In a world that often overlooks the strength and potential of persons with disabilities, Vasundhara stands as a symbol of resilience, vision, and unshakable purpose. Born and raised in Anantapur, her journey from a young girl affected by polio to a nationally recognized changemaker is nothing short of extraordinary. Her voice doesn’t just echo personal triumph—it champions a future where inclusivity, dignity, and empowerment define opportunity.
Through initiatives like blind cricket tournaments, inclusive beauty pageants, and her latest venture—DE-Hub, an entrepreneurial ecosystem for persons with disabilities—Vasundhara is not only reshaping narratives but rewriting the rules.
In this deeply personal and inspiring interview, she opens up about her early struggles, the unwavering strength of her mother, and how she transformed adversity into action. Her story is not just a tale of survival—it’s a blueprint for purpose-driven leadership.
A Conversation with Vasundhara, Disability Rights Champion and Social Entrepreneur
Q1. Vasundhara, can you take us back to your early life in Anantapur — what was childhood like for you growing up with a disability?
I was born and raised in Anantapur, a small town with a strong sense of community, but very limited awareness about disability inclusion. I was diagnosed with polio at a very young age, and life was filled with physical, emotional, and social challenges. Accessibility was almost nonexistent — from schools to basic transport. But more than the lack of infrastructure, it was the lack of belief in what disabled people can do that hurt the most. Still, I always had a burning desire to prove that disability is not inability.
Q2. Who or what kept you motivated during the toughest times in your life?
Honestly, it was the fire to be independent, the need to create my own identity, and the hope that my journey could help others like me. I didn’t have mentors or role models who looked like me — so I decided to become one. Every time I was rejected or judged, I told myself: “If no one gives me a seat at the table, I’ll build my own.” And that’s exactly what I did.
Q3. You’ve organized blind cricket series, beauty contests, and now business awards. What drives these initiatives?
All of them come from the same root: visibility and dignity for people who are often ignored. Whether it’s a visually impaired cricketer, a girl with a disability who dreams of being on stage, or an entrepreneur with no funding — they all deserve recognition. My aim through Weave Media and now Pride of Hyderabad Awards is to give those unsung heroes a platform, not out of sympathy, but out of respect.
Q4. Let’s talk about your ambitious project — DE-Hub. What inspired this idea, and what will it offer?
DE-Hub stands for Disabled Entrepreneurs Hub. I saw firsthand how difficult it is for persons with disabilities to access mainstream entrepreneurship ecosystems. DE-Hub is India’s first incubator designed with full accessibility — not just physical, but in terms of attitude, opportunity, and policy. It will offer workspace, training, mentorship, funding support, networking, and visibility — everything a budding entrepreneur needs, without the usual exclusions.
Q5. How do you plan to support disabled entrepreneurs through DE-Hub in the long run?
We’ve already launched our first cohort under Gurthimpu Foundation, and the results are heartwarming. In the long run, we plan to:
Expand to multiple cities
Partner with government, CSR, and impact investors
Build a national network of mentors and incubators
And most importantly, ensure our entrepreneurs get market access, funding, and long-term handholding
Because empowerment is not a 3-day workshop — it’s a journey, and we’re in it for the long haul.
Q6. What advice would you give to young people with disabilities who want to chase big dreams like yours?
Don’t wait for permission to be extraordinary.
Your journey will be harder — but your impact will be greater. Surround yourself with those who lift you up, and when you don’t find support — become your own. Learn, fall, get up, repeat. Also, don’t let anyone reduce your identity to your disability. You are a creator, a leader, a dreamer — live like it. And always remember — “You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful.”
Q7: What does the Pride of Hyderabad Awards mean to you, and how is it different from other award platforms?
Pride of Hyderabad is more than just an awards event — it’s a movement to honor real stories, grassroots achievers, and purpose-driven leaders who often go unnoticed. It was born from my own experience of struggling for visibility and credibility as a woman with a disability, a first-generation entrepreneur, and an outsider to the mainstream system.
Unlike other awards that focus only on glamour or scale, POH is about impact with intention. We’ve honored 225+ changemakers, supported 75+ PwDs, and collaborated with Telangana’s Tourism, Culture, and IT Departments. In our 4th season, we’re not just giving awards — we’re building a community, launching a magazine, YouTube platform, ideathon, startup stalls, and connecting people with over 50+ incubators.
POH is Hyderabad’s stage to say: “If you’ve contributed to this city’s growth, you deserve to be recognized — no matter your background.”
“People may underestimate you, but don’t ever underestimate yourself.”
Vasundhara’s story is a powerful reminder that true leadership doesn’t come from power—it comes from purpose. Her work through DE-Hub and her tireless efforts to uplift the disabled community reflect a vision far bigger than personal success: it’s about systemic change.
In her own words, “Create your own identity—that’s what Gurthimpu means.” And Vasundhara is doing exactly that—for herself, and for thousands like her.
Also Read: Sad Day in Pune: Lives Lost in Bridge Crash
Last Updated on: Friday, June 20, 2025 2:37 pm by Admin | Published by: The Weekly News Team on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 2:20 pm | News Categories: Interview
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