Persons with disabilities or differently-abled persons?
For a long time, I have been reflecting on a thought that still leaves me in a dilemma.
Even today, certain people and their life stories remain vividly present before my eyes.
We can write, read, hear, see, walk, and perform most daily activities with ease. Yet, despite having so much, many of us often feel defeated, unhappy, or incomplete.
But then I think about the people I have met and observed:
A visually impaired student pursuing LLB, LLM, and now postgraduate studies — confidently navigating the campus independently without needing constant assistance.
A person with locomotor challenges who always carried a smile and successfully completed postgraduate education.
Someone managing almost every task with one hand, never losing positivity, and achieving academic success.
A man I saw on a train with locomotor difficulties who never begged. Instead, he cleaned the train compartment and accepted money only if passengers wished to give.
A visually impaired singer performing beautifully with a dafli, spreading joy despite never being able to see this colourful world.
Children at a rehabilitation centre, living with mental health and developmental challenges, yet creating beautiful work with dedication and creativity.
An archer I once saw in the news, born without arms, who mastered archery using only his feet.
There are countless such examples around us.
These individuals may function differently from what society calls “normal,” but they are far from incapable. In many ways, they show greater resilience, dignity, discipline, and strength than most of us.
And this leaves me with a genuine question:
Should we call them persons with disabilities or differently-abled persons?