Is Blindness a Tragedy? This Book Will Change Your Mind | The Country of The Blind

Ever met a pilot who’s blind, and runs marathons faster than most of us?In this episode, I sat down with Sudhir and Divyanshu, two leaders who are flipping how we see disability, allyship, and what inclusion actually looks like. From discovering audiobooks during vision loss to flying planes and running marathons blind, their stories challenge every stereotype we hold. We talk about pity vs. dignity, why low expectations harm more than blindness, and how real change starts when we see people as people, not labels.This conversation left me questioning my own assumptions—and it might do the same for you.IN THIS EPISODE(00:00) Ever tried reading a book that changes how you see the world?(03:25) Can blind people summit Everest and fly planes? Wait till you hear this.(07:00) Why are we still stuck with outdated ideas about what blind people can do?(10:10) The run that changed everything—why inclusion looks different in action.(13:00) Can play and sport actually break barriers we don't see?(18:00) What if your biggest limitation isn’t what you think it is?(23:40) Would you read a book that makes you question everything you assume?(26:55) What do we lose when we fixate on what others have lost?Divyanshu GanatraDivyanshu Ganatra is India’s first blind solo paraglider, tandem cyclist from Manali to Khardung La, and the first blind Indian to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro—a trailblazer in adventure and inclusion (). A clinical psychologist and tech entrepreneur by training (MA in Clinical Psychology), he founded Adventures Beyond Barriers Foundation, taking tens of thousands on inclusive outdoor expeditions to shift mindsets  . As a globally sought-after speaker, Divyanshu inspires Fortune 500 firms, IITs, IIMs, and TEDx audiences, championing leadership, diversity, and the power of resilience.Connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/divyanshuganatra/ Sudhir ShenoySudhir Shenoy is a Senior Director at Publicis Sapient, where he builds and scales digital product teams at the intersection of strategy, tech, and design. He’s a thought leader in product excellence, responsible AI, and sustainability—frequently writing and speaking on these themes. Passionate about human-centered leadership, Sudhir blends global exposure with intentional living, wellness, and philanthropy.Connect with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudhir-shenoy/Gunjali SinghI’ve spent over a decade working in the development sector, and a lifetime finding both escape and meaning in good books. Book clubs have been my anchor and helped keep me grounded through many seasons of change.This podcast brings together two things I care deeply about: powerful stories, and the passionate people working to drive real change in the world. I hope it leaves you with fresh ideas, renewed hope—and a good book recommendation to dive into.—-About The ChangeMaker’s Book ClubThe ChangeMaker’s Book Club is where powerful books meet powerful voices. In each episode, host Gunjali sits down with inspiring changemakers to explore stories that spark reflection—and action. It’s part book chat, part deep dive into the world we live in. Come for the books, stay for the bold conversations.