A man who uses a wheelchair after a horrific cycling accident left him paralysed hasn’t let anything get in the way of him becoming a record breaker.

Sujith Varghese (Dubai) took to the streets in his wheelchair to draw a picture that sent a very powerful message.

Using GPS technology, Sujith created an image of a wheelchair by travelling 8.71 km (5.41 miles) around downtown Dubai – earning the record title for largest GPS drawing (individual) (CID2).

He set his sights on the record as a way of crossing language barriers and hitting back against ableism by challenging assumptions that the lives of people with disabilities are difficult or abnormal.

On 12 March, Sujith smashed the record by crossing a distance about as tall as Mount Everest in just 77 minutes.

“The message was to reach the global community of individuals with disabilities, adopting a shape that celebrates diversity, and contribute to strengthening the model of disability,” said Sujith.

At the age of 20, Sujith was involved in a bike accident that left him paralysed from the chest down. He underwent 18 surgeries with remarkable resilience and unwavering self-belief that he could reach extraordinary heights no matter what.

The record holder was seen gliding along the thoroughfares of Dubai, trailed by Dubai Police patrol vehicles that comprised an electric supercar, the Hongqi E-HS9, and a Mercedes SLS 63 AMG. Police were there to provide assistance and ensure safety during the course of the journey.

During the attempt, Sujith had to push himself beyond his physical limits and was inspired by his mother’s words of wisdom to achieve the impossible and to show the world what a man can do if he sets his heart to it.

“This Guinness World Records title fuels my desire to support others to break through their own glass ceilings and achieve their dreams,” said Sujith.

According to Sujith, this achievement is not only a personal victory for him, but it also serves as an inspiration for people with disabilities worldwide.

“Only a person who has the opportunity to overcome great difficulties in life is worthy of greatness.”