Hey there! I’m Gauranshi Sharma, a 17-year-old fun-loving girl from the heart of India - Bhopal. When I’m not playing badminton or volunteering, you'll find me indulging in my favourite hobbies: riding bicycle and playing with pets. The badminton academy in Gwalior is like my second home, where I train to better my badminton skills.
Every time I pick up a racket, I think of my parents. Both specially-abled, they’ve taught me that challenges can be turned into opportunities. Their unyielding support has made me believe that I can conquer any challenge, on or off the court. Their encouragement is constant, driving me to win gold at the Deaflympics in Brazil and making it to the quarterfinals of the World Youth Badminton Deaf Championship last year.
With the same passion that I play badminton, I advocate for a simple yet profound cause: inclusion and the right to play for every child. And I do so, also, through sports.
As a deaf child in a hearing world, I did not feel like other children. I was not able to enjoy the things other children did. It was very hard for me to make friends. There were no other deaf children around me, and the hearing children would not talk to me because they thought I was different.
In school I did not feel included - the teachers did not know sign language and would not teach me in the ways that I needed. In my badminton training, I would have to ask for help from fellow students to be able to understand what the coach was saying.
No one tried to learn sign language. No one, except my parents, understood what I was going through.
My passion for advocating for inclusion stems from a deep desire to ensure other children with disabilities don’t face the same barriers I did. I advocate for inclusion to ensure that all children, with or without disabilities, have equal opportunities to enjoy their childhood and reach their full potential.
There have been numerous barriers to accessing my rights, including education and communication. Growing up, I faced challenges due to lack of access of resources in sign language, a shortage of teachers who are proficient in sign language, and communication challenges in sports and recreational activities. These obstacles hindered my ability to fully participate and engage in various aspects of life.
In my journey, I've realized that every child deserves to feel valued and included. It’s not just about the right to play, but also the right to expression, the right to education, and the opportunity to feel loved and to dream big. Sports provide an excellent platform for children to learn, grow, and understand the world around them. Sports have this amazing power to bring people together, irrespective of their backgrounds. It's not just about the game, but about breaking barriers, feeling included, and igniting the passion within. It's about making everyone feel they belong.
When children play, they learn the importance of teamwork, resilience, and hard work. All these are essential for their overall wellbeing.
I want people to see that when we talk about inclusion, it’s not just a word. It's a world where every child, no matter their background or the challenges they may face, gets an equal chance to shine. Every child should have the opportunity to chase their dreams without any limitations.
To all the young souls reading this, remember, your voice matters! It can bring about change, inspire others, and make a difference. Don’t be afraid to speak up, stand up, and play for what you believe in. We’re the future, and together, we can make this world a better place.
Illustration by Kevin Naranjo
