Lucknow: In India, the shift in mentality on handicapped people was set in motion with the introduction of the term Divyangjan. The specially able are today not just part of mainstream, but they are also making the nation proud at Paris. It is this shift in outlook that has given Roopesh Agarwal, an advertising professional and Manisha Agarwal, a special educator much needed strength to nurture the hidden talents of their son Rishi Agarwal.
Rishi, a down syndrome impacted individual has been brought up by his parents with a keen eye on helping him build on his strengths without dwelling on the normal or specially challenged debate.
In Rishi’s case, the doctor’s prediction of the couple’s son being a Down Syndrome case turned real but the parents patiently helped their child tide past his cognitive troubles. Detected first at SGPGI, the journey thus far has been a long and arduous one. Both Roopesh and Manisha have gone to places like Chennai, Mumbai and Bengaluru to get top treatment.
Manisha Agarwal, the mother said that Study Hall ( Dosti) has had a very positive impact on their child’s life. It is because of the atmosphere and support that Rishi cracked the NIS board exam with 70% marks. He has got vocational training so that he can live an independent life.
For future endeavours he is eager to carve a niche for himself in cooking and computers. He is gradually learning the tricks of the food business. Taking on the challenge, the mother has also done a course on caring for specially able. She is also sharing her experience to raise awareness.
As a message to people at large, mother Manisha Agarwal says parents who are facing similar situation must always believe in their children and make their young ones believe that they can and they will. She adds further, “The motto should be to make one self sufficient so that he or she is not a burden on anyone.” She says therapy and intervention can work wonders in such cases.