Shilpa Mehta Jain was born in Mumbai, but her family had roots in Sanchor, a small village in Rajasthan. Hence, being a woman with a disability was never a double whammy for her, her extended family and society did not view her growing up.
“When I was in school, people told my father not to spend money on my education. At that time the school fee was eight rupees per month. They took pity on my father and told me that I needed more dowry to get married because I was disabled,” says the 43-year-old. Uttam India.
Diagnosed with scoliosis (polio) when she was two months old, Shilpa grew up with 94 percent post-polio syndrome, which affected her lower arms.
“Yes, I am disabled. But what? I am able to do many other things. I decided, ‘Boss, I have to do something to make my parents proud!’,” she says.
Working brick by brick
Shilpa had no friends in school during her childhood. She cannot play or go to the playground with her classmates. It was only during the mental skill competitions, which were very limited, that he received any praise or affection from the teachers. So he realized early on that education is the key to success.
Despite the great physical hardship of living with polio, she embarked on an ambitious journey with courage, passion and determination. Shilpa scored 82 percent in class 10 and 75 percent in class 12.
She proved her mettle by becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) in 2001. She cleared all three levels of CA, considered one of the most challenging exams, in her first attempt. She also completed M.Com and MBA.
But when she was admitted for articleship after giving a competitive exam, she was rejected by many firms even though she was good in studies. “The only reason I was rejected was because of my disability. Need to go to other clients for article audit. So, in my resume, I mention that I can travel independently. Normally, one doesn’t have to mention it,” she recalls. Eventually, she received a letter from a reference.
Shilpa worked hard to build a dignified life.
From driving to swimming, paragliding
She also pursued various other interests like driving, swimming, trekking, paragliding, and kayaking.
“I had to drop out of college when my driver didn’t come. I thought it wouldn’t hamper my studies. I can’t depend on anyone. I learned to drive a two-wheeler and later a four-wheeler,” says Shilpa.
“My husband used to introduce me to all kinds of sports. My disability didn’t matter to him,’ she adds.
Like other people, she also wanted to be physically fit. So, in 2018, he decided to learn swimming. But he was reminded of his disability at every stage of his life.
“It was difficult for me to take classes because no one would let me swim. After six months of resistance, I went to the club and put my foot down. I told the coach that if he didn’t teach me to swim, I would stay there. I felt there was no way out. Doing so, he asked me to come in the afternoon batch during the summer months,” she recalls.
“I took that batch. There were 40 of us on the first day; All 39 stood on one side, and I stood alone. I still remember the kind I got; Everyone was gossiping. However, within seven days I learned to swim and others struggled to even dive into the water. Now I have swam in the river and the sea,’ she added.
Meanwhile, after he became a CA, people’s attitudes towards him began to change. “When I started riding a scooter, no one sat behind me. But when I got my degree and passed CA, people would ask me to go on a ride to eat ice cream,” laughs Shilpa, “Everything changed from the way they talked to me to the way they talked to my father. I.”
100 to support persons with disabilities
On 10 January this year, Shilpa was conferred the ICAI Award by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for her diligence and outstanding professional achievements. After receiving this recognition, Shilpa has expressed her commitment to provide financial support to 100 disabled people in the next 10 years to do CA.
“This award is a proof that the world will finally recognize your ability after you have proven yourself,” she says, “Many congratulated her after receiving the award. I felt I had achieved so much; Why shouldn’t I give something back to society? I should try and help people like me (people with disabilities) get articleships and exposure… and leverage my network for their benefit.
A day after receiving the award, Shilpa started a scholarship named ‘Shantilal Mehta Scholarship’ in the name of her father. She has dedicated 10 lakh rupees of her savings for this. So far, she has identified three poor blind people from Alwar, Rajasthan, whom she is going to fund for CA.
“There are many people like me who start their careers, but at a certain point, they don’t get enough opportunities. That’s why you won’t find people with disabilities in high positions. As a person with a disability, you may have to struggle more than others, but if you have the ability, nothing can stop you,’ says Shilpa.
Edited by Pranita Bhat