Breaking barriers: Ashutosh’s journey from resilience to national recognition

Delhi: Ashutosh, A 32-year-old hearing-impaired individual from Gurugram, was recently honoured with the prestigious National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, during a special ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The award recognises Ashutosh’s remarkable contributions to the fields of art and culture and his tireless efforts to overcome obstacles that often hinder specially-abled individuals.

Ashutosh emphasised that this award is not just a personal achievement but a tribute to all who overcome challenges, lead fulfilling lives, and inspire others. “This is a tribute to all those who, despite challenges, take upon themselves the responsibility to lead a normal life and become mentors for others. It is about proving that nothing is impossible,” he told Patriot.

Parental support and perseverance

Born deaf in 1992, Ashutosh faced immense challenges from an early age, but his parents refused to let his condition define his future. “If I say, without my parents’ support I would have been nothing, then this is no exaggeration,” Ashutosh shared.

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His parents’ unwavering belief in his potential played an instrumental role in his development. His mother, a lecturer in economics, even left her job to provide full time care for him. Despite resistance from some teachers, his parents insisted on enrolling him in a mainstream school—Delhi Public School, Maruti Kunj, Gurugram—to ensure he had the same opportunities as other children. “They thought it would be easier for me to study in a special school where I would be surrounded by other children with disabilities. But my parents were determined to raise me just like any other child,” he recalls.

This determination helped Ashutosh break through societal barriers. “There is no special society for people like me,” he said. “The true meaning of collective conscience is when people meet someone like me without any special expressions or emotions, treating us as equals.”

Dreams realised through persistence

After completing his undergraduate studies in B.Com (Hons) from Hansraj College, Delhi University, he aimed to gain admission to one of the most competitive institutions in the country—the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).

“A lot of people told me that the CAT exam and IIM interviews were too tough for someone like me. But I believed in my favourite mantra: ‘Nothing is impossible,’” Ashutosh said.

Although he didn’t clear the CAT in his first attempt, he persevered and was eventually accepted into IIM Lucknow, where he completed his MBA in 2018.

His passion for pushing boundaries didn’t stop there. In 2021, Ashutosh participated in a beauty pageant for plus-size models, where his performance impressed the judges, leading him to win the title of Mr India Plus. Following that, in 2022, he made his runway debut at the FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week, further cementing his status as a trailblazer in the fashion and modelling world.

Recognition across diverse fields

Ashutosh was nominated for the Hindustan Times HT City 30 Under 30 list, which honours 30 of India’s most influential individuals under the age of 30 who have worked to create positive change in their respective fields.

Currently, Ashutosh works as a Credit Analyst in Risk at IndusInd Bank, where he continues to break barriers and inspire others. Reflecting on his achievements, he said, “This is not the end of my journey. It is just a milestone. The road ahead will be full of challenges, but I am ready to take them headfirst.”

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A message of hope for all

“Dreams make me happy. No matter how much extra effort life demands, I am willing to work hard to achieve my goals. If I can do it, so can anyone else.”

Ashutosh’s story stands as a powerful reminder that with determination, resilience, and the right support system, nothing is impossible. Ashutosh’s achievements serve as an inspiration for all, particularly those with disabilities, to pursue their dreams fearlessly and break down the barriers that society often imposes.