A CKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Doctoral study is so gruelling an endeavour which could have derailed even

the sincerest of effort from a moderately intelligent researcher like me. I duly
acknowledge the role of my alma mater, the University of Lucknow, or Cambridge of
the East in grooming a dull student like me into an intellectually curious researcher
and a socially useful lawyer.
I communicate my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Anurag Kumar
Srivastava, who honed my intellectual curiosity by never letting me feel settled with
my hypothesis. My favourite tagline from his words of wisdom has been that—
“doctoral research is NOT an essay writing”, which got affixed to my sub-conscious
mind and guided me immensely throughout this project. Guruji, you have compelled
me to think about my research from multiple angles, an exercise which made me
develop a platonic affection for this topic. My research Supervisor has been a guiding
torch and a fierce friend, who allowed me to steer my own course and yet not letting
me waiver.
I lack words for thanking Professor Anurag Agarwal of the Indian Institute of
Management Ahmadabad: The Professor who advised me and helped my research
grow in content and intellectual depth. Amidst this project, I had the opportunity to
get in touch with experts of disability law in India and abroad. Professors Anita Ghai,
Late Gajendra Narayan Karna, Vikash Kumar, who have blessed me and have subtly
knitted their respective wisdom to this project. I would thank British Professors,
namely, Eleanor Nesbitt and Tom Shakespeare for helping me improve my
international perspective on disability rights. This column of acknowledgement would
be incomplete without the name of Professor Ram S. Jakhu, former Director of the
Institute of Air and Space Law, McGill University, Canada and his colleague Maria
D’Amico (also posted at McGill) for giving their perspectives on disability issues as
and when it were required.
I am permanently indebted to my differently abled interviewees who helped
me develop an empirical intensity, without which this work would have ended up
being a mere repetition of the past research. My interviewees in both rural and urban
areas have lent their valuable time, their stories and lives with immense trust and love,
leaving an immortal imprint on my life and scholarship.
I thank and adore my Mother, Father and Grand Mother for their respective
cooperation in easing the pressure off me while pursuing the current study as they
have converted this doctoral study into an enjoyable journey by reassuring me with
their humour, camaraderie and unconditional affection.

iv
 DEDICATED TO

LATE PROFESSOR SHARAD NARAYAN SAXENA (LEFT)

FORMER DEAN FACULTY OF LAW, UNIVERSITY OF LUCKNOW FROM 2003 TO 2006

TENURE: 09TH OCTOBER 2003- 09TH OCTOBER 2006

NOVEMBER 1944- 24TH JANUARY 2008

AND

HONOURABLE MR. BIRI SINGH SINSINWAR (RIGHT)

SENIOR ADVOCATE AT THE HIGH COURT OF RAJASTHAN AND FORMER

CHAIRPERSON OF THE BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA.

THESE ‘TWO’ STALWARTS ARE MY MENTORS. I AM ETERNALLY INDEBTED TO

THEM AND SEEK THEIR ESTEEMED BLESSINGS.