by Suleman Arshad
Copywrite content
My name is Suleman Arshad, a visually challenged individual currently residing in Montreal, Canada, originally from Pakistan. I was born with glaucoma, a condition that gradually took my sight. Despite this challenge, I was fortunate to grow up in Islamabad, where opportunities for education were within reach. However, my journey to self-reliance and personal growth was far from easy.
After completing college in Islamabad, I realized I needed to step out of my comfort zone. Growing up, I was overly pampered due to my disability, and I knew that staying in the same environment would hold me back. Determined to change my circumstances, I decided to move to Lahore and pursue higher education at the University of the Punjab.
This decision, while empowering, brought significant financial challenges. Living away from home meant managing hostel dues, daily expenses, and miscellaneous costs like printing and scanning. My family and I lacked the financial means to support this move, and I feared my dreams would remain unfulfilled.
It was at this crucial juncture that Mr. Zaigham Mehmood Rizvi stepped into my life. He had known me since 2012, and when I shared my struggles with him, his response was immediate and heartfelt: “I am here to help you. Don’t worry about finances; just focus on your studies.” From that day forward, he kept his word.
Mr. Rizvi supported me financially throughout my university years, giving me the confidence to excel without the constant worry of how I would manage my expenses. His unwavering support allowed me to live with dignity, present myself professionally, and fully engage in university life.
Because of his help, I participated in conferences, workshops, and trainings that shaped my professional career. These opportunities allowed me to connect with various social organizations, where I volunteered and honed my skills. Over time, my efforts were recognized on multiple platforms:
• In 2016, I won the Commonwealth Youth Worker Award for Asia.
• I traveled to countries like Japan, Morocco, Korea, the UK, and the US to attend workshops and share my insights.
• I founded an Adventure Sports Club, breaking stereotypes about people with disabilities.
• I co-authored a book titled Vision Beyond Sight with Mr. Zaigham, sharing my journey of resilience.
• I appeared on various media platforms to advocate for inclusion and empowerment.
Each of these achievements traces back to Mr. Rizvi’s support. Beyond his financial assistance, his kindness, encouragement, and belief in me as a “friend” instilled in me the strength to move forward. Despite his own illustrious and demanding career, he always found time for me and treated me with genuine care and respect.
This article is my way of expressing profound gratitude to Mr. Zaigham Mehmood Rizvi. Without his generosity, I would not have had the foundation to build the life I now lead. His contributions shaped not only my education but also my character and professional trajectory.
To the readers of this article, I have one humble request: if you possess the means—be it time, money, or knowledge—please share it with those in need. By helping others, you can transform lives, just as Mr. Rizvi did for me.
Five years have passed since I completed my degree, yet his kindness remains etched in my heart. I carry his lessons forward by dedicating my time and knowledge to others, through my writings, YouTube videos, and personal interactions.
Thank you once again, Mr. Zaigham Mehmood Rizvi. Your generosity will be remembered not only by me but by the countless others I hope to help in the same spirit. You have inspired me to be the best version of myself, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Sincerely,
Suleman Arshad
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