A Squirrel's Contribution: My Fight for Wheelchair Accessibility
A Squirrel's Contribution to Ram Setu: Wheelchair Accessibility and My Struggle
Abhi (Author) - Person with Digi-mate
A barrier and the world beyond...
Waking up in the morning, going to the market, shopping, or visiting the swimming pool for health reasons; these are all very ordinary and seemingly easy tasks. But, just think about it, what if you had to ask for someone else's help every single time to do these simple things? What if a small step or elevation stood between you and your independence?
This question is not just about a specific group of people, but about every individual in society who faces such barriers due to physical limitations. 'Wheelchair Accessibility' (barrier-free access) is not solely a necessity for persons with disabilities; it is a very basic amenity for our senior citizens who struggle to walk due to old age, patients recovering from illnesses, or even a mother pushing her baby's stroller.
Public Spaces: Are They Truly 'Public'?
Whether it is Mandala Market, the New Community Centre offering various sports and recreational facilities for employees and their families, or the essential swimming pool for health; these spaces have been built for everyone in society. However, unfortunately, basic ramps or barrier-free entry points are not available for wheelchair users at these locations.
As a result, I and many others like me have to depend on others even to make purchases with our own rightful money. Independence is not a privilege, it is a human right. Every individual should be able to do their own work with dignity; this should be the fundamental foundation of any advanced society.
Administrative Approach: Lack of Communication and Regret
Communicating with the administration to resolve this issue is the most appropriate path in a democracy. With this belief, I sent a detailed e-mail to the concerned senior officials on January 19, 2026, to draw their attention to this important issue. In that e-mail, I requested the construction of scientifically designed ramps and barrier-free pathways at all these locations. But, unfortunately, there was no official reply or response from the administration to this e-mail.
Follow-up E-mail on April 10: Dashed Hopes and a Firm Request
Not receiving any written response to the first e-mail in January and the non-fulfillment of the assurance given in a personal meeting (that work would start by the first week of April), I sent another detailed follow-up e-mail to the administration on April 10. Through this e-mail, I tried to convince them once again about the gravity of this problem. I clearly stated in it that for individuals with a 'benchmark disability' like me, and many other senior citizens, these public facilities are extremely important from the perspective of health and rehabilitation. Therefore, I made a firm request that a technical inspection of all these places be carried out as soon as possible and time-bound corrective steps be taken.
Follow-up on October 6 and a Ray of Hope
Subsequently, very recently on October 6, 2026, I tried to follow up again at the DCSEM office regarding this matter. I had to make several phone calls because the PAs of the senior officials had changed during that period and officers who could provide correct information were not available. But there was definitely a very positive aspect to this – every officer in the office was receiving the phone and giving an appropriate reply. The senior officials themselves spoke on their extension (here we have changed the name respecting administrative confidentiality, say 'Mr. Sharma') and gave me an update saying, "This matter is under consideration and we are completing the contract or similar necessary procedures for it. Your request is under consideration and its procedure is ongoing."
Hearing this reply made me a bit disheartened, as the time required for the process seemed disappointing. That is why I immediately took an appointment with Social Worker Asha Tai at the BARC Hospital. She understood my problem and assured me saying, "We will definitely do something." Asha Tai is a member of a committee related to PwD. She mentioned that the points in my e-mail were discussed in detail in a recently held meeting. Even though my request was limited, the administration's intention is that wheelchair accessibility (ramps) should be brought to all other public places in the colony simultaneously in the coming times. Truly, this is the right strategy for the administration to have! If such an inclusive approach is adopted for the entire colony based on one person's request, the communication between the administration and the actual residents of the colony will improve, and the number of complaints will automatically decrease.
The Expectation of Communication and a Bitter Reality
When a citizen sends an e-mail for such a matter of public interest, they do not expect a massive 'tracking system' from the administration. After waiting for 8 to 15 days, even if a simple reply is given stating "these steps are being taken on your e-mail during this period", it does a huge job. This one simple reply lets the applicant know that their issue has reached the right place and work is underway. But the reality is that (I am talking about a general experience here), often at the administrative level, these simple matters of communication are deliberately avoided. Requests that are not repeatedly followed up are completely ignored. This system, adopted merely to reduce workload, truly feels inhumane.
A Squirrel's Contribution to Ram Setu: An Appeal for Help
This struggle is not limited to just one ramp or one building. This struggle is for an inclusive and sensitive mindset. I have continued my personal struggle on this issue by e-mailing and following up. Just as a small squirrel lifted its 'squirrel's contribution' by carrying grains of sand according to its capacity during the construction of Lord Rama's massive Ram Setu bridge, similarly, from my wheelchair, I am lifting my squirrel's contribution to build this bridge of equality and accessibility.
But no major movement is successful with the voice of just one person. The squirrel too had the support of Lord Rama and the strong backing of the mighty Hanuman and his companions, right? Therefore, today I need the support of all of you. My only request to every common citizen reading this article is that you share this article with as many people as possible. Only when this issue ceases to be just for the disabled and becomes an issue for the entire society, will the administration truly understand its gravity.
So come on, lift your share in this Ram Setu too. Share this article and support me in creating a barrier-free society!
(Note: To respect administrative confidentiality and the identity of individuals, some names used in this article have been deliberately changed.)
Join This Movement!
What do you think? How should the administration take swift action on such requests? Be sure to share your thoughts!
Share this article as much as possible and offer your 'squirrel's contribution' in this fight for equality!
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