Determination was the key to success for Yash Avadhesh Gandhi diagnosed with multiple disabilities

21-year-old Mumbai-based Yash Avadhesh Gandhi was recently in the news for cracking CAT exams with a 92.5 percentile. He secured a seat at the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow. Diagnosed with multiple disabilities, Yash talks about his goals in ‘My Take’ this week.

I was born to my parents Avadhesh Gandhi and Jignasha Gandhi in Mumbai. I was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and dysarthria a few months after birth. When I joined school, by around six years of age, doctors diagnosed me with dyslexia as well. My journey was not easy. But the relentless support of my parents helped me get through all tough times.

Academic journey

I cannot write and needs help of a scribe. I have a limp when I walk and my speech is slurred. But I studied in a mainstream school along with other children who did not have disabilities. Needless to say, I had to face many unfortunate incidents of discrimination, mocking and so on.

During first few years, all these had affected me. But then I learnt to move on, again thanks to my parents, my biggest pillars of strength! Mocking by peers did not affect me anymore.

So I was always concentrating on academics and put in my best. Teachers were supportive, so that did help me.

I completed my graduation from Mithibai College and did a course in Bachelor of accounting and finance, scored a 9.3 out of 10.

“I love studying. In fact, it makes me happy. Though I’am doing my MBA now. I do not want to stop it there. I want to keep going”.

Never say give up

I started preparing for CAT exams in the year 2018 when I was in the second year of my graduation. I scored a 92.5 percentile and secured my place at the IIM Lucknow through disability quota. I had gotten calls from other IIM’s too, but chose this one because it had the highest rank. Cracking CAT was indeed a challenge for me. It was a path filled with thorns, but I’am glad that it has been fruitful. I was always determined to get into the IIM.

Currently, I’am taking online classes due to the Covid pandemic and can’t wait to step into college. Online classes are difficult, but I’am putting in my best.
I hope to secure job in the finance section of some national or international bank soon after my studies.

I love playing cricket. I was part of dance and drama at junior college. So yeah, there is a little bit of arts too.

“It is important to be determined and focused towards your goals. I feel that is what helped me achieve what I wanted”.

Watch in Sign Language

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• Power of words & creative ideas help writer Vijay Kumar Nair rise above the challenges of disability