Laughing in the Face of Adversity: How Comedy Star Sweta Mantri is Encouraging Social Change

Make lemonade when life hands you lemons! Ultimately, it all comes down to seeing life from an optimistic perspective. It was Sweta Mantrii's decision. When Sweta was watching comedies and healing from an injury one day, she had an epiphany: "I'm clever too." Why not combine that with disability-related humor? At that point, she realized she had a skill and made the decision to utilize it as a weapon to alter society. Sweta Mantri: who is she? Mantri had spina bifida from birth. It is a medical disease where there is a gap in the spine caused by improper development of the spinal cord and spine. She had physical treatment and surgery when she was young, which allowed her to walk with the help of crutches and a caliper. Sweta told NDTV, "Doctors said I won't survive for more than two months and if I do, I won't be able to walk until I'm ten years old." The Pune girl did not let her experiences with discrimination at school to stop her. People with disabilities have frequently faced challenges due to accessibility difficulties. Even in this day and age, people are still fighting for proper ramp and lift installation.(Source: Google Images) “Inaccessibility is a drawback that comes with being handicapped. I had to search for a hostel with a lift for two months after moving to Mumbai for business.” Sweta eventually turned into a handicapped rights activist and began organizing social awareness campaigns.She found that it was difficult at first. Sweta discussed how performing was a "downer" for her, but that people would come out to see her. Once more, she remained unfazed by life's faults. She persisted in honing her skills with resiliency. She is currently among the best stand-up comedians. She was really direct in her comedy back then. "If you feel awkward looking at my crutches, you can ignore them - like your crush ignores you," is one of her opening statements. Though it may come across as dark humor, with this, she was addressing ableism toward those with disabilities. Sweta proudly declares to the world , "I want to live in a world where inclusion is not an afterthought."