Cherthala: In 1997, doctors at the Neurology Department of Alappuzha Medical College assessed the life expectancy of a 17-year-old girl named Sangeetha. She was diagnosed with myopathy, a condition that weakens muscles, and was declared 60 per cent disabled. With no significant treatment available at the time, she was told she might not live beyond the age of 22.

But the teenager refused to accept that prediction. Instead, she chose to live with determination and pursue her dreams. Twenty-six years later, Sangeetha, now 43, has completed 12 years as a pharmacist at the very same medical college that once predicted she would not survive.

The turning point came when she enrolled in the pharmacy course at Alappuzha Medical College after completing her undergraduate studies at SN College, Cherthala. As a degree student, she initially cycled from home to college. When she began fainting frequently, medical tests revealed myopathy. The diagnosis was conveyed to her on July 30, 1997, and soon walking became difficult. Although she needed support, she refused to use a wheelchair during her studies and went on to complete her pharmacy course.

After graduating, she worked for 11 years at Cherthala X-Ray Hospital. On January 29, 2013, she joined Alappuzha Medical College through the Public Service Commission. She walked as much as she could until a bike accident in February severely weakened her muscles. After that, even assisted walking became impossible, and she switched to an electric wheelchair.

Today, Sangeetha travels nearly 30 kilometres from Cherthala to the medical college each day in a specially equipped van. This year, the All Kerala Pharmacists Union honoured her with a state-level award for excellence among pharmacists working in medical colleges. Her poems and life stories frequently appear in magazines and across social media.

Sangeetha is the daughter of retired Cherthala South Cooperative Bank secretary CV Purushan and KV Susheela. She is married to PP Rajesh.

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Sangeetha’s story stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, courage and the impact of equal opportunities.