The strong-willed move mountains. The 46- year- old Sameer Kakkad has unmatched resilience. Despite an 80 per cent disability in his body, he continues to inspire everyone around him. Kakkad believes that one should not let their physical differences slow them down in life. All situations should be faced with strength. Born in Bhabhar, Banaskantha, and settled in Ahmedabad, one of his childhood dreams was to drive a car. While the possibility of a differently-abled person driving a car was low, he made it possible after several attempts.
Cross Country Car Rally
After learning to drive, Sameer Kakkad participated in a cross country car rally and drove 7,500 km across India, Nepal, and Bhutan. Now, he has taken part in a 'World Peace Rally' and on July 1, left for a Ahmedabad-London drive spanning 17,000 km. In the tour, he will cross 15 countries, and 105 cities. The rally has been joined by 10 cars, with 30 people who will complete the rally in 45 days and reach London on August 12. During the drive, they will across eight different time zones. On August 15, they will hoist the tricolour at London's Ambedkar House. They wish too meet the royal family and receive blessings from Queen Elizabeth II.
Organised under the leadership of Ahmedabad's Heart Foundation and Research Institute chairman Dr Nitin Suman Shah, the rally intends to send a message against the current chaos, terrorism, inhumanity, and the antipathy displayed between nations. It will spread the message of peace and brotherhood.
12 hour driving each day
The route in the rally will take participants across Nepal, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, Belgium, France, Netherlands, and finally England. Team members will have to drive for 12 hours every day to cross a distance of 400 to 500 km. Approximately 16,400 km will be covered by road in the rally. Expenses are pegged at Rs 12,50,000 for the entire trip. Kakkad's expenses will be covered by rally organiser Heart Foundation and Research Institute. When each car reaches a country, its Indian number plate will be covered by the respective country's registration plate. When the car rally leaves the country's border, an escort team has been stationed to accompany them.
International Driving License received in 2019
Back in 2017, Kakkad had decided to drive to London from Ahmedabad. However, the trip was canceled when he failed to receive an international driving license. However, it failed to dampen his spirits. He succeeded after approaching Ahmedabad RTO and higher authorities multiple times. In 2019, he received his first international license as a handicapped person.
Third in Ceat Car Rally
In 1994, Kakkad overcome obstacles to be allowed to participate in a 100 km long car rally organised by Ceat. The rally had 99 normal participants. He too joined as a normal participant and won third place. This was the first time a differently-abled person joined the rally and won. Kakkad said if you don't let obstacles affect you, and keep on moving, you will succeed. Even time bows down to perseverance. Kakkad has also achieved the feat of self-driving to the height of 4,802 km in Leh-Ladakh.
Struck with Polio at just six months
A lot of efforts were put in by Sameer's doctor and parents when he faced death mere six months after birth. While he managed to live, he lost 80 per cent of his body functions. He even faced several issues during his school life. He had even admitted defeat and declared to his parents that he won't go to school anymore. However, they explained to him that he has to live in the society and only fate and self-confidence can be his crutches.
Special car kit for the differently-abled
After years of hard work, a special kit has been made for the less fortunate. It helps those who are handicapped in their left arm or leg, or in both arms and legs. The kit is installed near the steering wheel, and is approved by the Indian government. Over 10,000 kits have been made in the last 22 years. The kit has proven to raise self-confidence of handicapped persons, making them independent and capable of earning an income.
Automobile club provides education to the differently-abled
Kakkad runs an automobile club that provides special education to the handicapped, and guidelines on traffic rules and road safety. He is a member of the Gujarat RTO Working Committee. He gives insight to the committee on easing down the RTO process for the differently-abled. He is also the national head of the India Handicap Association. The group fights for the rights of community.
Attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records
Sameer has managed to make into the Limca Book of Records, India Book of Records, World Amazing Records, and Unique World. He has even approached Guinness Book of World Records to consider his courage for a place as in the past, no handicapped person has attempted to drive for such a long period. Authorities of the Guinness Book of Records, will keep an eye on his travel through a GPS system and at the end of the rally, decide whether he gets a place in the revered set of records. Kakkad has received the award of 'Best Entrepreneur' by President Ram Nath Kovind, in 2017. The same year, he was bestowed the 'International Excellence Award for services to the disabled' by Cabinet head Thawar Chand Gehlot, while in 2010, the Gujarat government gave him the 'Disabled Achievers of the Year' award.
Gujarat Election Icon
Sameer Kakkad is also the icon of the Accessible India Campaign kickstarted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016. The campaign intends to make buildings more accommodating of the disabled by installing ramps or other similar facilities. He has done some brilliant work in the field. The number of turnout of differently-abled people in the country's elections is very low. Poll booths don't host enough facilities for such citizens. However, Kakkad was named icon in the recently held Gujarat Lok Sabha elections. With his guidance, booths were equipped with facilities for everyone and the voter turnout of the disabled increased visibly.
If you want to contact Samir Kakkad his number is +919426051000 or +919426065002
