Defying Every Expectation: How Three Specially Abled Students Brought Happiness to 900 Underprivileged Lives in Ahmedabad

In a moving demonstration of unity and social service, three college students from Ahmedabad—facing severe physical disabilities themselves—have turned their personal challenges into a force for community welfare, benefiting over 900 underprivileged children, elderly citizens, and visually impaired individuals across the city over the past three years.

Sanket Kapadia (22) from Bapunagar, Arsealim Shaikh (22) from Rakhial, both pursuing their MA degrees, and Ankur Sharma (21) from Ghatlodiya, a BA student, first crossed paths at college. Kapadia and Shaikh are visually impaired, while Sharma manages partial body paralysis. Refusing to let their physical limitations define them, the trio formed an enduring bond across religious lines and decided to dedicate their combined efforts to serving society's most vulnerable.

From Saved Pocket Money to a Sustained Community Drive

The initiative began in 2023 when the three friends started pooling small amounts from their daily pocket allowance to raise initial funds. Their first effort took place in a Thaltej slum, where they supplied 25 children with essential learning materials, including notebooks, textbooks, pens, stationery sets, and floor mats.

As word of their initiative spread, classmates and well-wishers began offering financial support, allowing the trio to expand their reach exponentially. Over the last three years, their drive has provided study kits and sports equipment to over 900 impoverished children and visually impaired persons. During festive periods like Diwali, the group organises distributions of new clothes, sweets, and firecrackers for children living in informal settlements.

Their outreach extends to local old-age homes, where they deliver daily utility items, clothing, and prepared meals. During the winter of 2025, the team distributed warm blankets to rough sleepers and slum dwellers across Ahmedabad.

Empowering Scribes and Supporting Local Communities

To structure their expanding network, the trio established an Instagram initiative named the 'Sahara Group' in 2025. Through this platform, they formally recognized and honoured 100 volunteer scribes who act as the eyes and hands for visually impaired students during academic examinations. They also felicitated 10 ground-level security guards with trophies and gift tokens for their steady service to the community.

Their environmental and seasonal relief efforts run year-round. During the summer months, the group installed 200 water bowls for birds across various neighbourhoods, ensuring a regular supply of mixed grains like pearl millet, sorghum, and rice. On peak summer days, they set up distribution points offering cold water and buttermilk to daily wage labourers and commuters.

Reflecting on their journey, the trio remains steadfast in their commitment to secular, inclusive service, proving that physical barriers present no obstacle to bringing light into the lives of others.