Few years back, I saw a popup on my phone asking me a question? I was just about to close it but something stopped me. My conscience did not allow me to close it. I clicked ‘yes’ and it changed my life forever. Read my story below to know the cause.
I am Dr. Narottam Agarwala from India.
I am a level 6 Local Guide.
A cause I care about sharing on Google Maps is :
Providing support to disabled and needy people by sharing accessibility information on Google Maps.
Why do I care for this cause ?
The reason for this passion lies in my story.
Here goes my story :
I had no idea what is going to happen in my life. The beginning of my life may look very common.
When I was a child, I wanted to help disabled people. My hobby was related to science & technology. I designed a layout of a unique wheelchair that would be able to climb stairs in forward direction itself without bending (There are some wheelchairs that can climb stairs in reverse direction but with difficulty). I could not get the required gears, so I could not complete that project. I have kept it pending for future. Years passed and I grew up. Everything was normal. I had no idea what is going to happen in my life.
Gradually I developed health issues and was not able to walk without a support.
My wife use to support me most of the time. I don’t have any words to thank her for all her efforts. I remember those days when it was very difficult for me to climb stairs. I did not have any confidence on my legs. My family tried their best by seeking all possible medical attention but nothing was helping me. I did not lose hope and continued doing all my duties and responsibilities. I use to go to office regularly. My wife use to support me up to my car and my driver used to support me while climbing the office stairs. Everyone around was very helpful but I use to feel very bad since I was dependent on others. My family did everything to keep me happy, they use to take me out too.
One fine day I saw a popup on my phone asking “Is there a wheel chair accessible parking ?”
So many things flashed in my memory. By this time I truly understand the sense of relief, that a person on wheelchair experiences seeing a ramp for wheelchair.
My conscience immediately moved my fingers on to ‘Yes’. The moment I clicked it, a wave of joy delighted me all over. I simply felt that with that one click I have helped so many generations of people who need it. This changed my life. My health started improving. Every time I share any accessibility information, I feel so happy.
I have a firm belief that my postings related to disability have been earning me the blessings of so many people that by God’s grace today I am absolutely normal. I can run, jump, climb etc. everything that a normal person can do.
After this I built a full width ramp at the entrance of my house too.
What do I have to say ?
If you want to help people then do it on Google Maps. You will be actually helping innumerable number of people for generations ahead. Even Robots of future will be able to assist people based on this authentic data. Few seconds of your contributions are multiplied by Google’s servers and are provided to the right people at right time. Team Google has done a great job. It’s a help to people irrespective of religion or socio-economic status.
More than 30% of my points come from precisely answering these accessibility questions.
I know I am helping a large number of people who really need it. I feel that my birth is now truly justified. I am proud of it. Thank you Google.