Disability Advocate Shobhika Kalra Launches Memoir on Resilience
The UAE-based activist shares her journey with Friedreich's ataxia and advocacy.
1Memoir Launch in Sharjah
Shobhika Kalra is set to release her memoir, The World Wasn't Built for Me, So I Built My Own, at the Sharjah International Book Fair on November 11. The 36-year-old activist documents her life journey, focusing on resilience and self-acceptance while navigating the challenges of a progressive neurological disorder.
2Living with Friedreich's Ataxia
Diagnosed at age 13, Kalra lives with Friedreich's ataxia, a rare inherited disorder that progressively damages the nervous system. The condition affects balance, muscle coordination, and speech. Despite these physical limitations, she maintains a positive outlook, emphasizing that her life is different rather than difficult, rejecting the label of hardship.
3The Catalyst for Advocacy
Her activism began after experiencing systemic exclusion, including inaccessible school classrooms and a cinema in India where strangers had to carry her. These frustrations led her to co-found the volunteer initiative Wings of Angelz in 2014, aiming to address the lack of infrastructure for wheelchair users across the UAE.
4Infrastructure Transformation Efforts
Wings of Angelz successfully campaigned for over 1,000 wheelchair ramps across the UAE. The team worked by identifying problematic locations, approaching businesses, and persistently following up with officials. One notable success involved collaborating with the Roads and Transport Authority to improve accessibility at various Dubai Metro stations for daily commuters.
5Broadening the Inclusion Scope
While physical accessibility was the initial focus, Kalra now emphasizes the importance of broader social inclusion. She highlights that employment opportunities and increased visibility for people with disabilities are critical for societal progress. She believes that when individuals are absent from public life, the barriers they face remain largely invisible.
6The Emotional Writing Process
Writing the memoir was an intense experience for Kalra, requiring her to revisit painful memories of isolation and physical deterioration. She spent about a year documenting her life, aiming to inspire readers facing their own obstacles. Her core message to those struggling is simple yet powerful: never give up.
7Navigating Future Uncertainty
Friedreich's ataxia is a progressive condition, and the future remains uncertain regarding her physical capabilities. However, Kalra chooses not to dwell on these unknowns. She finds pride in her past accomplishments and remains committed to doing her best each day, focusing on living in the moment rather than future fears.
8Legacy of Persistent Advocacy
Kalra’s work has significantly improved the physical landscape for wheelchair users in the UAE. Her transition from a teenager feeling broken to a public advocate demonstrates the impact of individual determination. By sharing her story, she continues to challenge societal perceptions of disability, proving that accessibility is a fundamental right.
Original article: The National — Disability Advocate Shobhika Kalra Launches Memoir on Resilience