Chennai-based polio survivor creates awareness on inclusive fashion

A polio survivor Pavithra Jayshankar was leading a normal life like any other woman. But her life took a turn for the better after she joined a group called Tamil Nadu District Network, a social activist group that is fighting for the rights of differently-abled people in the city. Through the group, she met designer Shalini Visakan, who is championing the cause of inclusive fashion. That camaraderie led Pavithra to collaborate with Shalini for a fashion show that attempted a Guinness World Record of doing ramp walk for 48 hours. At this fashion show, Pavithra surprised everyone by moving across the ramp in a wheelchair, graciously.

“Right from my college days, I loved fashion and religiously followed the fashion world. But due to various reasons, I couldn’t pursue it. But as they say, good things take time — I got a chance to be part of the fashion show where I moved across the ramp in western wear designed by Shalini. Until I got into the stage, I was so nervous. But once I was on the ramp, it felt surreal to be a model. It was like a dream come true apart from giving a memorable experience. I couldn’t control my happiness watching people encouraging me with claps and whistles,” Pavithra says excitedly.

Sharing with us about inclusive fashion and its importance, she explains, “Not only a physically challenged individual even a normal person doesn’t like another person helping them to dress up. It is one of the most challenging things in our routine. To help them, more designers should come forward with adaptive clothing.”

She adds that not only clothing but there are certain factors that differently abled people find it difficult to sort out. “Do you think I can travel around Chennai in my wheelchair? Once I travelled to London and that city surprised me with its facilities. It’s a very manageable city to visit if you are physically-disabled. I am not comparing Chennai to foreign cities. But there should be more facilities for people like me. Unlike before, many differently-abled people are coming out and you can easily spot them in public places like a mall, playground, or a park. There should be more facilities for people like me so that we feel comfortable and secure while stepping out,” she adds.

A mother of an 11-year-old, Pavithra also runs a YouTube channel called Justbelieve, where she uploads videos about adaptive clothing and lifestyle. “I make videos on cooking, adaptive clothing, and make-up for differently-abled individuals. I wanted to inspire people so that they could shed inhibitions and come forward,” she sums up.