After they met on a dating app, the instant connection between disability rights activist Virali Modi and Kshitij Nayak led to marriage last October. (Image: special arrangement)
Paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 15 and wheelchair-bound ever since, Virali Modi feels that people should be more open-minded and accepting of people with disabilities when it comes to romantic relationships.
Disability rights activist Virali Modi says she wishes people were more accepting of people with disabilities when it comes to romantic relationships. “I wish people were more open-minded, more sensitive and more tolerant when it comes to falling in love with someone who has a disability,” says the 32-year-old.
Wearing many hats, Virali has shattered stereotypes around disability, one at a time. Her journey began at age 15 when an illness left her paralyzed from the waist down. Despite fading support from her close friends and constant reminders of her limitations, she has carved out a fulfilling life as a “wheelchair superwoman”: she cooks, travels, and has found happiness for herself. always with Kshitij Nayak.
After they met on a dating app, the instant connection between Virali and Kshitij led to marriage last October. Four months later, she says: “It still feels like we're in the dating phase. “Not much has changed except that we now live together with the added responsibility of taking care of each other.”
In society, marrying someone with a disability can be challenging. But Virali says her fears about her husband's family's acceptance were quickly dispelled when she met her mother, who welcomed her with open arms.
“She never made me feel different from them. She was open to learning about my disability and what my limitations are and she welcomed me with open arms,” she tells CNN-News18 in an exclusive chat.
Virali says that not only a wedding but also dating itself is a challenge for disabled people. For potential suitors, people, especially loved ones, tell you to compromise and “take what you can get.”
“That perception is not wrong. The reason you think that is because your mind is very limited and closed. Open your mind and you will understand that, at the end of the day, we all want the same things. We want love, happiness, peace and money,” says Virali, who had an active love life before meeting Kshitij.
“I went on several dates and, surprisingly, most people were not surprised by my disability. “It was heartwarming because I was lucky enough to meet some amazing men and go on great dates, whether it was wine tastings, candlelight dinners, or playing Jenga while drinking beers,” he adds.
For Virali, true love is about acceptance, understanding and constant surprises. For example, Kshitij's “multiple alter-egos,” which keep their relationship fun.
In the quest for inclusion, Virali also advocates for dating apps to be more disability-friendly. “By integrating accessibility features such as color themes for people who are color blind, talkback integration for people with visual impairments, and font size options for people with retinal disorders, dating platforms can become more inclusive spaces for people with disabilities.” disability,” he says.
As for Virali’s Valentine’s Day plans, she says, “Kshitij and I have a deal; I don't care if we don't do anything for Valentine's Day, but I'm a flower type of girl, so I expect flowers. Luckily, she bought me flowers last Valentine's Day and she better give them to me this time too!
