Born with cerebral palsy that affects her mobility, Kozhikode native Shadiya P K’s life has been marked by numerous obstacles from an early age. Though her health condition has confined her to a wheelchair, Shadiya’s indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve have helped her carve out her own path in life.
Open Digest’s campaign “Empowering Lives” in partnership with Kairali Steels and Alloys Private Limited has now brought about a profound transformation in the life of 22-year-old Shadiya, giving her the support to be financially independent and chase her dreams.
Shadiya’s appointment as a customer service executive at Kairali TMT serves as a poignant testament to the campaign’s mission of inclusivity and equal opportunity, as envisioned by Kairali TMT’s co-executive director Pahalisha Kalliyath, who uses a wheelchair after suffering a serious spinal cord injury in a car accident.
Shadiya, who has graduated despite facing numerous challenges, aims to fulfil her dream of running her own bookstore, named ‘Loompanics,’ that specialises in delivering books to disabled individuals. Shadiya says that the campaign has ignited hopes in the minds of thousands of physically disabled people who have the talent and skills to deliver different kinds of jobs in varied industries.
“I am really happy that I got an opportunity to work with Kairali TMT. The office is totally disabled-friendly. The job has given me financial independence. I hope more people like me get similar opportunities,” Shadiya said.
Shadiya’s steadfast resolve to continue breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes has won her applause from different corners. A native of Narikkuni in Kozhikode, she has relocated to Panniyankara where she has taken a house on rent to be at the office on time for work.
“Commuting is always an issue for people like me. So I moved to a house near the office. I feel proud and happy that the job has given me the freedom to make my own decisions,” Shadiya said.
For Shadiya, the significance of securing employment extends far beyond financial independence—it’s a testament to her resilience, perseverance, and unwavering spirit. Through her journey, she has shattered barriers and paved the way for others facing similar challenges to follow in her footsteps.
As Shadiya embarks on this new chapter of her life, she becomes a symbol of hope and inspiration, proving that disability is not a limitation but a source of strength and resilience.
Her story underscores the transformative power of initiatives like the “Empowering Lives” campaign, which continue to redefine the boundaries of inclusivity and create opportunities for all individuals to thrive and succeed. “We are proud and happy to provide equal opportunity to candidates like Shadiya. We are committed to creating opportunities for physically disabled individuals and women. More such candidates will be recruited in the due course of time,” Pahalisha Kalliyath said.
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