Beautifully abled

Gurnaaz Kaur

Wheelchair-bound she is, but armed with a positive attitude. Somya Thakur, 24, set about inspiring others in her position as she participated in Vibes 360º brand runway fashion show in Chennai. 

The catwalk featured models with different disabilities alongside other models wearing similar outfits and showcasing that the world of fashion is accessible to all. Touted as the world’s longest fashion show with 357 designers, 1208 garments and 154 models, this was Somya’s first time on the ramp and she says the experience was dream-like. “The designer and choreographer told me to ride in style. They gave me the independence to do whatever I wanted to do. I was quite nervous backstage but when the audience and other models hooted for me, I suddenly felt very confident. The applause transported me in another world,” she says. 

Somya feels grateful to designer Shalini Visakan, who gave her the break. Shalini runs Suvastra and is a known designer for differently-abled persons. This opportunity she hopes becomes a catalyst in her life. “I’ve faced many difficulties, not alone because I am differently abled but because our social structure isn’t developed enough to accept the likes of me. I’ve even missed many opportunities because of my condition. I love to travel, explore new places but infrastructure becomes a challenge. It’s hard to find ramps even in educational institutes or other public places,” she says. 

Despite the physical limitations, this Chandigarh girl tries to live a normal life. An MBA IT and Telecom from Panjab University, her latest struggle was to find a job. “Wherever I applied, I cleared the telephonic round of interview but when they saw me on a wheelchair, they got doubtful and never reverted. Two-three places that selected me had the offices on third or fourth floor, so I had to decline the offers.” 

These impediments didn’t stop her from securing a job in an institute. Financial independence means a lot to anyone and she tells why more so for her. “My parents have taken very good care of me and I had been trying my best to make them proud. I even applied for a scholarship to take some financial burden off their shoulders but government has strange rules in every category. Finally, now, I can manage my expenditure and also give my family some financial security.”

As she takes this first step towards breaking stereotype, we hope she goes from strength to strength.