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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 21 March 2018
Image: Pranay Burde with Down's Syndrome receives award from President of India

In a heartfelt interview, Pranay Burde, 30, with Down syndrome, talks about his job and implores others of his community to come out of their shells and explore the world as people have become more receptive.

You have received many national and international awards, including the President’s Award for ‘Best Employee’. How does it feel to be honoured at highest level?

It feels wonderful to be honoured by the President of India himself. And I’m fortunate enough to receive awards from the President of India twice. First in 2014 as “Best Employee” and second in 2017 as “Role Model”. I have also received “World Down Syndrome Day 2014 Award” for advocating for my rights as well as that of other people like me. More than this being award for me, I would like to be seen as an inspiration for many people with Downs Syndrome like me.

Where do you work? What is your designation?

I am employed with The Leela Kempenski, a 5 Star Hotel in Mumbai. I’ve been employed with them for the last 11 years. I work in the Housekeeping Section as a Linen Room Attendant.

What are your responsibilities at work?

I am responsible for issuing uniforms to the staff of various departments according to their allocated numbers. I’m also responsible for setting up the uniform back on the racks as and when it comes to the uniform section.

What are your qualifications?

I have studied in Dilkhush Special School in Mumbai. I have cleared Level A and Level B from NIOS.

What do you find most challenging about your work?

I strive to be perfect at everything I do. And I take it as a challenge everyday at my workplace.

What do you like most about your job?

The friends that I’ve made at my workplace who are now more like my family. My reporting manager has been supporting me in everything that I do. He has been my motivation at my workplace.

What are your greatest strength and weaknesses?

My greatest strength is that I am a Self advocate and I fight for my rights and as well as that of other people like me.

Weakness - I want to complete my first assignment and then take up the second assignment. This is sometimes taken as not following instructions by my colleague. I consider this as my weakness.

What qualities make a good worker?

Team Player. Dedication. Commitment. Passion.

You are a role model and an inspiration for many. What advice would you like to give others?

My advice to the people would be, to come out of their protected shells and explore the world where people these days are being more receptive to us who are with Downs Syndrome. And my sincere request to all the parents would be to support their children and adults wherever they ask for to enable them to be independent.

Pranay’s Awards and Felicitations

  • National Award 2014: For the most efficient employee in the category of Intellectual Disability.
  • National Award 2017: For outstanding performance as Role Model among persons with disabilities (Diyangjan) in the category of Intellectual Disability.
  • World Down Syndrome Day Award 2014: For imparting training to Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and for advocating for his rights and advocating inclusion of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
  • Shri Bhkhubhai C. Shah Memorial Award: For outstanding mentally challenged employee for the year 2013-14.
  • Ajat Shatru Award (National Category): For exemplary display in sports.
  • Arihant National Social Award 2017 for his achievements.
  • Felicitated by Hon. Governor of Karnataka at National Convention of Self Advocates Forum of India (SAFI)

As speaker on Self Advocacy

  • Pranay delivered a talk on “Rights of Persons with Down Syndrome” at India International Down Syndrome Congress 2017 held at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
  • Pranay was invited by the Scientific Committee of 12th World Down Syndrome Congress 2015 to deliver keynote address held in Chennai. He delivered keynote address on “Capacity Building of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities” at the Congress where over 600 dignitaries from 42 countries were present. He also received World Down Syndrome Day 2014 Award at the congress.
  • Pranay presented his view points on “Open Employment for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities” at XV SARC Special Employees National Meet held at National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped, (NIMH), Secunderabad in March 2010.
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