Suvarna Raj’s life is a remarkable journey of determination and courage. Born in Nagpur, India, she contracted polio at the age of two, resulting in a 90% disability that has left her in a wheelchair for life. Her early years were marked by challenges, including limited family support. Due to her condition, Suvarna was sent to a hostel for children with disabilities, where she faced emotional isolation but also discovered a love for sports, beginning with powerlifting.
Suvarna’s commitment to education was as strong as her dedication to sports. She earned two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees, including one in social work. Along the way, she advocated for accessibility, ensuring her college classes were moved to the ground floor to meet her needs. Despite the obstacles, her educational achievements became a foundation for her later work.
Suvarna’s sports career started with powerlifting, where she competed nationally from 2002 to 2008. Life presented personal challenges, including the loss of her unborn child and a prolonged illness, which led her to explore a new sport: table tennis. She quickly rose in this field as well, representing India in international competitions like the Asian Para Games and Commonwealth Games, and winning two medals at the Thailand Para Table Tennis Open in 2013. Later, Suvarna shifted her focus to athletics, participating in shot put, discus throw, and javelin, where she continued to win national medals.
Beyond sports, Suvarna is a passionate advocate for disability rights. She has actively participated in campaigns to improve accessibility across India, including as part of the Accessible India Campaign, where she audited buildings to promote accessibility. Appointed as the Election Icon of her city, she works to ensure accessible voting for people with disabilities. In recognition of her advocacy, she was honored with the National Role Model Award by the President of India in 2014.
Today, Suvarna is focused on creating awareness about the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act and improving accessibility and education for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas. Her ultimate dream is to establish an academy for disabled children, where they can learn and grow in an environment that supports their abilities.
Suvarna Raj’s journey is a testament to courage and determination, showing what is possible through hard work and a strong belief in one’s potential. She continues to inspire and advocate for change, giving hope and a voice to the disabled community in India.
