the Power of self-Advocacy: A Journey of Growth and Connection
By Kushi Acharya
Editor’s Note: On July 27th & 28th 2023, Ms. Kushi Acharya participated in the Advocacy Retreat, a pilot advocacy event in Bengaluru, and distinguished herself as a potential leader and facilitator. On April 8th 2024, she accompanied the KII team to Pondicherry and then to Tamil Nadu, serving as a member of the faculty team and emerging leader in the capacity building workshop for self-advocates entitled My Voice My Choice. In this Jhalak, she reflects on this experience and its impact on her. Her leadership development work was supported by Satya Special School in Pondicherry and Sristi Village in Tamil Nadu, and many of the people they serve participated in the sessions.
Self-advocacy is not just a skill—it is a gateway to empowerment. It is about recognizing your worth, setting boundaries, and finding your voice in a world that often overlooks diverse experiences. For many, the path to self-advocacy begins as a personal journey of discovery and grows into an inspiring mission to uplift others.
My own journey, from being a self-advocate to becoming a facilitator and trainer, has been one of profound learning, personal growth, and connection. It reached a pivotal moment when I was invited to lead a self-advocacy program in Pondicherry. As I prepared for this transition, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The thought of standing before others as a guide felt surreal, yet it ignited a sense of purpose within me.
Arriving in Pondicherry, I was reminded of my own early steps as a self-advocate. The familiar materials brought back memories of discovering my strengths and learning to articulate my needs. This time, the roles were reversed. I was the facilitator. We met founder/Director Chitra Shah and the faculty at Satya school. I was amazed to discover how much the Satya school had already taught the self-advocates about their rights and I drew from their cultural traditions. The sessions unfolded with activities centered around understanding personal preferences, establishing boundaries, and fostering a sense of self-worth.
What struck me most was the resilience of the participants. Despite the challenges they faced, their courage to share their stories and support one another was humbling. We laughed together during group exercises like navigating obstacles blindfolded, and we grew closer through activities that encouraged selfreflection and connection. We had spent two heart warming days at the Satya
School , and my interactions with the self -advocates, and Chitra Ma’am is something I will always cherish.
A visit to the Srishti Foundation, a village dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, deepened my understanding of independence and inclusion. Meeting Karthik, the founder, and seeing the residents joyfully engaged in their daily lives reaffirmed the importance of creating spaces where everyone can thrive. The lush greenery, the companionship of animals, and the sense of purpose among the residents made the experience unforgettable.
One moment stands out: during a break, a fellow self-advocate and I worked together to reunite a lost puppy with its mother. Despite the language barrier, our shared gestures and celebration of this small success reminded me of the universal language of compassion and teamwork.
Leaving Pondicherry was bittersweet. The connections formed during those days—the participants, the animals, and the shared moments of growth—left a lasting imprint on my heart. Reflecting on the journey, I realize how much I have grown, not just as a facilitator but as a person. The nervousness I initially felt gave way to a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of self-advocacy’s transformative power.
This journey reaffirmed my belief that self-advocacy is about more than standing up for yourself. It is about creating spaces where everyone feels valued, connected, and empowered. It is about turning individual growth into collective strength, proving that our shared humanity can overcome any challenge.
As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons, laughter, and bonds formed in Pondicherry. The experience has not only shaped me as a facilitator but has also deepened my commitment to empowering others. Self-advocacy, I have learned, is not a destination but a lifelong journey—one that becomes richer when shared with others.