Thiruvananthapuram: An accident that occurred ten years ago left 35-year-old S Shaiju, a resident of Chandragiri at Vadavukottukavu in Karavaram, paralysed below the waist. But instead of allowing the tragedy to confine him, Shaiju has chosen a path of public service and is now contesting the local body elections as an independent candidate.

Campaigning from his wheelchair, Shaiju is meeting voters across Kannattukonam (Ward 7) of the Karavaram panchayat, where he hopes to represent them.

Once employed with an inter-state bus service, Shaiju’s life changed irreversibly after the bus he was travelling in collided with a lorry in Tamil Nadu. Months of treatment and rehabilitation followed, but the accident cost him mobility from the waist down. Refusing to surrender to circumstance, he rebuilt his life and now earns a living by driving an autorickshaw donated by Sneha Swanthwanam, a volunteer group.

In 2022, he married Athira of Kadakkal, who has been a constant pillar of support. A passionate traveller, Shaiju often journeys outside Kerala. His social media posts documenting these trips have earned him a devoted following, with many describing his resilience as deeply inspiring.