“My name is Shiv Lal, and I am the first dwarf man from India to obtain a Four wheeler driver’s license. Living with dwarfism in a society that often overlooks the needs of people like me has always been a challenge. However, these difficulties have only strengthened my resolve to live a normal, fulfilling life and advocate for others in my community.
From an early age, I faced numerous obstacles. Society’s perception of dwarfs is often limited to stereotypes and misconceptions. Many people see us as circus jokers, not taking us seriously or acknowledging our potential. This bias extends to many areas of life, including the pursuit of a driving license. I am the only licensed car driver in my community, a status that wasn’t easy to achieve. Getting a driving license was fraught with hurdles, and I was turned away by more than ten driving schools in Hyderabad. The rejections were disheartening, but they only fueled my determination.
My breakthrough came when I saw a video of a handicapped man driving a car in the United States. This video sparked a glimmer of hope within me. With the help of a mechanical engineer named Pasha, I customized a Santro for myself, and my friend Ismail taught me how to drive. Finally, I had achieved what I once thought was impossible.
Despite this victory, the journey was far from over. Society’s ignorance and insensitivity towards people with dwarfism are pervasive. The focus is often on our physical differences, ignoring our desires and needs to live fully—desires to get married, have children, and build a family. My wife and I have faced countless challenges raising our son, who does not have dwarfism. The teasing and taunts were difficult, but the real pain came from society’s indifference to our struggle for normalcy.
Nevertheless, I refused to let these challenges define me.
I am married, and despite the obstacles, my wife and I have raised our son with love and determination. These experiences have shaped my mission: to fight for the rights of dwarfs and to ensure that our lives are valued.
During my journey, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Balakrishna garu on the Unstoppable TV show and also TGSRTC MD Sajjanar Sir. Their words of encouragement and recognition of my efforts further fueled my mission to fight for the rights of people with dwarfism.
My dream now is to open a driving school specifically for people with disabilities. I want to give others the opportunity that was so difficult for me to obtain. My journey is just the beginning, and I am committed to making a difference for my community. Our lives matter, and we deserve the same opportunities and respect as everyone else.”