In 2020, Sherin Sahana embarked on a journey to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, despite the challenges posed by her disability. A previous fall had confined her to a wheelchair, making the pursuit of her dreams even more daunting. Despite the obstacles, Sherin’s determination led her to opt for online classes due to the physical strain of prolonged wheelchair use. However, she faced a lack of guidance until she discovered Job S Kottaram, a trailblazer from Kerala.
In 2021, Jobin launched the Chitrasalabham Project under his institution, the Absolute IAS Academy. This unique initiative caters to 100 aspirants with disabilities, offering both offline and online courses free of charge. The project’s name, “Chithrasalabham,” translates to “butterfly” in Malayalam, symbolizing the aim of giving wings to students with disabilities. Jobin’s mission is to break societal stereotypes and promote inclusivity by empowering disabled individuals, as they are often overlooked.
With over 2.68 crore disabled individuals in India, Jobin recognizes the need for greater representation in leadership positions. He aims to create a more inclusive society where each segment has its voice heard. By empowering disabled individuals, Jobin believes they can bring about policy changes that address their unique challenges.
Jobin, hailing from Kerala’s Changanassery town, once aspired to become an IAS officer but narrowly missed the mark in 2010. Despite this setback, he realized that he could still make a difference as a teacher. In 2010, he laid the foundation for his academy, initially assisting those choosing Malayalam as their optional paper. By 2019, the academy had expanded into a full-fledged institution with three offline centers and online courses.
During one of his educational videos discussing scholarships, Jobin inadvertently uncovered a lack of financial support for disabled students preparing for civil services examinations. This revelation prompted him to establish a special batch for disabled aspirants in 2021. His approach combines academic training with personal development to empower these individuals.
Among Jobin’s students, Sherin stands out as a remarkable success story. After securing the 913th rank in the UPSC CSE, she serves as an inspiration to others. Sherin’s journey from doubt to success exemplifies the transformative impact of the Chitrasalabham Project.
Jobin aims to expand the project nationwide, creating a social transformation initiative that highlights the support individuals in influential positions can offer to those facing similar challenges. Currently, students from Kerala benefit from the project, but Jobin envisions a more inclusive India where disabled individuals have equal opportunities.
With Sherin’s success story and Jobin’s unwavering commitment, the Chitrasalabham Project paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse leadership landscape in India, where every voice is valued and heard.
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