You Will Be 'Corrected

As a disability activist and someone who has lived through countless conversations laced with misguided remarks, one particular phrase has haunted me and many others in the disability community: "You will be 'corrected.'" It's a sentence that seems harmless at first glance, perhaps even coming from a place of care or hope. But for para-athletes and individuals with disabilities, this phrase carries a heavy burden, reinforcing societal perceptions that disability is something to be "fixed" rather than accepted.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been told things like, "Don’t worry, you’ll be corrected soon," or "You just need the right treatment." While I understand that people often say these things with good intentions, the underlying message is clear: the world sees us as incomplete. Our achievements, struggles, and existence are frequently seen through the lens of what we cannot do, rather than what we excel at. This attitude diminishes our identities and makes us feel as though we’re constantly lacking.

I remember vividly when I was younger, someone approached me and said, "You’re so strong, but maybe one day, you’ll walk like everyone else." That comment stung. It wasn’t the words themselves but the assumption that I wasn’t already complete, that my strength was only valid if it came with the promise of “walking like everyone else.”

This relentless attitude is precisely why I created the character of "Aunty ji" in my comics and Instagram reels. Through this persona, I challenge the conventional and often insensitive remarks that people with disabilities constantly face. Aunty ji is a loud, opinionated character, who represents the typical societal mindset that tries to "correct" anything that doesn’t fit the norm. She offers well-meaning but hurtful advice, all with a smile, perfectly illustrating how society’s stereotypes often come from a place of ignorance.

Creating Aunty ji was a cathartic experience for me—a way to poke fun at the absurdity of these comments while shedding light on the deeper issue. With humor, I aim to break down these harmful perceptions and show that people with disabilities don’t need to be corrected. We need to be respected, accepted, and celebrated for who we are.

While such stereotypical remarks still linger, I find hope in the growing recognition and celebration of Indian para-athletes. These athletes are making the country proud, not by "overcoming" their disabilities, but by excelling in their fields, just like any other athlete. They represent the strength, dedication, and resilience that society often overlooks in people with disabilities. Their achievements show that success doesn’t come from being "corrected" but from embracing who you are and pushing the limits of what you can do.

It’s time for a shift in how we approach and understand disabilities. Instead of focusing on "fixing" us, let’s celebrate the strength, courage, and unique talents that we bring to the world. Our para-athletes are paving the way for this change, proving that it’s not about what you can’t do—it’s about what you do with what you have.

Let’s applaud them and, in doing so, start recognizing the value and dignity in every individual, just as they are.