Ability wins, no matter what the disability

He is hailed as a rockstar by many. Some call him a fighter. But 33-year-old Siddharth GJ refuses to consider himself any different from others.

“I am a bank manager today. I am sure my employers promoted me for my ability and skills and not because I am disabled,” says Siddharth, who has cerebral palsy.

Siddharth, who has a masters degree in economics, says he is lucky to have been surrounded by people who have been supportive. Having studied in a special school during his initial years, Siddharth moved to a regular school when he was in Class IX.

“It was not easy. It was tough convincing the principal of the school about my abilities. However, once I got admission, teachers made sure I was treated like any other kid. My disability was not an issue at all.” he says.

He feels that disabled children should join regular schools so that children are sensitised.
“Generally, other children—or for that matter, even adults—are not much aware about the disabled.
They sympathise with you. Only when more and more disabled children get admitted into regular schools will the society understand you.”

Siddharth faced a tough time again during his graduation. “I thought my marks should be enough. However, I had to convince the authorities about my abilities. I have never asked for any preferential treatment. All I asked for, and still ask for, is understanding,” he says.

Today, Siddharth works as a manager with IndusInd Bank. He feels companies should not be forced to hire differently-abled people. “When one goes for an interview, an employer should look at the mind and not the body of a person. My body has got nothing to do with the way my mind functions. If you are good, an employer should hire you,” he says.

Siddharth opines that corporates should take up the responsibility to train their differently-abled employees on a regular basis, just the way any normal employee gets trained.
“Give them the opportunity. They will not disappoint you.”

What is cerebral palsy?
It is caused by the cut-off of oxygen to the brain at the time of birth or early infancy. It results in lack of coordination in muscular movements and defects in posture.