Lyse Bin Muhammad combines medicine & disability activism with ease

A doctor and disability rights activist, Dr Lyse Bin Muhammad dons any role with ease. An ayurvedic doctor from Malappuram, Kerala, he reaches out to people with spinal cord injuries. His hospital, Dr Bins Ayurvedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre has made a difference to the lives of many people.

Dr Muhammad is also the president of the All Kerala Wheelchair Rights Federation (AKWRF), an NGO that empowers and reaches out to wheelchair users across Kerala.

Muhammad was a practising doctor when he met with a car accident in 2003. He was returning from Thiruvananthapuram after visiting his newborn daughter when the accident took place. Doctors said he was paralyzed from the neck down but he refused to let the diagnosis break his spirits. He underwent rigorous physiotherapy sessions for many months and gradually resumed his normal routine.

I always wanted to become a police officer but fate had other plans for me. My father was a district medical officer. So I chose a career in medicine. Now being a doctor, I am glad that I can reach out to many people who need me. I have a lot of support from my family, mainly my wife and kids. My mother has been battling cancer for a while. Her strong will and determination to beat the disease inspires me. Her kinds words is what brought me back to life after the accident-Dr Lyse Bin Muhammad, President, All Kerala Wheelchair Rights Federation (AKWRF)

As an activist, Muhammad is vocal about the rights of disabled people and brings the community together to speak up for its rights.

“God has made every person in a unique and different way. We all have something to give back to the society. I want people with disabilities to know this. Pursue your dreams and goals and go out and do what you love doing best. No person deserves to be isolated or left aside. Look at Dr Stephen Hawking, a person with a disability who revolutionised the way we see many things. There is nothing we cannot do, says Muhammad.

Jomy Joseph, a co-founder of AKWRF and a prominent disability rights activist is a close friend of Dr Muhammad. Joseph finds his positivity and attitude towards life inspiring.

“In spite of being a busy doctor, Muhammad finds time to speak up for the rights of disabled people. He is a great leader as well. All of us at AKWRF are proud to have someone like Muhammad guide us. Hats off to his efforts, says Joseph.

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