Divyang couple in Vadodara design their home as per their convenience

• From furniture to kitchen cabinets and bathroom accessories, they set everything within their reach
• Also installed a lift inside their house for themselves and their friends who come to their house, especially to celebrate the Uttarayan festival

A Divyang couple in Vadodara changed their circumstances to suit their needs and set an example for others like them by designing their home according to their requirements. From the furniture and kitchen cabinets to the bathroom accessories, they ensured that everything was within their reach. Additionally, the couple installed a lift inside their home for their convenience and for their friends who visit them, especially during the Uttarayan festival.

Now retired as a Class 1 Administrative Officer in LIC, Rajendra Shah married Bharti Shah, a social worker, through an arranged marriage. They have a 21-year-old daughter who completed her B. PHARM degree from a private university and is now preparing for civil services. After moving to the Hira Nagar society where they live, the couple found it tough to adjust and decided to extend their house and the interiors as per their requirements.

“We decided to construct the first floor, but the builder suggested that we demolish the house and redesign it as per our convenience. We demolished the entire house and built it again with new furniture and all the accessories that we could use comfortably,” said Shah.

After reconstructing their house, the Shah couple made special low-height furniture that they could use easily. Right from the main hall, kitchen, and bedroom, the furniture was designed accordingly.

“We designed the sofa, furniture, and kitchen cabinets to be low in height so that we could reach them easily. The bedroom furniture is also the same, as we designed the bed to be low in height. The other furniture like the Tipoi, the mirror, and all others are low in height so that we can reach their easily. In the bathroom also, the washbasin, taps, and all are installed at a low height,” said Shah.

Not only the furniture and bathroom accessories, but the Shah couple also installed the electric switches within their reach for easy operation. As they are differently-abled and have to move to the first floor by stairs, they decided to install a lift inside their home for themselves and their friends.

“Earlier, we both used stairs to reach our bedroom and other rooms situated on the first floor. For us, it was very tough, and we decided to install a lift inside our house. The idea surprised many, but after a long wait of nearly seven years, we finally installed a lift, which is a blessing for us. Here also, we put the in and out switches within our reach. With this, we now easily go to the first floor and also downstairs in our daily routine. Secondly, it will become easy for our friends to move from one floor to another and up to the terrace to celebrate festivals with us, especially Uttarayan,” said Shah.

Rajendra Shah was one year old when he was struck by polio, but the support from his family helped him move forward in life. Rajendra Shah has studied B.Com, L.L.B., D.L.P., and Fellowship (Insurance of India) in Mumbai. He started as an assistant in LIC and retired as a class 1 officer in it. He had also done a diploma in Vocals from Vadodara Music College and also sings songs of the famous singer Mukesh in orchestras and other programs.

His wife, Bharti Shah, was also affected with polio when she was 1 year old and had also lost her father at a very young age. Her two elder sisters played with her and tried to make her happy. With the help of her sisters, she completed the 10th grade and then began to live her life. After her marriage, she involved herself in social activities and also sold spices and run cooking classes from her home.

Both were overenjoyed when their daughter, Pushti, was born, and the couple found their world revolving around her. Pushti is now 21 years old, and the Shah couple is busy raising her while also spreading the message about living life happily.