Disability fails to shackle her soaring spirit
Meenakshi Kumar

Theatre Director and actor Divya Arora can easily put people her age – and those older – to shame.

At first there may seem nothing extraordinary about this 24 –year-old graduate of Sociology Honours from Delhi’s Lady Shriram College but as soon as you notice she is strapped to a wheelchair, you sense her story of grit, incredible will power and determination.

Cerebral palsy patient Divya first caught media attention when she became the first disabled student (in a wheelchair) to join Lady Shriram College. As a child, Divya wanted to pursue journalism, but when the time for admissions came, she was told by most college authorities that she “was not fit for the hectic life of a journalist”.

So Divya opted for Sociology instead, as she wanted to learn about the way societies function. Insensitivity of people towards the disabled is a subject that’s closest to her heart and she has taken it upon herself to change perceptions as far as she can. And theatre is her way of doing it.

“It’s a powerful tool, if only it is used in the right manner,” says this chirpy young woman who is determined to make people accept her for what she is, rather than “how” she is.

Div ya directed and acted in her first play, Ability in Disability, in 2000 and three years later has 10 plays to her credit.

“If it hadn’t been for the support of my family and close friends, I don’t think I could have done half the things that I have managed,” she says.

Her most recent play was Romance by Chance, adapted from a French play and staged at the Theatre Festival held last year at Delhi’s India Habitat Centre and also at Goa.

“I act in all my plays because I want to send out a message to people – the need for people like us to be accepted and loved,” says the spirited Divya who hopes to pursue a doctorate in Sociology some day.

An admirer of Christopher Reeves, Helen Keller and Javed Abidi, chairman, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People, Divya is also keen to try her hands at modelling, like any other young person. “That’s another creative discipline and I want to give it a purpose. I want to mix beauty with talent,” she says.

Divya also enjoys singing, painting and writing poems. The poems is yet another of her ways to sensitise people towards disability.

“I still look to achieve more, there can be no full stops for me,” says this young achiever.

Her mother Roshni, in fact, has been a pillar of strength and a source of constant support for Divya. From convincing people about her daughter’s capabilities, running around for her admission to organising her plays, she has always been there for her.

The same goes for her younger sister Bhavya, who has been most considerate and patient. Divya also credits a cousin who has played the role of a loving and caring elder brother.

Source: Hindustan Times
Dated 27th January, 2003