CavinKare Walk India Campaign

Sarah Sunny is India’s first deaf lawyer to argue before the Supreme Court, marking a historic step toward an inclusive legal system. Despite systemic barriers, including the lack of sign language interpreters trained in legal terminology, she persisted, advocating for accessibility in the judiciary. Raised in Bengaluru, she studied law at St. Joseph’s College and got enrolled as an advocate in 2021. Her success challenges stereotypes and paves the way for greater representation of deaf professionals in law. 

Poonam Shroti is a passionate disability rights advocate who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that causes fragile bones. Despite facing numerous challenges, Poonam defied societal expectations by completing her education and thriving in the corporate world. She founded Uddip Social Welfare Society to empower individuals with disabilities, particularly in India’s tier-two cities, through education, employment, and advocacy. Uddip’s initiatives have impacted hundreds, promoting inclusion, dignity, and independence.

Mohammad Shams Aalam Shaikh is a celebrated Indian Para Swimmer and advocate for disability rights. After being diagnosed with paraplegia due to a tumor, Shams turned to sports, achieving remarkable success. He holds the World Record for the Longest Open Sea Swim by a Paraplegic and has won 31 national medals. He is a 2018 Asian Para Games participant. Shams has also earned an MBA and launched initiatives like the Active Wheelchair Project to improve mobility for people with disabilities. Honoured with numerous awards, including the President’s Best Sportsperson with Disability Award, Shams continues to inspire with his vision for greater accessibility and inclusion in sports.  At the Reykjavik International Games in January 2025, he further strengthened his legacy by securing six medals-one gold, three silver, and two bronze, while setting a new National and Asian record in the 200m Breaststroke.

Miranda Tomkinson is a lecturer in the Department of Special Education at NIEPMD, with a focus on Deafblindness and Special Education for Multiple Disabilities. As the first Deafblind individual in India to complete a major in Special Education, Miranda holds three postgraduate degrees and has cleared the UGC NET exams in Sociology and Education. He is known for his innovative teaching methods and research contributions, including his work on assistive technologies like NUANCE DRAGON. Through his blog, YouTube channel, and upcoming book, Miranda advocates for greater inclusion and awareness for individuals with Deafblindness and multiple disabilities.

Arshad Pandit is an Associate Professor at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and a pioneering researcher in medical genetics and cancer diagnostics. In 1995, Arshad’s life was dramatically changed when he was shot by terrorists, leaving him paraplegic. Despite the immense physical and emotional challenges, he went on to earn a Master's degree and Ph.D. in Immunology. He has secured over 12 crores in research funding and developed a hand-controlled driving system for independence. Arshad today mentors individuals with disabilities, promoting mobility, independence, and integration into society.  

Jilumol Mariet Thomas, born without arms due to thalidomide syndrome, is a self-employed graphic designer and a member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Association. She uses her feet for tasks like typing, sketching, and creating digital artwork. Jilumol holds the 2021 Best Painter of the Year Award and is also a skilled foot painter with works displayed in exhibitions. In 2023, she became the first female in Asia without arms to receive a four-wheeler license. Jilumol has also ventured into dubbing for Malayalam cinema and is a motivational speaker.