Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

An ardent follower of G.K Chesterton’s words: “Even an inconvenience is an adventure rightly taken”, hurdles never daunt me. But those stairs! On one occasion, I fell on the stage from sheer exertion and exhaustion, despite my walker. I’ve had this stage fear (of a different kind!) since my elementary school days.

I appreciate the effort made towards creating a barrier-free environment by NGOs, advocacy groups and special achievers themselves. But is it enough?

It’s delightful to see ramps and lifts in many public places now. But sometimes the path leading to the ramps has pits and potholes. Railings are either absent or dangerously rickety. Despite being a professional in a multi-national bank that strives to enable uninterrupted and smooth international monetary transactions, I can’t handle my own money because the ATMs are stairs away. At weddings, the newly-weds come down the stage, despite my objections, for a photograph. As for recreation, we can visit only drive-in restaurants and theatres and shop only in hi-fi stores. The costlier the place, the more accessible (physically) it is! Ooph! I have written competitive exams near staircases, board exams in a control room, semester exams in office rooms and participated in an essay writing contest at a school cultural, sitting in the refreshment room where, to my chagrin, a few biscuits fell on my competition paper. All because of those staircases! Thanks to my upbringing, I always found something funny and interesting, and discovered new friends during these situations.

A small but sensitive and sensible modification in buildings and in our attitudes is a milestone achieved towards creating an equal society. All slopes are not ramps and staircases don’t always help in ascent.

Now going back to my graduation day, my dear brother lifted me and my 30kg wheelchair up the stage where I received my degree to a thrilling ovation from a huge audience.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail