#AllYouNeedIsLove- Youngsters with disabilities share thoughts & ideas about soul mates

On Valentine’s Day, youngsters with disabilities share their thoughts and views about the big day. Is being disabled a drawback to find your soul mate? Here is what they all have to share with NewzHook.

Today is Valentine’s Day – the day to celebrate love and cherish togetherness. The story behind the origin of this day still remains a mystery. We know for sure that the day commemorates Saint Valentine, and there are both Christian and Roman traditions attached to the Saint. But in spite of all that mystery, people across the globe celebrate this day with their loved ones.

Single and wondering what to do? Valentine’s Day need not always be about going on a date with your partner. You can celebrate your love for friends, siblings or even parents.

NewzHook spoke to a few young, disabled people about their plans for this Valentine’s Day. Is it hard to find a soul mate when you have a disability? These youngsters tell us what they feel.

Finding love with a disability

Even today, there are many stereotypes attached to finding true love when you have a disability. Society often feels that a disabled youngster cannot date or even get married. Such misconceptions actually exist.

Akshat Rawat, an 18-year-old amputee based in Delhi, is an artist. Akshat, a college student, received a few proposals from girls recently. But they also said this was out of sympathy!

“It is hard for a disabled person to find true love. I know that when a girl looks at me, it is merely out of sympathy. They refuse to see me as a person or see the talents that I have. People do not want to love you unconditionally just because you have a disability. I had dated a few girls. But they de-motivated me. So I am single and staying happy now”, he says.

Attitudes towards disabled people

Penav Mota, a single, visually impaired law student, believe attitudes towards disabled people have changed a lot since last few years. “Now, disabled people have access to more information and know what to expect when they go on a date. We are reading more stories about disabled people finding their soul mates and getting married”.

Actor-entrepreneur Anjurani Joy, who happens to be a wheelchair user, also shares the same sentiments. “People with disabilities are getting married to those who don’t have a disability. Also, there are many mass wedding events happening for disabled people where finding soul mates is easier. If I get married, I want someone who will support my dreams and ambitions. He must be understanding and caring”, says Anju.

Shekhar Goud, an amputee from Hyderabad, and an avid trekker, has not gone on a date so far but says there is far greater acceptance and openness about disability now. “I have never felt like I lack something. I always felt like a normal person”. But he also adds that when he gets married, he wants a non-disabled person. “When we have a family, she must be able to take care of things”.

Finding true love

Vinayana Khurana, a poet and writer from Delhi, has special plans for today. “This Valentine’s Day, I will go on a beautiful date with my mother”.

Ebin Joseph from Kerala, a para sportsperson, has been dating his best friend for over two years and is all smiles when he talks about his love story.

“We know each other well for last couple of years. We have not really thought of marriage, but we are enjoying our time together. I have never felt that society looks down on disabled people dating. But before marriage, it is important to know each other. Your partner must know that you are capable of doing things on your own and you are independent.”, he says.

These youngsters clearly know what they want for this Valentine’s Day and from their future partners too. What is your plan for this V-Day?

Watch in Sign Language

Also Read:

• Some ways to keep love alive when you have a disabled partner