The 23rd CavinKare Ability Awards, organized by CavinKare in collaboration with Ability Foundation, honored six individuals with disabilities who have challenged societal norms and driven change. The awards, which recognize outstanding achievements of people with disabilities, were presented in three categories: Eminence, Mastery, and Special Recognition. A panel of esteemed jurors, including Madhan Karky, Soumya Swaminathan, and Justice Prabha Sridevan, selected the award recipients.
The CavinKare Ability Special Recognition Award was given to Sarah Sunny, India’s first lawyer with hearing impairment to argue before the Supreme Court. Despite facing barriers such as the lack of legal sign language interpreters, Sunny continues to advocate for judicial accessibility. The CavinKare Ability Award for Eminence was awarded to Poonam Shroti, a disability rights advocate born with osteogenesis imperfecta. Shroti defied societal expectations by thriving in the corporate world and founding Uddip Social Welfare Society, which empowers individuals with disabilities through education and employment.
The CavinKare Ability Mastery Awards were presented to four individuals who have demonstrated exceptional mastery in their respective fields. Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh, a para swimmer and disability rights advocate from Gujarat, has won 31 national medals and holds a world record for the longest open-sea swim by a paraplegic. Miranda Tomkinson, from Chennai, is India’s first individual with visual and hearing impairment to major in Special Education and holds three postgraduate degrees. Jilumol Mariet Thomas, from Kerala, and Arshad Pandit, from Srinagar, were also recognized for their achievements. Pandit, who became paraplegic after a terrorist attack in 1995, is now an Associate Professor at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences and has secured significant research funding.
These individuals have not only overcome personal challenges but have also made significant contributions to their communities. They are an inspiration to others, demonstrating that people with disabilities can achieve great things with determination and hard work. The CavinKare Ability Awards provide a platform to recognize and celebrate their achievements, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in all aspects of life. By honoring these exceptional individuals, the awards aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society, where people with disabilities have equal opportunities to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact.