“A couple of years ago, I got the chance to give a speech in front of a 40,000 member audience, which included the musician Shankar Mahadevan. As a person who has struggled with stage fright, it wasn’t easy. I remember the day distinctly. My confidence levels kept getting lower as my slot came closer. When I finally walked on to the stage, I paused, took a couple of deep breaths and spoke. It was so well-received! People came to click photos and appreciate me for my strength. Turns out, my speech was truly motivational. That moment was the first step towards gaining confidence and loving myself the way I am.
Throughout my childhood, I have dealt with people bullying me for my disease – Friedreich’s Ataxia. It is a rare genetic disease that causes difficulty walking, a loss of sensation in the arms and legs and impaired speech. I was 10 when I was diagnosed with it but it took me a little longer to realise the seriousness of it. When I started to go to school in the US, students made fun of me because I couldn’t walk or speak properly. I was an extrovert before that, but this disease left me with no friends. I struggled with depression. Later, when my family moved to India, my mother realised that I needed professional help. We saw a therapist and I also started meditating. It really helped me. Gradually, I became confident and started to accept myself. Earlier, it was almost like I lived my life for the sake of it. I had nothing to look forward to. But meditation helped me become positive. It made me stronger and happier with myself.

My college life was much better, I’d like to believe. I made a couple of good friends and my family was always supportive. I also participated in a beauty pageant for wheelchair users and it was an absolute pleasure. Imagine dressing up and being on the ramp while people cheer for you! That’s something I never received in life before. However, it truly was my public speaking event that changed a lot of things for me. I started motivational blogging and a YouTube channel too. Life didn’t suddenly get easier but my approach was new. I started to embrace myself. It was a challenge, especially after I suffered with bullies as a child. It’s a never-ending journey of belief and hope. I’m now living each day with a smile on my face.”

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