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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 14 August 2017

Karthik Chandrashekhar, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was only two, talks about his personal life, his family, his quest for employment and his professional life. And his INSPIRATION.

Please tell us a bit about your condition

I am a person affected with cerebral palsy. I am a quadruplegic, and all my 4 limbs are affected. I was born premature at 8 months. I was diagnosed when I was 2 years old.

What were the early symptoms?

I didn't cry like all other babies do. I did everything slowly. The doctors told my parents that I will respond to everything in a delayed fashion.

What is your present condition?

I still have the same condition but from last year I am suffering from TB of the spine which has restricted my movements even more. I am being treated for that.

Please describe your experience of managing cerebral palsy

It is very tough. It is not merely about dealing with your body, but also the problems that come with it. Some people totally dismiss me. Then there are others who really care for me. So managing people gets to my head sometimes but I try to be positive and cheerful always. I also usually try to be occupied with something or the other, as an idle mind brings in negative thoughts. So I try always to be busy with something or the other.

Please tell us about your education

I have managed to complete my MA and MPhil. I studied upto the 10th in a special school called the Vidya Sagar that brought so much into my life. I completed the 11th and 12th in a regular school called the Lady Andal. I was the school topper in that group. I managed to get a whopping 84 per cent and people really helped me to take notes. I usually dictate and there are others who take down my dictation. I was also given extra time, about half hour. The college was really good. I made a lot of friends. But what I missed was going out with friends

How and when did you start working?

I was jobless for 5 years which I felt was a long time. I used to feel terrible during that period, because as I said I always want to do something. So I just kept studying till I got a job. After a number of rejections, I finally got my job. They had at first also rejected me because my voice was not clear . Therefore a number of call centres had refused me. They also refused to hire me because of my physical condition and my slow writing skills. So I was at a loss as to what to do. Finally, when I felt I had enough funds, I even started my own lending library. It was only after all this that I got my first placement at a bank.

Tell us about your work environment.

It is very disabled friendly. They have lift ramps and toilets are good too. I have a lot of friends there. There are, of course, some who are not so cooperative. But then I do realise that not everybody can be expected to be nice and friendly.

What were your principal challenges in work life?

I am an art student, so for me to get into banking sector was a different experience. I actually found it a bit monotonous. But I couldn't get in anywhere else and to be honest I didn't really know what I wanted to do. So I can't blame anyone else too. I am always laughing and am cheerful by nature, so much so that I feel sometimes that people take me for granted due to my friendly disposition. Therefore, I do feel that I need to make people understand that I too feel love and pain and I am also like anyone else, and I do not like being taken for granted. This is a major challenge for me. But I think I am now slowly succeeding in making people understand. Did you get full cooperation from your colleagues or was there any resentment? Did your work colleagues need to make any adjustments because of you?

Yes they are helpful, though there are some who show me the cold shoulder. It is tough but I just try my best to avoid them, if being friendly with them doesn't work.

Do you attend work related social gatherings? Maybe you can share with us your first time experience at such a gathering.

We had once gone for a team lunch and then we went to a movie. I can't forget the experience. We had so much fun and the place was awesome.

Have you ever felt isolated in society as a disabled person? Please also tell us how your friends treated you.

Yes, I did feel isolated a number of times, specially since I always like to stay involved in situations and with people. I never like to stay apart. I do have many friends, but there are a few close ones with whom I like to hang out. I am lucky to have such supportive friends without whom I couldn’t have reached this far in life. I do want to spend more time with them, but that is not always possible.

Please tell us what according to you have been your biggest achievements.

My education and the number of degrees I have managed to acquire. I also feel really elated when people tell me that I inspire them and motivate them. For me, that’s also a very big achievement for me as I always like to make people happy.

How far do you think our society has progressed as far as inclusion for the disabled is concerned?

In India it is improving slowly. Still a long way to go. But overall it is certainly improving. But I think we should focus on matrimony and other social aspects too. We too have the same feeling and needs, you know.

What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to persons who face similar challenges? How did you manage to overcome your challenges?

I don't like giving advice to people and I don't think I am a perfect guy for that. But its true that I have faced lots of problems and even insults from people, even pitying looks and foul words. The best policy is to ignore people who misbehave and spend more time with people who give you love and respect.

Has it been difficult emotionally to cope with your condition?

It was very tough in the beginning. But somehow I learnt to accept it and even learnt to cope with people who used to treat me like an alien. It was very disheartening to see people feeling sorry for me. But when I met people who suffer from similar conditions like mine, it gave me a lot of confidence. My mother was of course my strongest support always.

How has your family supported you?

Quite a lot without which I couldn't have done anything. My mother would always be there with me in all my ups and downs. My father also supports me and is very practical. He understands my needs well. But I am really grateful to my mother.

Who have been the guiding influences in your life? How have they influenced you?

My mother, to an extend myself and my friends Kumaran and Dheepakh. Also cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Ajith Kumar

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