On December 3, 2024, Prateek Khandelwal, a resident of Bengaluru and founder of RampMyCity, received the prestigious National Award for Individual Excellence as the “Best Role Model 2024” for his outstanding contributions to accessibility across India. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which recognised 33 individuals and institutions for their efforts in empowering persons with disabilities (PwDs). Khandelwal, who lives with a spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis from the waist down, has dedicated his life to transforming urban landscapes into accessible spaces.
Transforming Adversity into Opportunity
Khandelwal’s journey began a decade ago when a tragic accident left him with a 75% locomotor disability. Initially treated as merely a patient, he faced numerous physical and societal challenges that dominated his life. Reflecting on this period, he stated, “People treated me only as a patient for many years, and physical, emotional, societal, and infrastructural challenges ruled my life.” However, rather than succumbing to despair, Khandelwal resolved to change this narrative. “I decided I will fight it and I will change it – ALL OF IT!” he declared.
Through his initiative RampMyCity, Khandelwal has worked tirelessly to create inclusive environments that empower individuals with disabilities. His projects focus on enhancing accessibility in public spaces, advocating for policy changes, and raising awareness about the needs of PwDs. “I turned the greatest adversity of my life into my greatest opportunity,” he explained. This transformation not only changed his life but also inspired many others to join the cause.
Acknowledging Support and Teamwork
Khandelwal attributes much of his success to the unwavering support of his family and the dedicated team behind RampMyCity. “I am deeply grateful to my incredible family, who stood by me through my darkest times,” he said. His team has played a crucial role in implementing various accessibility projects across Bengaluru and beyond. Together, they have built a network that aims to make cities more navigable for everyone.
The National Award is a significant milestone in Khandelwal’s journey; however, he remains focused on future goals. “The top of one mountain is just the bottom of the next. We will keep climbing,” he affirmed. This mindset reflects his commitment not only to personal growth but also to advancing the rights and opportunities for all persons with disabilities.
A Celebration of Inclusivity
The awards ceremony held on December 3 underscored the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in society. Alongside Khandelwal, other notable recipients included Iytha Mallikarjuna, who founded the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association to support over 1,060 entrepreneurs with disabilities. The event highlighted how systemic changes can empower PwDs through education, sports, arts, and social entrepreneurship.
President Murmu commended all awardees for their dedication to breaking barriers and fostering an inclusive environment for all citizens. She emphasised that such initiatives are vital for building a society where everyone can thrive regardless of their abilities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we celebrate inspiring stories like Prateek Khandelwal’s that exemplify resilience and commitment to social change. His journey from adversity to empowerment serves as an inspiration for many and highlights the importance of creating accessible spaces within our communities. As we honour these remarkable achievements, it is crucial to reflect on our roles in fostering inclusivity.
How can we contribute to supporting initiatives that empower persons with disabilities? We invite our readers to share their thoughts on how we can collectively build a more inclusive society. Engaging in dialogue around these issues is essential for driving positive change and ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to succeed.
