Cheers to their indomitable spirit

Classy performance

Disability is just a state of mind! Nobody is born disabled and neither is any one incapable of pursuing something, unless one has the passion, loyalty and the integrity for the same. Similar was the spirit of the physically challenged boys and girls from ‘Ability Unlimited Foundation’.

The name itself is a literal suggestion of the infinite abilities of these people, which not just puts them on an equal pedestal with the rest of the world but also sets notions of inspiration for the other physically handicapped-who believe they are incapable of accomplishments.

The young and spirited group of special youngsters recently performed in the show ‘Miracle on Wheels’ at the FICCI auditorium. Organised by the UN Information Centre for India and Bhutan, and the Cradle, in collaboration with the Indian Council for UN Relations, the show featured Guinness World Record-Winning Wheel Chair Performances from Ability Unlimited Foundation.

Under the guidance of their Guru, Syed Sallauddin Pasha, the youngsters gave an exhilarating performance, an experience which was beyond the ordinary! While the boys moved the wheels of their wheelchairs at a whopping speed of 150-200 km/hr, the girls performed with sheer grace and elegance that defied the fact that they were all hearing impaired.

The revetting stage performances were a testimony to their indomitable spirit and confidence. Undoubtedly, Guru Pasha’s contributions and dedication towards uplifting them and bringing them in the forefront is worthy of applause. “In all these years, all my efforts have been focussed on bringing the physically disabled out of the walls within which they confine themselves. Once, they overcome this obstacle, success is an easy accomplishment!” he told Metrolife.

One of the major hindrances that lie in their path is the way the outside world perceives them and behaves around them. Guru Pasha explained, “People must change their thinking for the physically challenged. The negative mindset, the feeling of mercy and the feeling of considering them as ‘others’, are some disturbing issues.” “They don’t need mercy,” he continued, “they need an opportunity; an opportunity to prove to the world that they have unlimited abilities and are second to none!”

Guru Pasha’s views were a clear reflection of the impulse and the determination of the performers. “We had never thought that we would come across such a great platform and an exceptional Guru. We met him 12 years ago and have been under his guidance ever since. Today, we can say, if Guruji hadn’t written to us repeatedly, we wouldn’t have been where we are today!” the performers said. Humbled and honoured as they were after the appreciative response of the audience to their performance, they told Metrolife, “This level of success is completely unexpected for us.

We cannot thank Guruji enough for his help, hard work and patience.” As a message to those who are able-bodied and fit, they modestly said, “We never want you to look at us with pity in your eyes. All we want is that you should consider us an equal and motivate us to fulfil our dreams.”

However, the sad part is that there is a considerable number of physically challenged people who are still hesitant to step forward towards a brighter future. “Kismat kabhi kabhi darwaza khatkatati hai (opportunity knocks the door only once). If one is able to recognise and acknowledge that opportunity, then there is nothing that can stop them from achieving success, whether the person is physically fit or is challenged in some way,” concluded the performers in high spirits!