Independent, But Not Recognized: A Disabled Person’s Struggle for Justice on Independence Day

This day, exactly 5 years ago, I applied for my disability certificate for the first time. Today, on the glorious occasion of the 75th year of independence, as I have tears for the sacrifices and the advances made by the country men and women, I must admit not all the tears are of joy. Some are sorrow tears for the disabled men and women like me who struggle to even get a certificate that confirms our disability. 

I'm proud of the scientific advances we have made - going to the moon, sending a probe to the Mars, developing the atomic clock.

I'm proud of the medals we have won at the common wealth games, and I know we will continue to hold our head up high in the upcoming special Olympics.

I'm proud of the progress we made in ease of doing business. I'm also proud of the policies we have and the support system we are building for people with disabilities.

Yet, even a certificate is out of reach for me. 

"Are you really disabled? Or are you doing it for the attention? Are you doing it for the reservation?"

Why is it so hard to figure out who is disabled and who is not? Yes, that's unfortunately the sad truth and I'd like to request all of you to spend a minute to read my story and like or share this story until it reaches the right authorities. Hopefully our PM Narendra Modi will also get to see this. 

I can't hear speech and spend lakhs every year on hearing aids just to keep up. I spent a lot more on machines and therapies to function. I've spent decades running around the country, visiting thousands of ENTs, surgeons and audiologists just to get where I am today... Yet, it isn't enough to get what is my right. Yet, I'm refused even the form for the disability certificate because I don’t appear disabled. 

In our effort to ensure that no one takes advantage of the system, it's the people with disabilities like me who suffer.

And it's not just me, every single occasion when a disabled person (you call us 'specially abled' and 'differently abled' but I'd prefer to call myself disabled) have spoken out, we are put down by a system that doesn't listen to us.

I'm not asking for much. Just one small step. Give me the disability certificate that confirms my disability so that I can setup my institution and help others live an independent life. We have amazing policies in place. It's sad when it loses its value due to human error.

Yes, I have spent a lot of time and efforts, and with unconditional support from my family and a lot of you, I'm truly independent. I just want to help others who are not as lucky as me, to live an independent life too. It's easy. Just help me get my disability certificate because I AM DISABLED. But the system doesn't think so. I know it's a minor glitch in the system but a major hurdle for every disabled person who wants to succeed. Help me reach the authorities. Help me help the other disabled people of our beautiful nation.

Jai Hind!