Preethi Srinivasan, a former Tamil Nadu under-19 cricket captain and national-level swimmer, co-founded Soulfree, a charitable trust, after a spinal cord injury at 18 left her quadriplegic. Inspired by her mother’s words on societal responsibility, she established Soulfree in 2013 to support individuals with severe disabilities.
Based in Tamil Nadu, the organisation has empowered over 2,500 lives through holistic rehabilitation services, including physiotherapy, counseling, and vocational training. Preethi’s advocacy has earned her accolades like the “Amazing Indians 2024” and “Devi Award,” making her an inspiring figure in disability rights.
Soulfree: A Mission to Restore Dignity
Soulfree is a pioneering organisation dedicated to restoring dignity and independence to individuals with spinal cord injuries. Its flagship initiative, the Integrated Spinal Rehabilitation Centre in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is the first of its kind in India.
The centre offers comprehensive services such as free medical care, physiotherapy, counseling, education, and skill development. It also promotes entrepreneurship by providing mobility aids and funding equipment like sewing machines to empower individuals economically.
Preethi Srinivasan explained Soulfree’s vision in an interview: “Our mission is to create an inclusive society where everyone can thrive despite their physical challenges.”
In addition to rehabilitation services, Soulfree actively raises awareness about spinal cord injuries through educational campaigns in schools and colleges. These initiatives aim to foster empathy and inclusivity among young minds while advocating for better emergency care infrastructure nationwide. The organisation also works closely with policymakers to address systemic gaps in accessibility for disabled individuals.
Founders’ Vision: A Personal Journey of Resilience
Preethi Srinivasan’s journey from a promising athlete to a disability rights advocate is one of extraordinary resilience. At the age of 18, her life took a tragic turn when a swimming accident left her paralysed from the neck down. Despite the physical and emotional challenges that followed, Preethi channelled her experiences into creating systemic change for others facing similar struggles.
Her mother, who serves as Soulfree’s co-founder and guiding force, played a pivotal role in shaping this mission. Together, they envisioned an organisation that would not only provide rehabilitation but also restore hope and dignity to individuals with severe disabilities.
Preethi’s story is a testament to the power of determination and compassion. Her transition from being an accomplished athlete to a social entrepreneur highlights her ability to turn adversity into opportunity. Today, Soulfree stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of individuals who face societal apathy and lack of infrastructure for their needs.
Transformative Impact: Stories of Change
Soulfree’s initiatives have transformed countless lives by enabling individuals with spinal cord injuries to regain independence and confidence. One such success story is that of Mr Khatri, who became an independent farmer after receiving mobility aids and vocational training from Soulfree.
The organisation’s efforts extend beyond rehabilitation; it fosters community connections through peer support networks that link individuals with similar challenges. These networks allow people affected by spinal injuries to share resources, experiences, and emotional support.
Soulfree has also created India’s first database of individuals living with spinal cord injuries. This database serves as a valuable resource for connecting affected individuals with medical professionals, caregivers, and employment opportunities. By addressing both physical and social barriers, Soulfree ensures that its beneficiaries can lead dignified lives despite their disabilities.
Advocacy for Disability Rights: Raising Awareness
Beyond its rehabilitation programmes, Soulfree actively advocates for disability rights across India. The organisation conducts workshops and seminars in schools and colleges to educate young minds about spinal cord injuries and the importance of inclusivity. These campaigns aim to dispel myths surrounding disability while encouraging empathy and understanding among students.
Soulfree also engages with policymakers and stakeholders to push for systemic reforms in emergency care infrastructure and accessibility standards nationwide. Its advocacy efforts seek to ensure that disabled individuals receive timely medical attention and have access to public spaces without discrimination.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Preethi Srinivasan’s story is one of resilience, empathy, and unwavering dedication to social change. Her work with Soulfree exemplifies how adversity can be transformed into an opportunity to uplift others. By addressing both physical rehabilitation and social integration, Preethi has created a model for empowering disabled individuals that goes beyond charity—it restores dignity.
As we celebrate Preethi’s achievements and the transformative impact of Soulfree, let us reflect on our role in fostering inclusivity within our communities. How can we contribute toward building a more accessible society where everyone has equal opportunities? Share your thoughts below!
