helped me to develop and enhance myself so that I could contribute to society and reach all I have today .
In 2012 , I completed my higher education at a regular educational institute . I graduated with a Bachelor in Computer Application ( BCA ) in 2015 and two years later , in 2017 , with a post-graduate Masters in Business Administration in IT and Telecom from Panjab University ( UIAMS ) Chandigarh . During my initial school days , I had difficulty getting admission to normal and regular educational institutes . These institutions were reluctant to give admission to disabled students as they were unable to cater to their special needs .
In December 2018 , I was a model and gracefully rode the ramp for Shalini visakan , a fashion designer for the differently-abled in the world ’ s longest fashion show , an official Guinness World Record . The show went on for 25 continuous hours and was hosted by Shobhana Dhiman Entertainments . I have been a wheelchair model in many fashion shows and modeling events . I was also invited as a motivational speaker to inspire women and underprivileged students on many occasions .
I was awarded the Miss Million Dollar Smile at Panjab University , in 2017 . I also won Smart Wonder Women and was crowned as Kozenoor Miss Punjaban India Runner Up , in 2019 . I was invited as Chief Guest for the inauguration of the Boond Boond Bachana Ha initiative ( Water Saving ) by the late
Aneesh Bhanot , President of Rotary Chandigarh Shivalik Club , in 2019 . I was invited as a guest of honor and social activist in Dandiya Utsav by Rainbow Club and a special guest in CHP in Raising Kid Star by Urban Odyssey in 2019 . I have also been a jury member at various modeling and fashion events .
In 2020 , I was awarded the Women Achiever Award by Tathastu Charitable Society and the National Great Icon Award by the Anti- Corruption Foundation of India . I was also selected as one of the finalists for Miss Wheelchair India 2022 .
Achieving things , making my name and getting recognition in society were not easy jobs but I was determined to work and contribute my bit to making a difference in Indian society .
During my college days , I helped spread awareness of disabilities and their needs . I worked at writing letters requesting ramps to be built and making the educational infrastructure wheelchair accessible . I also worked in some NGOs for the upliftment of underprivileged disabled people . I have worked to make public places like markets , restaurants , hotels , educational institutes and corporate offices wheelchair accessible and disabledfriendly .
In 2020 , as the COVID-19 crisis hit globally , making the world shut down and impacting people ’ s livelihoods , health and food systems , I was forced to face one more battle and fight again . In February of that year ,
I had a car accident and fractured both knees . Due to the pandemic , my treatment was delayed . This resulted in making both of my legs and knees too stiff to bend . Recovery was slow . For 2 years I remained at home , in bed receiving painful physiotherapy sessions . During that time , my health deteriorated with the pain and I lost a large portion of muscle and weight . I had lost all hope and any confidence that life would return to how it was earlier . I was afraid I wouldn ’ t be able to continue the things I enjoyed , such as my job and modeling . With the grace of God and the encouragement and help of my mother , I fought back again and got healthier , recovered from my injuries and got back to the life I had achieved and loved .
With belief and hard work , I became Miss Wheelchair World India 2022 . I am honored to represent India and make my country proud .
Using this platform I can encourage youth to do great things in the field of fashion and glamour and achieve great heights despite any disability . This opportunity has empowered me and given me the responsibility to spread awareness of the needs of disabled people , their abilities and if given an equal opportunity , the knowledge that we can do wonders .
As women , we face much discrimination and have had to work harder to get recognition for our achievements . Disabled women have even greater difficulty . But as said , if you have the ability and will to persevere you can shine through the dark and low times , and come back stronger .
Miss Wheelchair World USA 61