Founder & Project Head
Tinkesh Kaushik
I was 9 years old when an unfortunate incident robbed me of both my lower limbs and my left upper limb. My limbs were charred due to an electrocution accident and had to be amputated leaving me with 90% disability.
My family, especially my mother, was instrumental in me continuing my education. She carried me to and from school till 12 years of age, when I got my first pair of prosthetic legs. After completing my graduation, I was faced with all the stereotypical choices, being forced on me by my family and society – all in good faith, to get a government job so my future is secure. That was when I realized that my tryst with the gym to lose weight due to limited mobility was my calling. I dared to dream of becoming a fitness coach.
I left my hometown and moved to Pune. Met people who understood and supported my dream, got a certification in fitness & nutrition and the rest is history. I created records and won awards for my adventure sports and other activities. Pursuing an active lifestyle calls for advanced prosthetics and I faced and still face difficulties and roadblocks, due to their high price. While setting records and accomplishing feats I also counseled people who reached out to me for motivation and guidance.
I realized through my own challenges that, there are 4 main areas where amputees need help, which are:
- Acquiring prosthetics as per their level of activity.
- Gaining accessibility, not just physical accessibility but social accessibility, like into gyms and other areas of inclusion
- Access to emotional support, amputees are bereft of hope when they lose a limb, it takes a huge toll on their self-esteem and ability to cope, they and their care-givers need counseling. And finally
- A place where they can pursue fitness goals in an inclusive environment.
Thousands of amputations take place every year due to trauma, cancer, diabetes and RTA. This moved me to start The Tinkesh Ability Foundation, a Not-For-Profit Organization in January 2024. Through this social initiative I aim to help people with disabilities by’ Promoting Mobility and Psychosocial Well-being’ through the objects outlined in our charter.