Surat: More than nine lakh people have read her online stories, and her 120-second podcasts are growing popular. She also writes two-line stories that are shared widely due to their powerful messages. These are the achievements of 24-year-old Shuchi Thakkar, who was born with cerebral palsy and has proved her literary prowess by learning on her own. In a world where challenges often overshadow potential, Shuchi stands as a testament to the power of resilience and creativity. Due to her physical condition, she moves along the floor but can walk with a pair of special shoes and a walker when necessary.“In today’s world, people do not have time, so I thought of making short podcasts, which require a lot of thinking and planning for the selection of the right question. People are loving it,” Shuchi told TOI. “I write stories on families, love, soldiers, passion and LGBTQ issues with positivity to give hope to people with each one,” she adds. Trained as a vocalist for four years, Shuchi completed three years of exams and learned to play the harmonium. She trained in energy healing through pranic healing and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) during her teenage years, further showcasing her diverse interests. She crafts exquisite quilling jewellery from handmade paper. “Shuchi never went to school but learned languages and developed skills to express her thoughts through stories and poetry. She earns, though a small amount, through her stories and poetry,” said her father, Himanshu, a meditation expert. Shuchi’s journey is not just about overcoming physical challenges; it’s about redefining what is possible. Her two-line stories, often imbued with hope and warmth, have become powerful narratives that touch on themes of love, resilience and patriotism. One such short story is, “On Rose Day, a young girl looks beautiful dressed up like a princess as she heads to the railway station with a bouquet of roses to receive her father, a soldier returning from border duty.” She has penned over 4,000 poems and 50 stories. One such poem she wrote in Hindi is about how India felt on the safe return of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman in 2019. “India is dancing as history is created. There is celebration everywhere and only one name is being chanted,” she wrote. “She did not deviate and patiently worked on her interests. From graphics to music, she arranges everything in her creative works,” said her mother, Hiral, a play therapist. Head of the department of English at Akhand Anand College, Manisha Shukla Vadnere, said, “Her writing is spiritual and full of positivity. She has mature thoughts compared to other people of her age.”
