Chandigarh an enabler for differently-abled

Chandigarh has been more than a city to me — it has been a teacher, a guide, and a gentle nudge towards independence.

When I arrived here in 2004 for my studies in architecture, being carried on my father’s shoulders, I had no idea that this city would change my life. Affected with polio since I was one and a half years old, I never imagined that one day I would move independently on my wheelchair through this city. I had planned to study and return to my native city, but Chandigarh became my home — the city that enabled me to explore, learn, join mainstream society, and eventually become an architect who now works to create accessible buildings for others.

I came from a small town where schools weren’t accessible, and movement often meant crawling to reach my classroom. Chandigarh, in contrast, welcomed me with level roads, open spaces, and a thoughtful sense of design that made movement possible. The city’s planning — its hierarchy of V1–V7 roads, wide footpaths, and cycle tracks — gave me the freedom to move without fear. The inviting open spaces encouraged me to travel independently and to interact with both the urban fabric and the natural landscape. From the calm of residential sectors to Sukhna Lake and the lively Sector 17 Plaza, Chandigarh offered dignity through accessibility.

There were challenges too. The libraries in both my colleges were not accessible, yet I kept learning and exploring. My friends often lifted me to upper floors where there were no lifts. Their support, along with the discipline and kindness of the city’s beautiful people, made exploration easier and filled me with gratitude. With small efforts — like providing ramps at strategic locations — I believe Chandigarh can become fully accessible for everyone.

Even today, as I wheel through the city with my differently-abled wife, I feel grateful. Chandigarh doesn’t just make space for movement — it makes space for dignity.

Shani Kumar, Chandigarh