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Divyanshu Ganatra is a psychologist, entrepreneur, para-glider, mountaineer, IT Expert and blind. Now, the first question that arises in our mind after reading about all of Divyanshu's achievements is that how can blind person achieve all of these feats? Let me tell you how.

Divyanshu Ganatra lost his eyesight at the age of 19 due to glaucoma. He went to a premium rehabilitation centre in high hopes for getting equipped for life but the truth was far from it. He stated that the only jobs offered to him were that of chalk making, cane furniture and a telephone operator. The only problem Ganatra had with these jobs were that they were low-paying jobs and he was the sole member to earn for his family. However, he was deeply disturbed by the facilities of the rehab centre. He stated, “When I saw this, I said no way. You don’t decide for me, you don’t decide for anyone here. I was seeing how they were treating people who were from poor and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It angered me that just because they don’t have the means doesn’t mean you treat them, or anyone, like that. I am not going to stay here and take this. You don’t have the right to tell me what I can or cannot do. I had lost my eyesight, but I had not lost my dignity.”

This is when Divyanshu made up his mind to do IT and deal with computers and artificial intelligence (AI). He wanted to do this because he wanted to prove the people who thought blind folks could not do anything wrong. He stated, “They said how can blind people use or learn computers. That’s when I made up my mind that that was what I wanted to do.”

After successfully completing a seven-year course in an IT firm and moving on to do a job, he was delighted to prove his point. Now he wanted to do something more. He found the human brain very fascinating. He thought that it was the only piece of machinery that was not understood properly and was a 'magnificent piece of machine.' This is when he went back to college and completed a course on psychology and took up this profession. Nonetheless, college was extremely difficult for him, not because he was blind, but because of the attitude of his teachers. He was actually denied admission due to his state and after plentiful struggles, he was finally granted admission. His teachers and peers undermined him, which made life terribly hard. Yet, Divyanshu had marked his goal and there was no stopping him.

Ganatra then went on to become the first Indian individual to do solo para-gliding. He was a sports fanatic from before and when he heard about para-gliding, he was determined to try this sport, as well. It took him seven years to find a tutor, as all tutors had refused to teach him due to his state. He stated that each day he would meet two to three tutors ready to face rejection, until after seven years, one tutor finally decided to teach him. This decision was not out of pressure or sympathy. The tutor was open-minded and believed in the capability of Divyanshu and many other people like him. He did not undermine Divyanshu's strength and took this responsibility very seriously. Even his family was very supportive and did not hesitate to send him on this daunting task. Divyanshu went on to accomplish this feat, too.

Through all this, Divyanshu had only one prime problem and that was society. He did not like the way society treated him. He desired the same respect and treatment that 'normal' human beings received from others and did not want any sympathy. He stated, “Treat me like you would treat everybody else. I don’t think there is any person with disability who has a problem talking about it, if it’s an honest, genuine question. It’s an opportunity for me to share to create awareness and educate you. How else would you know?” and "We want NGOs; they are important. They have to be partners and support us in our cause and move away from the charity model to the rights-based model. That’s when you will empower somebody with disability. There are a few in India doing that, and doing a brilliant job. That is the change that’s required. Don’t speak on our behalf. Let the person concerned and affected talk. Please don’t speak on our behalf. It will be the biggest dis-service you will do to us. It’s appropriating and dis-enfranchising.”
The treatment of the disabled can be highlighted with one quote from Ganatra, "The biggest problem we have is not with our disability but with the stereotypes and social attitudes. It is Attitudinal Disability."

I met Mr. Divyanshu Ganatra at an IMA meet in Thimphu, Bhutan in December, 2017. His words and actions inspired me so much that I decided then and there to write a blog on him and educate the world about his courage and bravery to get through such difficult circumstances and rise to the skies. He is a true inspiration for all. Now, you might wonder how Divyanshu Ganatra or this blog has to do anything with depression?

Well, what if Divyanshu's miserable dealings with society led him into depression? What if he lost hope? What if he gave up? All these are quite real possibilities. As aforementioned, Divyanshu's stumbling block was society. Society tried its best to not let him advance and became a rigid barrier in his path. Yet, he moved each of their thrown blocks and advanced in his journey. His life story teaches us to always be motivated and happy no matter what. No one has the right to take your happiness away from you. If you want to do something, go ahead and do it. No one can stop you. If you have a dream, fulfil it. However, believe in it first. If you believe what you have is worth it, then no one, mind you, no one will ever be able to ever stop you. Do not be afraid of failure or rejection.  Learn to defend yourself.