His parents were told he was mentally retarded, but Siddharth Jayakumar – bank manager, motivational speaker and award-winning role model for the disabled – proved them all wrong. Here, his life and learnings.
1. Please tell us briefly how you developed Cerebral Palsy (CP). What was your physical condition - your abilities and your limitations?
I developed CP following an attack of jaundice when I was a few days old. This affected my physical movements and clarity of speech. It also affected my ability to write and general reaction time. I was diagnosed as mentally retarded by doctors. For the first eight years of my life, I stayed at home after which I joined a special school (Vidyasagar). I finished classes 6,7 and 8 in one-and-a-half years. I went into mainstream education and have a Masters degree in Economics.
2. On hindsight, do you understand why you were diagnosed as mentally retarded as a child? What would you say to parents with children like you about not making this mistake about their child?
Lack of awareness among doctors can lead to wrong diagnosis. We must seek lots of opinions before we conclude. Even if the child can’t do something does not mean he/she can do nothing. Remember not everyone can climb Mount Everest! But that does not make them incapable.
3. What was the turning moment in your life that made you believe that you CAN and dispel the CAN'Ts.
I can’t define or remember anything specific… I just enjoyed doing whatever I could and ignored the can’ts.
4. What or who was behind your great motivation to succeed? How did you push yourself forward despite the odds?
All love/affection/support I got from my parents, teachers, relatives keep me going. I never like to let down anyone.
5. What has been your greatest challenge?
Accepting myself as I am!
6. What kind of therapy did you receive and how did that help?
I did not receive any therapy. I remember my dad did some exercises with me at home and I used calipers to walk when I was small. Now I do a lot of cycling/boxing/yoga, which keeps me fit.
7. Mention some key learnings that you would share with others like you or their parents - both negative and positive learnings.
Be yourself as you know yourself best. Accept the fact that you are you and move on… Never grumble about the shortcomings…
8. Tell us about social acceptance - in the extended family, school and workplace.
I believe that when someone likes you, they will accept you as you are. There is no need for you – if you are the odd one out – to go out of your way to be liked. You just have to accept yourself for who you are.
9. What would you say to parents of children with CP?
CP is not a disease neither is mental retardation. It is just a condition that can be managed well with support. Bring up a child with CP just as you would any other child. Don’t differentiate between him/her and the siblings as it is very important to make them an equal part of the family.
10. What has been your greatest gift?
My sister and my teacher.
You can read more about cerebral palsy here
