Officer on duty! Shamla Beegum knows a thing or two about resilience

PATHANAMTHITTA: Polio-affected legs might often restrict people from chasing their ambitions. However, for Shamla Beegum, the legs were no hindrance to climbing the ladder of success in life. Now the District Officer for the Department of Social Justice, Shamla Beegum (54) remains highly active and mobile, reaching wherever she needs to go despite relying on a wheelchair.

She has completed 31 years of service and is an outstanding official. Her determined efforts have played a key role in making major government institutions, offices, and hospitals in the district accessible to persons with disabilities.

Shamla lost sensation in her legs due to polio when she was one and a half years old. Initially, she used crutches to walk but later switched to a wheelchair. When she first started working, her father used to drop her off at the office. Although she could drive a scooter or car to work, getting into the vehicle from a wheelchair was difficult; however, she has since mastered that process. Since her marriage, her husband, Haiderali—a bank employee—drives her to the office. Despite her physical limitations, Shamla loves travelling. Her daughter, Hiba Haider, is an LLB student.

Shamla is the daughter of Jamaluddin Rawther, a former military official, and Aisha Beevi, a homemaker, from Vellappally House in Kulanada, Pandalam. Despite the difficulties she faced, Shamla always had it easy when it came to academics and excelled in it. After completing her B.Com and a course in typewriting, Shamla began her career in a clerical role at the age of 23. She assumed the position of District Officer for the Social Justice Department two years ago.

“If one moves forward with a goal, it can be achieved, and challenges can be overcome. Disability-friendly environments are essential everywhere—including on buses and roads.” Said Shamla Beegum.