Triumph over adversity

From battling disability to empowering others, Alpesh Rasiklal Shah's journey is a lesson in learning, finds out

- Dilip Singh Kshatriya

IN the bustling city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the story of Alpesh Rasiklal Shah, a man who turned adversity into inspiration, shines brightly.

Born 53 years ago into a modest family and with 70% disability due to a congenital condition, Alpesh's journey has been anything but easy. Yet, through resilience and an unwavering spirit, Alpesh has not only defied expectations but has become a beacon of hope for the disabled community in Gujarat, making a profound impact on countless lives.

From an early age, Alpesh's life was marked by challenges.

His parents, steadfast in their determination to see their son walk, consulted numerous doctors, hoping for a cure that never came. But while no medical solution could change his physical condition, their unwavering belief gave Alpesh the mental strength to confront his disability head-on. With the help of two assistive canes, and later just one, Alpesh gradually gained mobility, a metaphor for the slow but steady path to independence that he was to embark on throughout his life.

Alpesh's school years were marred by rejection. Many institutions turned him away, unable or unwilling to accommodate a disabled student. However, his determination saw him persuade skeptical teachers to allow him to attend classes in rooms that seemed inaccessible.