Swarnalatha J | Swarga Foundation

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Swarnalatha J is an internationally recognized disability rights activist, motivational speaker, singer, photographer, storyteller, and social entrepreneur. She is the recipient of the Sarvashresht Divyangjan Award presented by the President of India, the Outstanding Social Service Award from the Governor of Tamil Nadu, and the Best Social Worker Award from the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

A holder of the Asia Book of Records, Swarnalatha has delivered five TEDx talks and won the Mrs. India Beauty Pageant (South) 2018. Fluent in ten languages, she is known for her inspiring storytelling and frequently writes short stories.

She is the Founder and Managing Trustee of Swarga Foundation, one of India’s leading organizations working in the field of disability inclusion. Under her leadership, the foundation has positively impacted more than 10 crore lives worldwide through initiatives focused on accessibility, advocacy, rehabilitation, counselling, and parasports, earning over 50 national and international awards.

Swarnalatha has spearheaded several pioneering initiatives, including Sarathi, India’s first travel assistance service for senior citizens and persons with disabilities; Sowkhya Pain Rehab Centre, which provides free physiotherapy, occupational therapy, Ayurveda treatments, and counselling services to more than 1,500 patients every month; and Swag Café, Coimbatore’s first café operated by persons with disabilities.

Through Swarga Foundation, she has also led accessibility initiatives across railway stations, police stations, government schools, polling booths, and numerous public spaces, making them more inclusive for persons with disabilities.

Diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2009, Swarnalatha is a wheelchair user who continues to lead by example with resilience and determination. She is married to Dr. Guruprasad T. S. and is the proud mother of two children.

Events

Introducing SARATHI MINI

Sep
14

Introducing SARATHI MINI, Senior-citizen/Wheelchair-friendly van for Intracity travel

Coimbatore Police

Sep
14

Coimbatore Police Stations & Police Establishments made accessible for all types of disabilities/ senior citizens and pregnant women