Home / Case Study / TCSRD Vision: Motiben’s Rise to Victory

Empowering Abilities: TCSRD Supports Rural Para-Athletes

TCSRD is committed to creating an inclusive society and one of the ways this is being done is by empowering individuals with disabilities through sports. Through this program, it empowers para-athletes from rural and remote regions to achieve their aspirations by removing biases and opening opportunities for these individuals.

One inspiring example is Motiben Katara, a determined woman from Kolikhda village in Gujarat. Despite having a 65% disability in her leg, she has managed her responsibilities as a housewife while quietly holding on to a dream — to become a para-athlete. For eight years, Motiben trained on her own, without any formal coaching or proper facilities, driven by the hope that one day she will be able to participate and do well in para-sports events.

Three women leaders from a rural Self‑Help Group in Gujarat

TCSRD Intervention

Para-Sports Training Centre

The turning point for Motiben’s ambitions came in 2024, when TCSRD set up a dedicated para-sports training centre with support from Mr. Bhima Khunti — the captain of India’s wheelchair cricket team and a well-known para-sports coach. Known for his inspiring leadership and dedication to mentoring athletes with disabilities, Mr. Khunti played a key role in Motiben’s journey. Under his guidance and support, she was able to sharpen her skills, her confidence got a boost and the competitive spirit she needed to succeed got enhanced.

Outcome

Motiben’s journey has been truly transformative. With regular encouragement, she went on to participate in several sporting tournaments.

›› January 2024: Participated in the 22nd National Para Athletics Championship in Goa.

›› January 2024: Won gold and silver medals at the Khel-Maha Kumbh 2.0 (state-level competition).

›› February 2024: Secured a bronze medal in Discus Throw at the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship in Chennai.

›› Selected for 2025: Chosen to represent at the Khelo India Para Games 2025 in Delhi — a proud achievement for her, her family, and the Kolikhda community.

Motiben’s journey is a powerful example of how the right support — access to resources, dedicated mentorship, and encouragement — can unlock human potential. Through its Para-sports initiative, TCSRD is not only changing individual lives but also helping to build a more inclusive and empowered rural society.

Case Studies

Economic independence and the rise of women in rural Gujarat

In 2003, Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) introduced the Self-Help Group (SHG) model in Makanpur, a small village in the arid Okhamandal block of Gujarat. At the time, financial inclusion and women-led leadership were distant concepts for most households.

Education. Empowerment. Progress

Education drives progress, first of a community, then society, and gradually solidifies the entire nation. That's the power of education! One such inspiring example is Prabhavathi Vaithiyanathan, a young woman from Vairankuppam Colony, who has become a shining hope for students in her village.

From rain-dependent to water-abundant!

Since 1982 TCSRD has been dedicated to the holistic development of the Okhamandal block. This region, surrounded by the sea on three sides, faces a unique challenge—extremely low rainfall and high salinity ingression, which severely impact both agriculture and access to safe water. Even in years of abundant rainfall, water often drains into the sea, leaving the land parched.

Access to education opens the pathway to progress!

At Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD), the aim is to bridge the educational gap in under-privileged communities through impactful initiatives like the Village Learning Centre (VLC).

Making every drop count: Bodabhai’s journey to Water Security

Ghadechi village, in the arid region of Okhamandal block in Gujarat, faces significant water scarcity, particularly for drinking purposes. Like many families in the area, 38-year-old Chanpa Ranabhai Bodabhai’s household relied solely on a borewell located in their farmland for drinking, domestic, and agricultural needs.

TCSRD Vision: Motiben’s Rise to Victory!

TCSRD is committed to creating an inclusive society by supporting Para-sports and empowering individuals with disabilities. Through its programs, we empower athletes from rural and remote regions to achieve their aspirations by breaking down biases and opening up opportunities.