This story is from July 15, 2019

UPSC topper gets trolled online for her disability; highlights the need for inclusivity

Ira Singhal, who suffers from scoliosis was trolled online for her disability.
UPSC topper gets trolled online for her disability; highlights the need for inclusivity
Name-calling, social media trolling has engulfed the internet. Our news feeds are full of it. The web is fast becoming a space for spreading negativity and bullying, which is impacting the mental health of those at the receiving end.
Ira Singhal, who became the first woman to top the UPSC exams was subjected to rather not-so-good comments. Ira suffers from scoliosis, a spine-related disorder which impacts her mobility.
She has 62% locomotor disability.
The woman, who cleared the competitive exams in 2014 and has been posted in Delhi was subject to trolling online when somebody made fun of her disability and mocked her with a slang.
Following the abuse, Ira shared screenshots of people name-calling her, adding that such incidents don't make life easy for people living with disabilities.
"For anyone who thinks people with disabilities don't have to face anything, as the world is nice and kind - just sharing someone's comments from my Instagram account. A face of cyber-bullying.
She also stressed on the nature of the comment, adding the dire need to start inclusive schools in the country and teach children the right values.
"Unfortunately someone who cannot be bullied is being attempted to be bullied. And this is probably a person who wants to be a Civil Servant. This is why we need Inclusive Schools and this is why we need our education system to focus on producing better human beings more than anything else," she wrote.


However, displaying bravery and sharing some positivity, Ira said that such comments will not bog her down and such incidents of cyber-bullying do not get her down.
He (The bully) "picked someone who cannot be bullied" as "being disabled- andha, behra, kubda, etc.- are not bad things."
Not blaming the troll entirely, Ira added that the problem needs to be eradicated from the roots. She said we need to make the world a more kind and compassionate place to live and breathe in. She adds,
"If we think he's wrong because that word is bad, then we need to make that word become ok."
More power to you, Ira! Way to fight back the trolls!
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