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Indian Founder Praises US for Deaf Driver Opportunity, Sparks India Debate
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News18•24-09-2026, 17:20
Indian Founder Praises US for Deaf Driver Opportunity, Sparks India Debate
- •Gaurav Kheterpal, founder of Vanshiv Technologies, praised the US for providing equal opportunities to a deaf cab driver, sparking a debate in India.
- •Kheterpal booked a Lyft cab in the US and received a notification that his driver was deaf, along with information on basic American Sign Language (ASL) phrases.
- •Upon arrival, the deaf driver handed Kheterpal a card and he responded in sign language, prompting him to question India's inclusion for differently-abled individuals.
- •Kheterpal questioned if India could offer similar opportunities beyond government job quotas, stating the US provides equal opportunity regardless of disability.
- •Social media users debated, with some highlighting existing opportunities in India through companies like ITC, QSRs, and Zomato, while others noted infrastructure limitations.
Key Questions Answered
Gaurav Kheterpal was inspired after booking a Lyft cab in the United States and discovering that his driver was deaf, while the app provided American Sign Language tips.
Social media users were divided; some agreed India lacks infrastructure, while others pointed out that companies like ITC, Zomato, and various cafes already employ people with disabilities.
The app provided an initial notification that the driver was deaf or hard of hearing alongside guidelines on using basic American Sign Language phrases to communicate.
