Hi, I am Ghousiya Taj. A wheelchair basketball national player, marathoner and singer and dancer.
I was affected by polio when I was 8 months old. I studied in APD special school for disabled people. I started walking with the help of callipers and churches in 4th standard. After completing my 10th It was very difficult to study in Bangalore due to the infrastructure in Bangalore and travel I had to stay in a hostel in Mysore for higher education where I completed a diploma in electronics and communication.
I always wanted to do something different in life. People use to think I am a waste, and I cannot do anything in life. But I always had confidence that I will achieve something big. If not, try. I was very much interested in sports, singing and dancing from childhood but I didn’t get opportunities. In 2017 I was a part of wheelchair basketball in Karnataka.
I am with Concentrix since 2018. Here people always support and encourage me in every single achievement and opportunities are equal and very accessible. And we have been kept in first priority. I am also getting support to upskill my skills for growth in terms of career navigation and they also supported me in sports by providing me with sports wheelchairs. I am very blessed to be part of the Concentrix family.
I have taken part in Aarson fashion media as an honourable Chief Guest. And in India’s largest fashion show for the differently abled in 2020. Received Spoorthi award for Karnataka women's achievement award 2019. Inspirational award from office.
I took part in the dance at the Aasmaan foundation and won 2nd place in the Drzya singing competition and got selected for Anand Milland academy for free singing training.
After 28 years I got one more polio attack with a neurological disorder which affected my ability for a lifetime. And affected me emotionally. I felt I had nothing to do in life apart from crying. I even lost the ability to walk, and it was a very difficult time with covid. It took 4 months to come out of that situation. I made myself strong and wanted to do something in life, so I started singing to come out of that.
I want also to tell you never to give up in life. Giving up should not be the solution to any problem. Keep trying, keep fighting and one day you will get successful. I am very proud to be a differently-abled person. I come across many people with disability who think their life is wasted and they cannot do anything in life and waste their time sitting within four walls. I want to tell everyone not to feel sad about themselves. Come out of that negative thinking and bring some change to your life. Life is beautiful. Add colour to life. Believe in yourself.
Inspiration comes from within. I inspire myself whenever I feel low, which motivates me to go further in life. My family and office are a big support. I am active on social media because seeing me at least other people with disability may come forward in life thinking nothing is impossible and even they can achieve.
" I don’t have a disability I have a gift from God. Others may see disability, but I see only my ability!"