In our series Disability Heroes, we profile one of Kerala’s most
popular disability rights activist Prajith Jaipal who has stood up for
disabled people, their rights and accessibility issues. His NGO
Divyang Foundation Trust lends a helping hand to people with
disabilities in need. Jaipal has empowered hundreds of disabled people and
his journey to make a difference is truly inspiring
Like most youngsters his age, Prajith had his goal clearly set out – finish
studies, land a good job and build a stead career. In 2011, all that changed
when he met with an accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He
became a quadriplegic, but the accident did not break his
spirits.
Today, this 41-year-old is committed to building an accessible India.
After my accident which left me with a 70% disability, I did not want to be
confined to the four walls of my house. So I stepped out and that is when I
actually started improving. I have done much research on possible ways to
recover. I even interacted with scientists and experts who have come up
with breakthrough inventions for people with a spinal cord injury. Today, I
pass on all this information to others who have a spinal cord injury
because all this helps to develop hope in them. – Prajith
Jaipal
In April this year, Prajith set off on a 8500-km ride from Kozhikode to
New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It
was a drive with a clear mission – to spread awareness about disability.
Prajith says the drive happened thanks to the immense support and hard work
put in by people around him. It inspired him to look at reaching out to more
disabled people and this was how the Divyang Foundation
Trust was born in 2018.
The foundation has played a major role in rebuilding the lives of people
affected in the Kerala floods. Prajith and his team reached out to youngsters
with muscular dystrophy and were given beds and free
physiotherapy sessions. These are just among a handful of things that Prajith
has been doing for people from the disabled community.
Currently, he is in the United States to research the ability
expo which he plans to bring to India in the year 2020. They plan to
bring together ability equipment manufacturers, universities and colleges
that empower members of the disabled community and enlighten them on matters
that can help them in the future, mainly robotics and artificial
intelligence.
“When it comes to providing accessibility, India has a long way to go. We
must start from the basics. That is, the existing buildings and those that
are going to be constructed must be made accessible and disabled friendly.
The government must make this law mandatory”, says Prajith.
Shejith Ravindran, co-founder of DTF and a close friend
admires his willpower and determination. “For me, Prajith is one of the
most motivating persons I have come across in life. So even when we are low,
Prajith cheers us up with his positivity. He hopes to build a township,
exclusively for disabled people by the year 2020. He wants DTF to lead the
way. Clearly, our public places are inaccessible to disabled people. Prajith
wants to make a difference to this, and he has been working relentlessly for
the cause”, she says.
Disability rights activist Unni Maxx has worked closely with
Prajith on many projects. A wheelchair user, Maxx calls Prajith an
inspiration.
“Prajith has been doing some great things for the disabled community, like
driving all the way to Delhi on his own to promote awareness on what a
disabled person is capable of doing. I know he has some big plans for the
future and I hope he achieves his dreams to the fullest”, says Unni.
Prajith has a lot on his plate. The next one is a world tour
where he plans to visit countries to create awareness about the upcoming
ability expo 2020. He hopes to meet people and spread the message
#shakehandswithme which will be introduced on social media very
soon.
“Disability is on our minds. We are all disabled in some way or the other,
aren’t we? But nobody can stop you from achieving your dreams. I believe
every human being is talented and skilled. Hence, you must step out and enjoy
life. Support others who need your help. The world around you is supportive.
You just need to raise your voice and hands so that you are heard”, adds
Prajith.
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Source: https://newzhook.com/story/20734
