Amputee Goes Into History: Defying Obstacles Behind the Wheel Here’s how

On 22 April, Thanasan made history as the first double hand amputee to get a driving license in Tamil Nadu. Inspired by the pioneering example of Indore’s Vikram Agnihotri, who achieved the same feat in 2016, Thanasan started his driving journey five years ago. However, the path to obtaining a license seemed uncertain until recently, leaving him dependent on public transport and grappling with limitations imposed on his mobility.

The Chennai North Regional Transport Office (RTO) granted Thansen a 10-year license to drive a modified car after getting his fitness certificate from the Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine. Their achievement not only serves as a beacon of hope for others with disabilities but also changes how fitness certification is approached for individuals facing similar challenges.

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Thansen’s journey to resilience began at the age of 10 when a tragic accident resulted in the amputation of his arms below the elbow. Despite the initial devastation, he gradually learned to navigate life’s challenges independently, refusing to let his disability define his abilities.

In December 2023, her quest for driving freedom got a boost when an armless woman in Kerala got her driving license. Encouraged by this precedent, Thansen sought certification from the Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, where he faced initial skepticism from medical professionals.

With an automatic vehicle modified to suit his needs, he mastered the art of driving using his legs, displaying remarkable agility, control and adaptability. A team of doctors rigorously assessed his skills, and cleared the way for his endorsement as fit for driving under the ‘adapted vehicle category’.

Date of first publication: 05 May 2024, 09:41 AM IST