Nipun Malhotra: An inspirational story of struggle
On October 19, 2024, Shri Nipun Malhotra ji was invited for a conversation with students at JMC. The children welcomed him by presenting him with a card they had crafted themselves and a plant. They also tied a uniquely made simple thread bracelet on his wrist.
Nipun ji shared his experience with the students. He narrated how since his birth, he has been affected by arthrogryposis, meaning his hands and legs have been impaired. But his parents wanted him to live a normal life, towards which they motivated him, with a lot of love and support.
From the time of enrolling in school right through college, he had to face various challenges. But he continued to move forward, accepting the challenges as opportunities, and his mother always gave him full support, never letting him feel discouraged.
Nipun ji believes that no matter how big or small a challenge life may throw at us, one should accept it and keep moving forward. He achieved the all-India top position in Business Studies, in the twelfth grade. During an interview, he was asked how he feels about being disabled. He replied, “No one’s problem is any greater or lesser than anyone else’s problem. I feel that my problem is visible, while others’ are not.”
In 2012, Nipun ji founded the Fusion Foundation, where he serves as the CEO.
This foundation works to protect the rights of disabled individuals. It advocates for the rights of disabled people and promotes their right to inclusion as integral members of society, encouraging them to live without feeling marginalized. He has also published several articles and is the founder of “Wheels for Life.”
He believes that when someone has the will to do something, no obstacle can stop them.
Listening to all these things, the curiosity of the children increased, and they asked him many questions, such as: “What was your dream as a child?” “Did you ever think that with so many challenges, you wouldn’t be able to progress?” and “Does the government’s focus on laws for disabled people actually benefit them?”
They also asked, “What should be done when government schools deny admission to disabled children?” Nipun ji answered the questions very patiently. “I dreamt of being a sportsman and since I could not be one, I dreamt of being among the best sports commentators! By struggling with and overcoming challenges, anything can be achieved; we should never sit down accepting defeat was his second response. We all learn from each other, and even children teach us.” He admitted that, while there are many more enabling mechanisms for disabled people to participate in society, much more needs to be implemented. There is still a huge gap between policy and implementation.