Few stories embody resilience and transformation as powerfully as that of Pratishtha Deveshwar. A disability rights activist, motivational speaker, and public policy professional, she has become a voice for inclusion and empowerment in India and beyond. From surviving a life‑altering accident at the age of 13 to becoming the first Indian wheelchair‑user to study at the University of Oxford, Pratishtha’s journey is one of courage, determination, and impact.

Early Life and Turning Point

At 13, Pratishtha’s life changed dramatically when a car accident left her paralysed from the waist down. What followed were years of physical and emotional challenges—hospital stays, limited mobility, and societal doubts about her future. Many around her believed her life was over, even suggesting her parents secure a small shop for her livelihood. But Pratishtha refused to let circumstances define her.

Her determination to continue her education despite inaccessible schools and societal barriers marked the beginning of her activist journey.

Academic Achievements

Pratishtha’s pursuit of education led her to remarkable milestones:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government in India.
• Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford, where she made history as the first Indian wheelchair‑user to study there.

Her time at Oxford was not just about academics—it was about proving that inclusion and accessibility are essential for global institutions.

Advocacy and Activism

Pratishtha has dedicated her career to championing disability rights and gender justice.

• She serves as Associate – India at Girl Up, United Nations Foundation, working on initiatives that empower young women.
• She has spoken at international platforms including UNFPA APRO (Thailand), Nairobi Summit (Africa), UNESCAP (China), and the AIDS Summit (Canada).
• She has also been a Regional Ambassador for the Government of India’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, promoting education and livelihood opportunities for girls in rural Punjab.

Her advocacy blends personal experience with policy expertise, making her a powerful voice for inclusion.

Recognition and Awards

Pratishtha’s work has earned her global recognition:

• Recipient of The Diana Award (2021), the UK’s highest honour for humanitarian changemakers.
• Featured in multiple platforms as a changemaker redefining disability rights in India.

Conclusion

Pratishtha Deveshwar’s journey is a testament to resilience and vision. From a hospital bed in Punjab to the halls of Oxford, she has transformed personal adversity into a mission for social change. Today, she stands as a role model for millions—proving that disability is not a limitation, but a different way of navigating the world.

Her story continues to inspire, reminding us that true empowerment lies in breaking barriers and amplifying voices that are too often silenced.