We speak to a few young adults with Down Syndrome who voice their opinion on World Down Syndrome Day 2023. The theme for 2023 ‘With Us Not For Us’ champions that people with disabilities have the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else to improve their lives.
Read or listen to what our contributors Gayatri Gupta, Pranay Burde, Aditi Verma, Sharan Delhiwala and Shaurya Mehrotra have to say.
Each one of them has also shared their experiences with PatientsEngage in the past. Click on their names below to read their narratives.
Gayatri Gupta
Photographer, keen traveller, interested in art and healthy cooking
What do you think should be done to make your life better and happier?
I want people to stop staring at me, or asking me about my educational qualifications. I just want to make friends with everyone.
What opportunities should be provided for you?
I want to learn painting in a good school. But all art schools give admission only on the basis of educational qualifications.
What achievements are you most proud of?
Every time a stranger buys my paintings, digital art or photographs, I feel very happy. I’m also very proud of winning the India Inclusion Fellowship of 2022. Having my photograph in the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi; presenting my short films at Mumbai International Film festival, 2020, are 2 of my proudest achievements.
What does this year’s theme mean to you, how can others support you?
I want to make lots of friends with whom I can go out and have fun.
Pranay Burde
Working with a Five Star Hotel
What does this year’s theme mean to you, how can others support you?
This year’s theme is “With Us Not For Us”. This means that whatever my parents and other people do for me they should involve me in all activities relating to me.
What do you think should be done to make your life better and happier?
I am a 35 years young adult and employed with a five star hotel in Mumbai for the last 14 years and fulfilling my responsibilities. Therefore, I should get freedom to speak for my rights.
What opportunities should be provided for you?
I am on the same position in my hotel for the last 14 years. I should get promotion.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I got good job in good hotel and I received two National Awards from President of India. I have also received World Down Syndrome Day Award. And I am a self-advocate. These make me feel good and proud.
Sharan Delhiwala
Entrepreneur
What does this year’s theme mean to you, how can others support you?
I want inclusion and do not want to be separated. I want respect not sympathy.
What do you think should be done to make your life better and happier?
By giving me more opportunities and exposure in open market.
What opportunities should be provided for you?
I am an Entrepreneur and want people to buy my products, independent living and cooking for myself.
What achievements are you most proud of?
Outstanding performance in Annual function, Assignments for photography, learning different forms of dance, playing keyboard in public functions, creating new products from my artwork.
Shaurya Mehrotra
Sculptor & painter, Owner of the Banana Studio, friendly and outgoing
What do you think should be done to make your life better and happier?
It makes me happy when I meet people and make new friends.
What opportunities should be provided for you?
It would be wonderful if I get more opportunities to display my art and pottery in the mainstream arena.
What achievements are you most proud of?
I have been able to have a solo exhibition in Bangkok and also both my paintings and pottery have been liked by many. I feel very proud and happy when my works get sold.
What does this year’s theme mean to you, how can others support you?
A genuine appreciation and helping with our efforts towards self-reliance by acceptance and inclusion.
Aditi Verma
Entrepreneur, Runs Aditi's Corner
What do you think should be done to make your life better and happier?
We should be accepted as we are and chances be given to grow our business.
What opportunities should be provided for you?
Financial support.
As I am running a Cafe or Canteen, so support from big business houses or the corporate world to help expand my outlets would be a great boost for me . This will give me the chance to bring more people like me into the mainstream.
What achievements are you most proud of?
Completion of 7 years in my profession makes me feel proud.
I also feel good when I see that I can support 7 families by providing employment.
What does this year’s theme mean to you, how can others support you?
Theme means a lot to me - we do not want anyone’s sympathy, we want people should work with us as a team, and we also want to take our own decisions.
