Indian Express column...ZERO TOLERANCE...

October 3, 1999

What irritates me most about Delhi...By Scott Chesney, USA 

Do you know that there are 90 million individuals in India who are disabled? Do you know that these same 90 million people are still waiting to be accepted by the rest of society?
Supposedly, this is a country which prides itself on its acceptance of people, cultures, religion, etc. If this is the case than why are my words bothering many of you at this very moment? Before you pass judgement on this story, I ask you, "What do feel on the inside when you see or hear about someone who is disabled?" Is it a feeling of compassion, inspiration, or a simple question of "why?" Or do you simply stare, have pity, or say to yourself, "I'm glad that is not me!?" Be honest with yourself. There is no right or wrong answer. All that is suggested is that if you have any other feeling than that of compassion, I strongly suggest you take a good look in the mirror and make a journey inwards to find out why you can't accept this individual who is physically or mentally challenged. Maybe, it's because you have yet to accept yourself!

There are so many worthwhile organizations which are doing excellent work to integrate the disabled into mainstream society, but their efforts will continue to move at a slow pace unless society embraces them. My belief is that society can not accept the disabled community because there is an enormous amount of fear within each individual who struggles to move to a place of compassion. Tell me, when you see or hear about someone who is disabled does the thought of "what if that was me" immediately come to mind? Trust me when I tell you that until you begin to heal that part of yourself that is so fearful of something of this magnitude becoming a part of your life, then this will remain an issue that is unresolved. It will drain you energetically. You will continue to face this issue until you address it. The real you wants to make peace with this internal fear and move to a place of accepting this growing number of individuals.

If you are not educated about disabilities than make an effort to find out. As I mentioned before, there are plenty of organizations which can answer all your questions and put an end to your fears and worries. If you see someone who is disabled, don't always think that they need sympathy or money. What they need is a friend, just like you and I need a friend. Move beyond the limitations of your mind and search for the real you beyond the fear who wants to embrace this individual who may have some physical or mental challenges. Think about it. If you could erase the disability from your mind, that human being across from you is very much like you. If for one moment, you can understand that each and every one us simply wants to be loved and wants to give love, then you are destined to arrive at a place of acceptance.

Take some time to volunteer at these organizations who are working day and night at trying to integrate the disabled into mainstream society. Approach someone who is disabled and be open to the gift that I am sure you will receive. I have always believed that illness or disease is a direct path to rediscovering one's true essence. I challenge you to move beyond your fears and apprehensions and help make a difference in this country. We all have limitations. Find out what yours are before you pass judgement on anyone else. 90 million of your brothers and sisters are waiting for you and want to be your friend.

By the way, I am an American, my wife is Indian, and I have been confined to a wheelchair for the past 14 years. Thanks for listening!

Scott.

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