'Disability is nothing,' says Parikshit Dilip Shah

Panvel: Parikshit Dilip Shah, a 17 year old, suffering from Osteogenesis Imperfecta with Multiple Deformities proves this saying- Impossible itself says I M Possible, right by overcoming all his hitches. He is a student of V.K. Junior College, Old Panvel and is currently appearing for HSC examination, Commerce stream. He scored 80.46% in SSC and wishes to achieve 75 to 80% in HSC examination.

For HSC exam, the college has made special arrangement for him by providing a bed so that he can lie down and write his exams. But a writer has been appointed for writing his Organisation of Commerce and Economics papers as they are very lengthy.

Background:

Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is a congenital disease i.e. it is present at birth. All people with OI have weak bones, which makes them susceptible to fractures. Persons with OI are usually below average height.

Parikshit was born in Gujrat and was a very active, brilliant and fun-loving boy since childhood. In 2003, after his father passed away, I along with Parikshit migrated to Panvel. As compared to Gujrat, we hardly faced any problems here; not even during his admission at V.K. School in Old Panvel. Even after being a disabled child, he was admitted to a normal school, for which I thank the principal of the school K.D. Mhatre, said Vijaya D. Shah, Parikshit’s mother.

By defeating his shortcomings, Parikshit surfs internet regularly, playing chess, makes greeting cards, writes poems and jokes. He has been awarded for writing excellent poems on themes like India, Indian citizens, nature etc and making beautiful greeting cards. “He was able to sit and also play cricket till he was of 13 years but after that as his head gained weight, his spine could not bear its weight and is bedridden now,” shared his mother.

One factor that makes him stand out from all the Gujratis is his fluent Marathi ascent. The reason is that he goes to a Marathi medium College and has many Maharashtrian friends. He was admitted to this college as it was the nearest from his residence.

When Parikshit was very young, his bones used to get fractured regularly; either due to mishandling or because of his mischief. He is so weak that till date nobody, except his mother, has touched him. His mother said that he will be able to sit and walk after a major operation, but the problem is that his bones are so weak that the operation cannot be conducted at the moment. Hence they have to wait till his bones gain enough strength for the operation. At present, Parikshit has to visit his doctor once in a year.

Support system:

My mother is my spinal cord and I wouldn’t have survived without her. There are many people who have greatly supported me like my teachers and friends but to name a few, my maternal uncle and aunt, K.D. Mhatre, have played a great role in my life. “In fact after Parikshit’s SSC results, many unknown people came to visit us and helped us emotionally and financially. I would like to thank all of them,” added Parikshit’s mother.

Dream:

“I have not thought of a long term achievement but, at present my dream is to score well in HSC exam,” said Parikshit.

Message to all:

No matter what, nobody must think negatively because if there is a will there is a way. We are fortunate to get this life and must appreciate and live it to the fullest. One must face every situation with a smile.

Parikshit is an extremely hardworking boy and has prepared well for his exams. This 17 year old can be an idol for all the other disabled people who have given up hopes and think they are incapable of pursuing things like the normal people.