Physical anomalies can never limit one’s aspirations, and there is nothing that can’t be achieved with goodwill and perseverance.
This has been exemplified by a man from Hyderabad who has become the first dwarf person in the country to receive a driving license.
Named Gattipally Shivpal, the man with a height of about three feet, is also the first individual with a disability in Kukatpally district to complete a driving training degree in 2004. He always wanted to be self-reliant and took it as a challenge to learn to drive. The man currently works at a Hyderabad-based private company.
His height made it really difficult for Shivpal to commute via public transport. He would often get teased by cab drivers and others, who would comment on his disability.
“People used to tease me because of my height and today I am nominated for The Limca Book of Records and many others,” shared Shivpal with a news agency.
Just then, one fine day, the 42-year-old came across a video of a dwarf man driving in America. This was a major motivation for him, and his interest to learn driving grew stronger. He was so enthusiastic about learning that he traveled to the US to understand the mechanism. There he acquired all the knowledge and used the opportunity to learn whatever he needed. Later, he put it all into action back in Hyderabad.
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Yet normal cars wouldn’t fit right. So, he met with a man in the city who is known to design customized cars. It is this car modifier who helped Shivpal to implement the mechanics. Following this, the car’s revamped design included lifted seats and car pedals raised in height. This ensured some legroom for Shivpal, as his legs could now reach the pedals easily.
Having made all the changes, Shivpal was ready to learn driving and attain a license. But things didn’t run smoothly just then and there. His physical condition always came in the way. The man approached around 120 driving schools in the city but since the transport department has certain guidelines in place for height, all of Shivpal’s pleas were rejected.
His next move was naturally to appeal to the authorities and that is what helped him receive a license for a duration of three months. He then gave a driving test with an official sitting next to him.
“Everybody has some fault in them, but finding your hidden talents and achieving them is what matters,” he says.
Today, Shivpal is an inspiration for all who face a similar condition. And thus, he wishes to start a driving school for the disabled next year.
“Many short people are contacting me for driving training,” he informed.
Kudos to you Shivpal. Can’t wait to see you racing cars someday!