Alma Chopra walks into a room with quiet confidence and a presence that lingers long after she’s gone. She doesn’t need to raise her voice—her journey speaks volumes. As India’s first India’s first disability rights activist and life coach, Alma is not here to fit in—she’s here to shift perspectives. Diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia, a rare neurological condition that affects balance and coordination, her life changed overnight. What didn’t change was her spirit. While others saw limitations, Alma discovered purpose. She spent years navigating corporate corridors, hiding pain behind performance, until one day, she chose to stop surviving and start serving. That decision marked the birth of a coach, a changemaker, and a voice for those who’ve been unseen for too long. Alma doesn’t offer inspiration—she offers truth, strategy, and space for others to be whole, not fixed. Whether she’s delivering a talk, guiding a client through transformation, or planning India’s first inclusive fashion ramp show, Alma carries a simple but revolutionary message: Your difference is your power. in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer’s Tejal Sinha, Alma takes us through her inspiring journey, her initiatives and more.
Grace in the face of cerebral ataxia
I was a firecracker—fierce, loud, full of life. I ran with joy, laughed without hesitation, and saw the world as an endless playground. But everything changed when I was diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia. Suddenly, the world didn’t feel safe anymore. I was thrust into a reality of stares, bullying, and being treated like I was broken. It was a storm I wasn’t prepared for. But deep inside, that carefree little girl still lived—and I clung to her spirit to survive what felt like an unending wave of loss and adjustment.
The ‘Anchors’ of my life
My parents weren’t just supportive—they were my anchors. Yes, they were emotional, yes they worried, but they never let their fear cage me. Even when I didn’t have the words to explain my pain, they saw it in my eyes and stood by me. Their quiet encouragement gave me permission to fall apart and still believe I could stand again. For years, I kept pretending this was temporary, that I’d “bounce back.” But the truth didn’t change. What did change was how I chose to face it. My parents pushed me beyond my limitations—not harshly, but with belief. And I had a choice: surrender or soar. I chose to soar.
The Poet within
Poetry. The kind that spilled out of my soul as a child. I still remember the joy of seeing my poems printed in school magazines—some in English, some in Spanish! That recognition from my teachers made me feel seen beyond my disability. That little poet still lives in me, whispering verses of hope when life gets dark.
Memories are my safe space
I was spirited to the core! Friday evenings meant biking with friends, laughter echoing down the lanes, wind in my hair. I wasn’t just playful—I was fearless. Every moment back then was soaked in joy, and those memories are my safe space even today.
The quiet fight for dignity
I wasn’t rebellious in the conventional sense, but I was bold in spirit. When life got harder, I didn’t ask for shortcuts. Even in college, when my body struggled, I refused special concessions. I wanted to be treated equally—not pitied. That quiet fight for dignity was my own kind of rebellion.
Emotional distance, unspoken love with siblings
I have a brother and a sister. We grew up like many siblings—connected, yet separate. Different schools, different paths. While I was navigating medical appointments and surgeries, they were carrying their own invisible loads. We didn’t always meet emotionally, but I know love was there in its own quiet form.
Life coach in the making
I once wanted to be the first female president of the United States—bold, I know! But over time, psychology pulled at my soul. Still, I bowed to the world’s expectations and joined corporate life. It paid the bills, but it didn’t feed my purpose. That fire returned in 2020, and I listened. That’s when Alma the life coach was born—not out of ambition, but a deep desire to serve. I wanted to show people like me that we don’t need to be “fixed”—we need to be understood. Life coaching became my way of transforming pain into purpose, and silence into strength.
My circle saved me
All the time. The world’s doubt was loud—but the louder voice was my own, whispering I wasn’t enough. That was the real threat. What saved me wasn’t just resilience—it was my circle. The ones who believed in me when I couldn’t. They smiled for me when I had no energy to smile. They whispered, “Keep going,” when everything in me wanted to stop. They reminded me of my wins when I felt lost in failure. They said “thank you” when I didn’t even realize I was giving. Each small gesture was a lifeline—pulling me back to myself. They reminded me that I have a purpose, that even in my dimmest moments, my light never stopped shining. I just needed someone to reflect it back until I could see it again.
‘Jugaad’ became my mantra
It happened in 2010. Something snapped, and I just knew:I couldn’t keep my story to myself. I had to speak up, not just for me, but for everyone hiding their fire. That’s when “jugaad” became my mantra—because there’s always a way, even if you have to create it yourself. By seeing how my life touched others. I once met someone struggling with depression—after spending time with me, they said they felt stronger. That broke something open in me. I realized my journey wasn’t just about survival—it was about service and giving hope.
Being India’s first female life coach with a different ability
I feel honored, but I never chased a title. My real goal is change—creating a world where difference is not seen as less. If my story makes someone feel possible, then I’ve done my job.
Don’t shrink to fit in
It’s the invisible kind. The assumptions. The way people speak over you, or to your assistant instead. But I’ve learned to hold my ground, not with anger, but with presence. I don’t shrink to fit in—I rise to be seen.
When I was ‘HEARD’
Walking into a room needing physical support is humbling. But when I stood on stage, mic in hand, people listened. In that moment, I wasn’t just included—I was heard. That’s power. Watching someone cry during my talk. Hearing how my words gave them courage. Looking back on my own journey while speaking… I’m a softie. Those moments stay etched in my heart.
Travelling with the hurdles
Dubai. Traveling isn’t easy for someone with access needs. Airports, toilets, cabs—everything needs planning. But when I made it, when I stood on that stage despite the hurdles, I felt deeply present. It wasn’t just a trip—it was a triumph.
Inclusion walks the ramp next
I’m building a movement—for mindset change, for systemic inclusion, for real visibility. I’m planning an inclusive fashion show where people with disabilities walk the ramp. Not for sympathy, but for celebration. Because inclusion isn’t just policy—it’s style, presence, and power.
Rapid Fire
Describe yourself in three words: Friendly, Confident, Determined and Beautiful
Where do you draw your daily inspiration from?
I draw my daily inspiration from happiness both mine and others. If I can create a moment of joy for myself or bring a smile to someone else’s face that truly lights me up. It reminds me that giving the smallest joy can brighten my entire day.
A moment that made you feel invincible?
I feel invincible every time I take the next step towards a goal. Whether finishing a piece of writing or making 100 basketball shots, there’s something powerful about completing or achieving a task or goal. I feel truly unstoppable.
One sentence that defines your mission?
My mission is to help people live boldly beyond limitations by embracing their truth and owning their worth. I do this by breaking stigmas around different-ability and building spaces where awareness, confidence and inclusion thrive.
A book that shifted your worldview?
I usually lean toward non-fiction but one book that truly shifted something in me is A Thousand Tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury. It’s a love story that’s real, raw and transformative. I truly believe love is the most powerful force which can shift perspectives, break barriers and rebuild entire worlds.
The bravest thing you’ve ever done?
Honestly, I do brave things every single day like waking up with the vision to conquer the world. For me showing up fully especially while living with cerebellar ataxia takes real courage. And that’s exactly why I started the Boldly Beyond community to remind people that bravery lives in the small and powerful choice to keep going.
