Chandigarh-based Anjali Gulati is vocal about inclusion & hopes to reach out to people with disabilities

Anjali Gulati who works as a community co-builder with LoveActually.Me is vocal about need for inclusion. Based in Chandigarh, Anjali hopes to reach out to more disabled people and help them in all possible ways.

36-year-old Anjali Gulati works as a community co-builder at LoveActually.Me. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Anjali who lives in Chandigarh with her family hopes to reach out to more disabled people, identify their talents and help them flourish. Her journey was not an easy one. But Anjali always managed to light up a room with her smile. Her positive attitude towards life is what attracts people around her.

Growing up years

Anjali was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP) when she was hardly ten months old. Her parents who had awareness about the disability, says Anjali, are her strongest supporters even today. Anjali was admitted to Kindergarten at a special school named ‘Taleem’ run by the mother of a child with disability. But when the school shut down, real struggle began for her parents. They had to find a good school for her.

“No schools were ready to accept me. They had to adjust many things for me like move classes to ground floor or change their staffs”, recollects Anjali. That was when Sri Guru Harkrishan Model School agreed to admit her. She pursued until class 12 at the school.

Being in a mainstream school did bring some challenges. But the unending support from people around helped Anjali flourish.

After completing a BA degree, Anjali completed post-graduation in computer applications, a combined course in M.Sc IT and MCA too. After completing a few web designing and web development courses, Anjali completed her education in the year 2012.

Attributing success to her closed ones, Anjali says, “While pursuing degree, my friend Manpreet Kaur used to help me move from one class to another class. Thsoe days, it was a blessing”.

Living the best life

Passionate about music, Anjali says that Hindi retro songs are her favorite. She has set goals that need to be followed. “I want to become financially independent for a lifetime. My biggest supporter is my mom. My family cares a lot for me. After completing studies, I tried getting a job in the computer field but couldn’t and used to feel upset about it. But my parents always supported me and they never let me feel bad about all that”, says Anjali stressing on how support of parents and closed ones can boost confidence of people with disabilities.

Anjali says that being part of LoveActually.Me happened by chance, through a friend. What attracted her to the group was their inclusivity. The love and respect showed on her by the team is immense.

“When I come to know about talents of people with disabilities, I feel elated. I want to help others, maybe teach those in need and help girls from economically backward families to pursue education. Over years, I have realized that it is important to find joy in small things”, she says.

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