“I was born with a disability called inherited clubfoot. It’s a chromosomal abnormality in which a person’s feet are bent from birth. Imagine your feet pointing towards each other, rather than facing front. But I have never let it become a hindrance in my life. Growing up, kids used to make fun of me, I couldn’t participate in sports, and now when I look back at things, I can think that I have really fought throughout my life.
Early on in life, I decided to make the best of what I have. Instead of playing sports, I went to the gym to keep myself fit. I was able to get into the best engineering college in my country because of the special quota they had for people like me. Believe me, I am living a very comfortable life now.
“I never thought I’d be fortunate enough to end up in Japan after graduation, especially since this place is one of the best places to accommodate people with special needs. Every station has an elevator, if not, an escalator. Roads are well maintained, places are clean as many a times I have to walk barefoot. I could finally go scuba diving this year. My friend, if life gives you lemons, don’t think about it. Just make some lemonade.”
(Story & photo by Arpit Jain)
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