S Jeyaraj, a story of one man’s grit and determination

Robin Augustin

 | February 11, 2016

Disabled man launches guidebook for benefit of wheelchair-bound people and their loved ones.

VIDEO INSIDE

KUALA LUMPUR: “Only when I became disabled did I realise that where there is a will, there is a way.”

This was what an emotional S Jeyaraj had to say, following the launch of his book, “Guidance For Wheelchair Bound” earlier today.

The book is a labour of love for Jeyaraj who was left paralysed from the waist down after a workplace accident in Singapore 10 years ago.

The 38-year old Jeyaraj, who is married with one child currently operates a stall in Rawang but for years sold pens, come rain or shine, outside banks to support his family after the accident.

Six years ago, the former contract worker embarked on his mission to develop a dual-language guidebook for wheelchair-bound individuals and their loved ones.

With the support of friends, family and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society Selangor (SSVP), Jeyaraj’s dream finally became a reality.

“When I became disabled, no one in my family knew what to do or how to take care of me.”

“After the accident I learned how to do everything in a wheelchair, from moving around to dressing up, at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore.”

Jeyaraj said he knew he had to do something for other disabled people as well as their families and started working on the book.

He said he finished the initial draft in a week with the help of his friend, Nazri Nakip, who took the pictures for the book using only a handphone.

Subsequently his friends from all walks of life as well as SSVP helped edit, look for sponsors and put the book together.

At the book launch, Jeyaraj announced that his next goal was to enter the Malaysian Book of Records for climbing the 272 steps of Batu Caves, something he has done four times already for religious purposes.

“I want to show disabled people that anything is possible.”

Priced at RM30 per copy, “Guidance For Wheelchair Bound” can be purchased from Jeyaraj (012 979 3103) directly or the SSVP State Council President N Rajenthiran (019 352 1776). Arrangements are being made for online sales as well.