travelled in ordinary buses with assistance and faced difficult situations at railway stations and public places.

At Nizamuddin Railway Station, Delhi, where lift facilities were unavailable, I even used escalators with my wheelchair.

I have travelled thousands of kilometres on highways using my modified three-wheeled scooter while carrying necessary luggage.

These experiences were never about proving that I was stronger than others. They were reminders that disability may change the way we do things, but it does not have the power to stop our dreams.

Every challenge I overcome carries one message: A person with a disability does not need sympathy. They need opportunity, accessibility, and respect.

CHAPTER 18

Learning the Law and Understanding Accessibility

“Knowledge of rights gives power to those who fight for justice.”

One of my long-standing dreams was to study law. After experiencing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities firsthand, I realised that legal knowledge could help me advocate more effectively for disability rights and accessibility. In 2019, I joined the LL.B. programme at the University of Delhi with the hope of gaining a deeper understanding of law and using that knowledge to create social change. However, pursuing higher education as a wheelchair user revealed another important reality. Education itself must be accessible.

The apartment where I stayed was located on the first floor of an old building without a lift. Although I tried to find solutions, permission to install a lift was not granted. The college hostel was also not fully accessible. Every day became a challenge. I had to move up and down nearly eighteen steps with assistance to attend classes. The physical strain affected my health and worsened my bedsores, eventually causing severe pain, bleeding, and repeated hospital visits. After around three months, I was forced to discontinue my law studies. Although I could not complete my LL.B., the experience taught me a powerful lesson: Education has meaning only when it is accessible to everyone.

The barriers I personally faced strengthened my determination to work for inclusive education and accessible infrastructure.

In 2020, I completed the Entrepreneur Development Programme organised by NEDAR under NSIC, Delhi, which enhanced my understanding of entrepreneurship, business planning, and enterprise development.

Later, in 2022, I completed the Enable Me Access online certification programme organised by the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, in collaboration with the Barrier-Free Consultancy Cell. This programme introduced scientific approaches to designing accessible buildings, public spaces, and institutions.

During the programme, I shared an important suggestion: Accessibility education should not be limited only to persons with disabilities.

It should become an essential part of the education and training of:

• Engineers
• Architects
• Urban planners
• Designers
• Local government officials
• Infrastructure professionals

Because the people who design our cities must understand accessibility from the beginning. Accessibility is not an additional feature. It is not charity. It is not a special favour. Accessibility is good planning, good engineering, and a fundamental human right.

CHAPTER 19

Riding for Accessibility Across India

“Sometimes, the strongest message is not spoken from a stage. It is carried on a journey.”

After becoming a wheelchair user, many people asked me: “Why do you take such difficult journeys when travel itself is a challenge?”

My answer was simple: “If people see our struggles, they will understand why accessibility matters.”

My accessibility awareness rides were not just journeys from one place to another. They were campaigns to show society the importance of inclusive infrastructure, accessible transportation, and equal opportunities.

In 2020, I participated in my first Accessibility Awareness Ride with the Be Able group from Delhi to Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The journey covered around 800 kilometres in five days. For many people, travelling this distance may seem ordinary.

For a wheelchair user with a spinal cord injury, it was a major challenge.

Every day brought new difficulties. Finding accessible toilets. Managing medical needs. Facing hotels without lifts. Travelling through places that were not designed for wheelchair users. My health challenges continued throughout the journey, but my purpose was stronger than my difficulties.

After completing the Solan ride, I participated in more awareness rides, including journeys such as Delhi–Agra and Delhi–Haryana.

Then came one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

In October 2021, I became part of the historic Delhi–Kargil Accessibility Awareness Ride organised by Eagle Specially-Abled Riders. The journey covered nearly 2,500 kilometres in 12 days. Among the participants, I was the only rider with a spinal cord injury and permanent wheelchair dependency. Many people doubted whether my body would be able to handle such a demanding journey. Doctors had warned that even travelling around 25 kilometres could create serious health complications. But I believed that awareness required courage.

During the ride, we faced difficult weather, challenging roads, and physical exhaustion. Some participants had to stop their journey because of the difficult terrain. However, I continued and successfully reached Kargil. Along the way, we met thousands of people at fuel stations, hotels, public meetings, and roadside locations. Many people saw wheelchair users travelling such long distances for the first time. They began to understand that the biggest barriers faced by persons with disabilities are often not physical conditions, but inaccessible environments.

During our visit to Kargil, we also interacted with soldiers and expressed our gratitude by sharing sweets and biscuits with them. That ride became much more than an adventure.

It became a moving message: Accessibility is not a luxury. It is a right. Every kilometre we travelled carried the hope of a more inclusive India.

CHAPTER 20

Recognition That Inspired Greater Responsibility

“Awards are not the destination. They are reminders that the mission matters.”

Throughout my journey, recognition was never my primary goal. My purpose was always clear—to create opportunities for persons with disabilities, promote accessibility, and build a more inclusive society. However, every award and recognition I received gave me renewed responsibility to continue this mission with greater commitment.

One of the early recognitions came in 2018, when Handicrops received the Kerala State Environment and Climate Change Department Award for its contribution to eco-friendly products and sustainable entrepreneurship.

In 2021, I received the Social Entrepreneur Award from Drishya Shakti Trust, Mumbai, recognising my efforts in disability empowerment through skill development and self-employment initiatives. The same year, my participation in the historic Delhi–Kargil Accessibility Awareness Ride earned recognition from:

• India Book of Records
• AHCF World Book of Records

for completing a high-altitude accessibility ride on a modified scooter with side wheels.

After returning from Kargil, our team received a warm welcome and appreciation from the Haryana State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. We also received a special reception and appreciation from the Honourable Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, at his residence in New Delhi.

In 2022, I received the Special Achievers Award from the All India Management Association (AIMA–TMA).

The same year, I was honoured with the prestigious Helen Keller Award presented by the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP) in New Delhi.

In 2023, I was felicitated by Edavilang Panchayat for my contributions to society and disability empowerment.

In 2024, I received recognition from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, New Delhi, for my social entrepreneurship and community service.

The same year brought one of the most meaningful recognitions of my life. On 3 December 2024, the Government of Kerala honoured me with the Best State Role Model Award for Persons with Disabilities during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrations held in Thrissur. I received the award from Dr. R. Bindu, Honourable Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice.

In 2025, I was honoured with the Dalai Lama International Peace Award for my efforts towards inclusion, social empowerment, and humanitarian service.

Every recognition strengthened my belief that positive change is possible when determination is combined with purpose. But I never considered these awards as personal achievements alone.

They belong to:

• Every person with a disability who refused to give up.
• Every volunteer who supported our mission.
• Every organisation that believed in our work.
• Every family that encouraged us.
• Every individual who gained confidence through our efforts.

The greatest recognition of my life is still the smile of a person who says: “Because of your guidance, I found hope, confidence, or a livelihood.”

That is the award I value the most.

CHAPTER 21

The Longest Accessibility Awareness Ride in India

“A journey measured in kilometres can become a movement measured in lives touched.”

After completing several accessibility awareness rides across India, our team started dreaming of something much bigger. We wanted to send a message to the world: Disability should never limit dreams.

On 15 December 2024, our team began what would become the World's Longest Accessibility Awareness Ride. The mission was to travel across India, create awareness about accessibility, and show that persons with disabilities can undertake challenging journeys when they have determination, proper support, and suitable mobility solutions. Our team travelled using four modified three-wheeled scooters and one support vehicle. The journey began from Delhi, passed through Goa, reached Dhanushkodi, and returned to Delhi through Andhra Pradesh. In total, we covered an incredible distance of approximately 6,926 kilometres in 20 days, travelling through 12 Indian states.

The ride was organised and supported by Sangathi Foundation with a clear objective: To spread awareness about accessibility, inclusion, and the rights of persons with disabilities.

Every place we visited became an opportunity for conversation.

People gathered to understand why wheelchair users were undertaking such a demanding journey. Through public meetings, media interactions, roadside discussions, and social media communication, we shared important messages about:

• Accessible buildings
• Barrier-free transportation
• Inclusive public spaces
• Equal opportunities
• Rights of persons with disabilities

The journey also demonstrated the importance of modified mobility vehicles for wheelchair users. It showed that with the right technology and support, persons with disabilities can explore, travel, work, and contribute to society. The physical challenges were significant. Long hours on the road, changing weather conditions, unfamiliar places, and accessibility barriers tested our patience and determination. But every challenge reminded us why we started. This ride was never only about creating a record. It was about creating awareness. It was about changing perceptions. It was about showing society that wheelchair users are not limited individuals—they are people with dreams, skills, and ambitions. The success of this historic journey gave us the confidence to think beyond national boundaries. It became the foundation for an even greater mission: An international accessibility awareness expedition across South Asia.

CHAPTER 22

The International Accessibility Awareness Ride

“A message of inclusion should not stop at borders. Accessibility is a global responsibility.”

After successfully completing the World's Longest Accessibility Awareness Ride across India, our vision became larger. We wanted to take the message of accessibility beyond India and highlight the importance of disability rights, inclusive infrastructure, and equal opportunities at an international level. This dream became the International Accessibility Awareness Ride. The expedition officially began on 15 January 2026 with a flag-off ceremony held during the Voice of Disabled District Meet in Kerala.

Our team consisted of ten members, including five persons with disabilities, of whom four were wheelchair users. We travelled on specially modified three-wheeled scooters designed for wheelchair users, accompanied by a support vehicle. The mission covered approximately 12,000 kilometres, travelling through different parts of India before entering Bhutan and Nepal. Throughout the journey, we interacted with:

• Government officials
• Disability organisations
• Students
• Media representatives
• Social workers
• Members of the public

At every location, we shared one important message: “Accessibility is not a privilege. It is a fundamental human right.”

One of the major objectives of this expedition was to identify accessibility barriers in public places. Using the Government of India's Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan platform, we reported inaccessible:

• Government buildings
• Roads
• Railway stations
• Public toilets
• Other public facilities

Wherever possible, we submitted complaints directly to concerned authorities to encourage improvements. The journey was physically and mentally demanding. Long hours of travel, changing weather conditions, inaccessible accommodation, and the daily challenges of living with a spinal cord injury tested our determination. But every obstacle strengthened our purpose. After travelling thousands of kilometres and inspiring people across different regions, we successfully completed the International Accessibility Awareness Ride on 15 March 2026.

The expedition proved an important truth: Persons with disabilities are not limited by their physical condition. With determination, proper support, accessible infrastructure, and equal opportunities, they can dream bigger, travel farther, and contribute meaningfully to society. For us, this ride was never about setting records alone. It was about creating awareness. It was about influencing change. It was about building a future where accessibility becomes a normal part of everyday life.

CHAPTER 23

Looking Back, Moving Forward

“The past teaches us. The present challenges us. The future inspires us.”

When I look back at my journey, I do not see only the accident that changed my life. I see a childhood filled with curiosity. I see a young person who wanted to learn every possible skill. I see a son who stood beside his family during difficult times. I see an entrepreneur who created opportunities through simple ideas. I see a wheelchair user who refused to accept limitations as the end of life. Every chapter of my journey has given me a valuable lesson. Hard work taught me confidence. Failures taught me resilience. Disability gave me a purpose. Service gave me happiness. The people I met along this journey became an important part of my story. Persons with disabilities who shared their struggles. Volunteers who supported our mission. Teachers who encouraged learning. Government officials who listened. Friends, organisations, and well-wishers who stood beside me. Each one contributed to this journey.

Today, my mission is much larger than personal success. I want every person with a disability to believe that they can live with dignity, independence, and self-respect. I want schools, workplaces, hospitals, public transport systems, and government offices to become accessible for everyone. I want society to replace sympathy with opportunity. I want young people with disabilities to understand that entrepreneurship can create not only personal independence but also employment opportunities for others.

Through Voice of Disabled, ECO MADE, skill development programmes, accessibility awareness campaigns, and advocacy work, I will continue working towards this vision. Awards may fade with time. Records may eventually be broken. But the lives we touch and the confidence we create will continue to remain. The greatest achievement is not a certificate or a trophy.

It is when someone says: “Because of your support, I found confidence, employment, or hope.”

That is the success I value most. My journey has never been about proving that I am extraordinary. It has always been about proving that every person deserves an equal opportunity to:

Live, Learn, Work, Travel, Dream.

This is not the end of my story. It is only the beginning of the next chapter.

CHAPTER 24

My Vision for the Future

“A better future is not created by waiting for change. It is created by working for it.”

The journey I have travelled so far is not the destination. Every experience, every challenge, and every achievement has strengthened my vision for the years ahead. My dream is not limited to my own success. I dream of a society where every person with a disability can live independently, earn with dignity, travel without barriers, and participate equally in every area of life.

Through Voice of Disabled, I want to continue strengthening the disability rights movement by creating awareness about the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, supporting persons with disabilities, and building a stronger network of inclusion. My goal is to ensure that persons with disabilities understand their rights and have the confidence to demand equal opportunities.

Through ECO MADE, I want to expand sustainable livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities. I dream of a future where thousands of families can earn stable incomes through skill development, entrepreneurship, and access to proper markets. Training alone is not enough.

People also need:

• Market opportunities
• Digital skills
• Financial support
• Business guidance
• Continuous mentoring

I want to continue helping aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities develop these skills and build independent livelihoods. Accessibility will remain one of the central missions of my life. Whether it is school, hospital, railway station, government office, tourist destination or public road, every place should be designed so that every person can access it with dignity. I believe accessibility should be included from the planning stage itself, not added later as a correction.

I hope to work with:

• Governments
• Educational institutions
• Engineers
• Architects
• Urban planners
• Policymakers
• Social organisations

to promote universal accessibility across India.

My dream is simple: A day when a wheelchair user does not have to request permission to enter a building. A day when disability is not seen as weakness. A day when equal opportunity is not just a promise, but a reality. Until that day arrives, my journey will continue.

CHAPTER 25

A Message to Every Reader

“Life does not end when circumstances change. It simply asks us to begin again.”

If there is one lesson my life has taught me, it is this: Challenges can change our path, but they do not have the power to decide our destination. There was a time when I believed my journey had ended after my accident. I lost the ability to walk. I faced uncertainty about my future. I experienced pain, fear, and many difficult moments. But slowly, I discovered that life had given me another opportunity—a chance to begin again with a new purpose. My new journey was not about walking again. It was about learning to live with dignity, creating opportunities for others, and making society more inclusive. I have learned that success is not measured by how many times we fall. It is measured by how many times we choose to move forward.

To every young person reading this: Never stop learning. Every skill you gain can become a strength in your life.

To every entrepreneur: Never stop creating. Small ideas can become powerful movements when combined with determination.

To every person with a disability: Never believe that your dreams are too big. Your disability may change the way you do things, but it does not reduce your abilities, intelligence, or dreams.

And to society, I have one important request: Do not look at persons with disabilities with sympathy alone. Look at us with respect. Remove the barriers that prevent us from participating equally.

Give us: Accessibility, Opportunity, Respect. With these, persons with disabilities can create their own success.

My story is not unique because I survived an accident. It is meaningful because I chose not to allow that accident to decide the rest of my life. If my journey inspires even one person to believe in themselves, encourages one authority to make a building accessible, or helps one family understand disability differently, then every struggle I faced has a purpose.

This journey continues. And I invite you to walk—or roll—along with me.

CHAPTER 26

Gratitude

“No journey is completed alone. Every achievement carries the support of many hearts.”

When I look back at my life, I realise that every milestone was possible because someone believed in me, supported me, and stood beside me during difficult times. My first gratitude goes to my parents. My father, Late Anandan P.K., taught me the importance of hard work, honesty, and responsibility. My mother, Ratnamani, has always been a source of strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love. I am grateful to my younger brother, Tharaj, whose own health challenges taught our family the true meaning of unity, courage, and responsibility.

The greatest blessing in my life has been my wife, Soumya. She entered my life when I was lying on a hospital bed, uncertain about my future. She knew my challenges. She knew about my spinal cord injury. She knew that life ahead would not be easy. Yet she chose to stand beside me. She has been my life partner, caregiver, travel companion, business supporter, photographer, editor, and strongest source of encouragement. Many dreams that became reality were possible because of her support.

I sincerely thank every volunteer, friend, trainer, organisation, sponsor, government official, journalist, social worker, customer, and well-wisher who supported my mission.

I am grateful to organisations and groups such as:

• Rotary Clubs
• Lions Clubs
• NCC and NSS volunteers
• Palliative Care groups
• Sangathi Foundation
• Amma Trust
• Be Able Riders
• Eagle Specially-Abled Riders
• Many other individuals and organisations who believed in our work

Your support helped us reach thousands of people and spread the message of inclusion.

I also thank every person with a disability who trusted me enough to participate in training programmes, share their experiences, and join our campaigns. Every smile I have seen after someone gained confidence, employment, or hope has been the greatest reward of my life. Above all, I thank God for giving me the strength to transform pain into purpose and challenges into opportunities.

This journey does not belong only to me. It belongs to every person who walked beside me, encouraged me, and believed that change is possible.

CHAPTER 27

My Mission Continues

“A mission with purpose never truly ends.”

People often ask me: “What is your next goal?” My answer remains the same: The mission continues.

There are still thousands of challenges that persons with disabilities face every day. Many schools are still without proper accessibility. Many railway stations still lack required facilities. Many government offices remain difficult to access. Many hospitals are not fully accessible. Public transportation systems still exclude many persons with disabilities. Thousands of talented young people with disabilities continue to struggle for employment because they have not received the right opportunities, training, or support. Many families still believe that disability means the end of dreams. These realities continue to motivate me. As long as barriers exist, my work will continue. I will continue creating awareness. I will continue conducting training programmes. I will continue travelling to spread the message of accessibility. I will continue building eco-friendly livelihood opportunities. I will continue advocating for disability rights. I will continue supporting persons with disabilities whenever they need guidance and encouragement. I believe real change happens step by step.

If governments, organisations, professionals, and citizens work together, India can become a country where disability is never a barrier to:

Education, Employment, Entrepreneurship, Travel, Participation, Dignity

That is the future I dream of. And that is the future I will continue working towards. The journey is far from over. It has only just begun.

PART II

Policy Recommendations for an Inclusive India

A Vision for a Barrier-Free Future

The first part of this journey was my personal story — a journey from childhood, challenges, disability, entrepreneurship, accessibility campaigns, and social empowerment. The second part moves from personal experience to policy vision.

After travelling across India, interacting with thousands of persons with disabilities, understanding accessibility barriers, and working with communities and governments, I realised that individual efforts alone are not enough to create an inclusive society. System-level changes are essential.

This section presents practical policy recommendations for building an inclusive India where accessibility becomes a fundamental part of development.

These recommendations are based on lived experiences, ground realities, and the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in everyday life. The aim is to support policymakers, government departments, architects, engineers, educational institutions, businesses, and citizens in creating a future where every person can live, learn, work, travel, and participate with dignity. Accessibility should not be considered a special facility. It should become a standard of development. A barrier-free India is not only a dream. It is a responsibility that we must build together.

CHAPTER 28

Accessibility Tax: A New Policy Proposal for India

“Accessibility should become a responsibility, not an optional facility.”

Environmental policies have shown that taxation can influence behaviour and encourage responsible practices. In the same way, India should consider introducing an Accessibility Tax or Accessibility Compliance Fee as part of a broader National Accessibility Policy. The objective of this proposal is not to punish businesses, institutions, or individuals. The purpose is to encourage public and private establishments to adopt Universal Design principles and ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

Buildings and establishments that provide proper accessibility facilities such as:

• Accessible entrances
• Ramps with correct design
• Lifts suitable for wheelchair users
• Accessible toilets
• Reserved parking spaces
• Braille signage
• Tactile pathways
• Audio and visual information systems

should receive incentives, recognition, or tax benefits from the government. At the same time, establishments that repeatedly fail to provide basic accessibility standards, despite reasonable opportunities to comply, should contribute through an Accessibility Tax. The revenue collected through this system should be used exclusively for:

• Improving accessibility infrastructure.
• Developing barrier-free public facilities.
• Supporting accessibility awareness programmes.
• Promoting assistive technology.
• Funding research and innovation.
• Strengthening implementation of accessibility policies.

This approach can transform accessibility from a voluntary action into a measurable public responsibility. Accessibility is not merely a facility for a small section of society. It benefits everyone, including:

• Senior citizens
• Pregnant women
• Children
• People recovering from injuries
• Persons carrying luggage
• All citizens who need safer and easier access

A society that invests in accessibility invests in equal opportunity. The goal of Accessibility Tax is not to create another burden. The goal is to encourage a culture where every building, service, and public space is designed with everyone in mind. Accessibility should become a standard of development.

Not an afterthought.

CHAPTER 29

Establishing a National Accessibility Auditing System

“Accessibility cannot be achieved without measuring, monitoring, and improving.”

Accessibility is not simply about constructing a ramp at the entrance of a building. A truly accessible environment requires careful planning, technical standards, regular inspection, and continuous improvement. India should establish a comprehensive National Accessibility Auditing System based on:

• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• Universal Design principles
• National and international accessibility standards

Every public facility should undergo regular accessibility audits, including:

• Government and Private buildings
• Educational institutions
• Hospitals
• Railway stations
• Bus terminals
• Airports
• Commercial establishments
• Tourist destinations
• Public service centres

An accessibility audit should not only check whether a ramp exists. It should examine whether a person with a disability can independently use the entire facility. The audit should evaluate:

1. Entrance and Movement Facilities

• Accessible entrances without barriers.
• Properly designed ramps with correct gradient.
• Safe handrails.
• Adequate space for wheelchair movement.

2. Accessible Toilets

• Properly designed accessible washrooms.
• Adequate turning space for wheelchair users.
• Safety support features.

3. Information Accessibility

• Braille signage.
• Tactile pathways.
• Audio announcements.
• Visual information systems.

4. Transportation Accessibility

• Accessible connections between buildings and transport facilities.
• Barrier-free public transport systems.
• Accessible parking areas.

5. Inclusive Design for All Disabilities

Accessibility should consider people with different disabilities, including:

• Mobility disabilities.
• Visual disabilities.
• Hearing disabilities.
• Intellectual disabilities.
• Psychosocial disabilities.
• Autism and sensory disabilities.

Facilities should include features such as quiet spaces and easy-to-understand information systems wherever required. After completing the audit, establishments that meet prescribed standards should receive an:

Accessibility Compliance Certification

This certification can encourage organisations to improve their facilities and create accountability. A national auditing system will help identify barriers, monitor progress, and ensure that accessibility becomes a measurable part of India's development. Accessibility should not depend on complaints after problems occur. It should become a planned and continuous process. Only then can India move towards a truly inclusive future.

CHAPTER 30

Accessibility Education and Professional Training

“The future of accessibility depends on educating the people who design our world.”

Accessibility should not be treated as a separate subject that is considered only after barriers are created. It should become an essential part of professional education and development. Many accessibility problems occur because the people responsible for designing buildings, roads, transportation systems, and public spaces do not receive sufficient training in inclusive design. Therefore, subjects such as:

• Universal Design
• Accessibility Design
• Inclusive Infrastructure
• Accessibility Auditing
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities

should become compulsory components of education and professional training. These subjects should be included in:

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Architecture
• Interior Design
• Urban Planning
• Construction Management
• Transportation Planning
• Related professional disciplines

Engineers and architects are the people who shape the physical environment around us. If they understand accessibility from the beginning, future buildings and public spaces can be designed without barriers. Universities should introduce:

• Certificate programmes
• Diploma courses
• Undergraduate programmes
• Postgraduate programmes
• Research programmes

focused on accessibility and inclusive design. Training should not be limited only to students. Government officials, local self-government representatives, builders, contractors, and professionals involved in infrastructure development should also receive regular accessibility training.

Persons with disabilities should be actively included in these educational programmes because their lived experiences provide valuable understanding of real-world barriers. Accessibility education will create a new generation of professionals who can design environments suitable for everyone.

The goal should be simple: Do not build barriers and then try to remove them.

Instead: Design inclusively from the beginning. Accessibility is not an additional expense. It is an investment in a better society. When professionals understand accessibility, India can move closer to a future where every person can live, learn, work, and travel independently with dignity.

CHAPTER 31

Creating the Accessibility Auditor Cadre

“Those who understand barriers best can help build a barrier-free future.”

For effective implementation of accessibility standards, India should establish a dedicated professional system of Accessibility Auditors. At present, many accessibility issues remain unnoticed because there is no widespread professional mechanism to regularly inspect, evaluate, and monitor accessibility compliance. A dedicated Accessibility Auditor Cadre should be created under appropriate government authorities such as:

• Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
• State Social Justice Departments
• Local self-government institutions
• Other authorised agencies

Certified Accessibility Auditors should be responsible for:

• Inspecting public infrastructure.
• Conducting accessibility assessments.
• Preparing compliance reports.
• Recommending necessary improvements.
• Monitoring implementation of accessibility standards.
• Ensuring continued accessibility after modifications.

Accessibility auditing should become a recognised professional field with proper certification, training, and career opportunities. Persons with disabilities should receive priority participation in Accessibility Auditor training programmes. Their lived experiences provide unique knowledge about practical barriers that may not always be identified through technical evaluation alone.

A wheelchair user understands the difficulties of narrow doors, steep ramps, inaccessible toilets, and unsafe pathways from personal experience.

A person with visual impairment understands the importance of tactile pathways and accessible information systems.

A person with hearing impairment understands communication barriers.

Including persons with disabilities in this profession will improve the quality of accessibility assessments and create meaningful employment opportunities.

After successful completion of recognised training programmes, qualified Accessibility Auditors should receive employment opportunities in:

• Government departments.
• Local government institutions.
• Public sector organisations.
• Educational institutions.
• Private accessibility consultancy agencies.

Creating this professional cadre will achieve two important goals:

• Strengthen accessibility implementation across India.
• Create skilled employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Accessibility should not remain only a legal requirement written in documents. It should become a professionally managed system with accountability and continuous improvement. A truly inclusive India requires experts who can identify barriers, suggest solutions, and ensure that accessibility becomes a reality.

CHAPTER 32

Building an Inclusive India

“Accessibility is not only about removing barriers. It is about creating equal possibilities for everyone.”

A truly inclusive India cannot be built only by constructing ramps or installing lifts. Accessibility means ensuring that every individual—regardless of physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychosocial disability—can participate independently and with dignity in every aspect of society. The proposed Accessibility Tax should be utilised only for strengthening accessibility and inclusion. The revenue generated through this policy should support:

• Making government buildings fully accessible.
• Developing accessible rural infrastructure.
• Improving accessible public transportation.
• Supporting accessibility awareness programmes.
• Funding assistive technology and innovation.
• Training Accessibility Auditors.
• Promoting research in Universal Design.
• Strengthening accessibility monitoring and implementation.

Every new public building should follow Universal Design principles from the planning stage itself. Accessibility should not be added later as a correction after construction. A well-designed environment benefits everyone.

Therefore, accessibility is not a cost. It is an investment in society. An inclusive India requires cooperation between:

• Government authorities.
• Architects and engineers.
• Educational institutions.
• Businesses.
• Civil society organisations.
• Citizens.

The goal should be to create a nation where accessibility becomes a normal part of development. A wheelchair user should not have to request permission to enter a building. A person with visual impairment should not struggle to find basic information. A person with hearing impairment should not be excluded from communication.

Every citizen should have the opportunity to live, learn, work, travel, and participate with dignity.

CONCLUSION

Towards an Accessible and Inclusive Nation

An inclusive India cannot be created through legislation alone.

It requires:

• Visionary public policies.
• Professional education.
• Technical expertise.
• Institutional accountability.
• Collective social responsibility.

The recommendations presented in this section are practical proposals based on years of experience, travel, advocacy, and interaction with persons with disabilities across India.

Accessibility is not a privilege. It is not charity. It is not welfare. Accessibility is a human right, a constitutional responsibility, and the foundation of an inclusive society.

I hope these recommendations contribute to the development of a stronger National Accessibility Policy that ensures every person, regardless of ability, can live, travel, work, learn, and participate in society with equality, independence, and dignity.

The true measure of a nation's development is not only how high its buildings rise. It is how easily every citizen can enter, use, and benefit from them.

END OF SECTION

Policy Recommendations for an Inclusive India

The Journey Continues...

↑ Back to Top