A fall from an arecanut palm totally upended the life of Mustafa P P of Malappuram in Kerala at the age of 18. For many, this would have marked the end of their dreams, but for Mustafa, who is now 44 years old, it was just the beginning of a fight to rebuild his life. He has not only built a successful logistics company but also launched a social movement to take other physically disabled persons on free tours to various places in his specially modified disabled-friendly car.
Despite the life-altering accident, Mustafa of Kozhikottu Paramba in Mankada has become a beacon of hope and resilience for many. Though the accident forced him to be on the bed for nearly ten years, Mustafa managed to build a successful logistics business running a fleet of tipper trucks along with his brother.
His business journey started with a small umbrella-making unit when he mastered the craft of making umbrellas with the support of a local pain and palliative care unit. He also explored soap making and paper bag making while being on the bed and wheelchair.
“I am happy that I could move forward in my life and become self-sufficient. The desire for self-sufficiency was one of the core factors that led me to become what I am now,” Mustafa told “Open Digest.”
While these small businesses helped him earn a livelihood to support him and his wife Sajitha, he realised that he needed to explore bigger avenues to make his life meaningful to others. He started the logistics company with a single tipper truck, and it soon clicked, improving his financial condition. In fact, his logistics business not only provided him with financial stability but also a sense of purpose and achievement.
Recognising the mental and emotional challenges faced by disabled individuals, he decided to give back to the community. He specially designed a car equipped to accommodate wheelchairs and started taking other physically disabled persons on tours, providing them with opportunities to explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings.
“I know first-hand the isolation and frustration that can come with a disability. I wanted to create experiences that would bring joy and a sense of freedom to others who are going through similar struggles. Helping people who are similar to me see outside the walls of their homes provides me with a sense of satisfaction,” he added.
