Every fracture had a story; none could stop Dhanya

KOZHIKODE: A sneeze could be enough to break a bone. For Dhanya Ravi, that was a painful reality of childhood. Growing up with osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare genetic condition that makes bones extremely fragile, meant living with frequent fractures and enduring pain that most children would never have to imagine. But Dhanya was never willing to let the condition decide the course of her life.

Today, the 36-year-old from Manali in Palakkad is a source of inspiration for people with disabilities. Based in North Paravur in Ernakulam, she works with the NGO Enable India, conducting motivational sessions and helping people with disabilities understand employment opportunities, workplace rights and the support available to them.

She has conducted more than 11,000 motivational sessions so far. Alongside this, she writes articles on disability-related issues, including for online platforms, helping raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities surrounding disability. She also has a caretaker to assist her with daily needs.

Her journey has not been without pain. Until the age of 15, Dhanya suffered at least two fractures almost every month. The frequency gradually reduced as she grew older, although osteogenesis imperfecta has no complete cure.

Her efforts to make a difference have also earned national recognition. In 2018, she received the Central Government's award for empowerment of persons with disabilities in the Role Model category.

Learning beyond the limitations

With her bones so fragile, attending a regular school, or even a special school, was difficult. Her parents, Ravi and Nirmala, took charge of her education, with help from a neighbour, Victoria. They taught her at home until she was 12.

Dhanya later completed her Plus Two through the open schooling system. She also went on to earn certificate qualifications in writing and communication.

Her experiences have given her a perspective on the challenges faced by women with disabilities, particularly the uncomfortable and often unexpected questions they encounter. Dhanya, too, has had to deal with them, but she says she has learnt to face such situations.

"Life has been kind to me, and that has helped me face those questions," she says.

Her younger brother, Rajesh, works in the IT sector.

For Dhanya, the fractures that marked much of her childhood have not prevented her from building a life around empowering others. Today, she is helping people with disabilities recognise possibilities beyond the barriers they face — one conversation at a time.