Q. Could you tell us about your early life, the challenges you faced as a person with a disability, and your journey in pursuing education?

Jullay, and thank you for hearing me out. I am Padma Stanzin, and I am 37 years old. I come from Shara village and was born with a disability. During my childhood, I used to watch other children going to school, which fascinated me greatly, and I always wished to join them. However, there were no proper facilities available, and the village school was located far from my home, making it difficult for me to attend.

When I was 14 years old, a group of people from the Namgyal Institute for People with Disabilities visited me. They asked whether I wanted to study, and I immediately said yes. They helped me secure admission to an inclusive school in Chuchot Yokma, where I studied until I completed my secondary education. Later, I completed my Class 12 from Boys Higher Secondary School.

Q. What inspired you to open a shop in Choglamsar, and what challenges did you face before becoming financially independent?

I opened the shop out of compulsion because I felt burdened asking my parents for money. At this age, I feel I should be supporting my parents, but my situation often made me feel dependent on them. I also felt shy asking my parents and siblings for money. That is why I started thinking seriously about what kind of work I could do independently.

I applied for many government jobs but could not secure one. I was rejected three times after interviews. Later, when the interview process was removed, I cleared the written examinations, but once again my hopes were shattered because there is no clear guideline regarding disability percentages for recruitment. There are different types of disabilities, and no proper criteria defining which persons with disabilities qualify for jobs. Despite staying positive, my dream of getting a government job was repeatedly crushed.

During all this time, being financially dependent also troubled me deeply. I wanted to do something that would be easier for me as a wheelchair user. Then I thought opening a shop would be a good idea because I could order goods from wholesalers, sit at the shop, and sell items. Customers can pick up the things they need themselves and make the payment. This makes it easier for me to manage the shop and also helps me become financially independent.

Q. How do you see society’s attitude towards specially abled people changing in Ladakh, and what more needs to be done for their empowerment?

The thinking towards specially abled people is changing in Ladakh. Earlier, many people considered persons with disabilities as useless and a burden on society. I myself have come across people saying, “You are disabled, you cannot do this or that, just sit at home,” and similar discouraging remarks.

Today, such mindsets are gradually changing. We now come across people who motivate and encourage specially abled individuals. In towns, the mentality towards persons with disabilities has improved significantly, but in villages and far-flung rural areas, much change is still needed.

I believe that people with disabilities need confidence, support, and opportunities to prove themselves. Every person has their own potential, and it is important for society to recognise their abilities and provide them with opportunities to grow and contribute.

Q. What challenges have you faced in your life, and what kind of support did you receive from people around you?

I consider myself fortunate, and I believe it is because of my parents’ blessings and God’s grace that I did not have to go through many severe challenges in life. I am deeply grateful for the support I received from everyone around me, especially my friends, who always stood by my side.
They never made me feel that I was on a wheelchair or physically challenged. I will forever remain thankful to them and feel lucky to have such friends in my life.

I still remember an incident from my school days. There was an exposure tour planned outside Leh, and my principal called me and suggested that I stay back because travelling might be difficult for me. I agreed and said it was okay. Later, when my friends asked whether I was joining the trip, I told them that

I could not go. Hearing this, all the students sat outside the school office and told the principal that if I was not allowed to join, they would also not go on the tour.

These are the kind of friends I have been blessed with—friends who supported me, treated me as one among them, and never allowed me to feel different because of my disability.

Q. What message would you like to give to society and families regarding the support and empowerment of specially abled people?

It is very important to motivate and support specially abled people. When I first thought about opening a shop, my family did not like the idea because they felt I would not be able to manage it and feared that people might fool or take advantage of me. In fact, the idea failed once because of their worries and concerns for my well-being.

I understand their concern for me, but at the same time, it is also important to think about what I am capable of doing and how I can become independent. That is why, the next time, I decided not to share the idea beforehand and simply went ahead with it.

Disability can happen to anyone, and it is important for society to understand, trust, and believe in people with disabilities. Segregated education and exclusion only strengthen stereotypes, disempower disabled people, and push them to the margins of society. It deprives them of the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop alongside their peers.

I urge everyone to support persons with disabilities, encourage them, and help them become independent and confident in life.

Message to the readers

“Disability is not a weakness. Every person deserves equal opportunities, respect, and support to live independently and achieve their dreams. I urge society to believe in specially abled people, encourage them, and help create a more inclusive and compassionate world.”