prashanth Kamath - my identity

My life – An Unforgettable Journey

I’m  Prashanth Kamath – I suffer from Cerebral Palsy since birth. At  present, I’m working as a Content Writer in a Project called Digtal  Studio in LTIMindtree Ltd.

My life has been full of ups and downs –  and it has been an unforgettable journey so far. I’d like to share some  of the events / experiences I’ve had in my life and how I managed to  get to where I am today.

My hope is – my story might inspire some people – which could help them to realize their true potential.

So, Let’s get Started…..

My early life:-

At  the time of birth – I had sustained Brain Damage. Nobody could tell how  long I would survive. Doctors said it could be a few days to a few  months. An Astrologer was consulted – and he said that I wouldn’t live  beyond 18 years. So, there was Hope…But right from the very  beginning – I was a very sick child. As soon as I was fed milk / food –  within the next hour or so – I’d throw up. This continued for a better  part of my entire childhood. Apart from this – I had very little control  over my body (particularly my Neck / Head). I couldn’t crawl, sit or  stand. When I was 2 years old – I looked like a 3 month old infant. And  when I was around six years – I looked like a two year old (who couldn’t  talk, walk or think).To keep it short – my infancy / early  childhood was my darkest hour. Thankfully, I was fortunate enough not to  have spent most of that time in Hospital (probably because all the  Doctors had just given up on me – and decided it’d be better to keep me  at home – until I died). I’m also lucky that I don’t remember anything  much from that time.All through this time, my parents (especially  my dad) never lost faith in me. In his free time, my dad would attempt  to teach me alphabets, numbers and other stuff. He would also tell me  stories and sing songs. It was very difficult – because there was no way  to tell for sure whether I was listening to whatever he was saying or  not.When I was about 6 years old, my father got transferred to  Bangalore. Here my parents took me to couple of schools. For the most  part – there were only some Physiotherapy sessions – nothing more. Then,  after about two years – my parents heard about this new school that had  started just a couple of months back.This school was the Spastics Society of India (now the Spastics Society of Karnataka). This would prove to be a big break in my life…

Schooling at SSK:-

When  I joined SSK – I was among the first batch of 6 children to be taken in  there. The school was nothing more than a house that had been taken on  rent. The teachers were ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL! We’d call them ‘Aunties’ –  and rightfully so. As soon as we arrived at school – our Aunties would  literally carry us to class. Their Dedication / Commitment was OUT OF  THIS UNIVERSE. It’s almost impossible to find examples of such  dedication and love – anywhere in the world.I’d like to remember  and recall a few names – Sunitha Aunty, Paul Aunty, Barker Aunty, Padma  Aunty, Uma Aunty, Rabi Uncle, Sumithra Aunty, Dolly Aunty, Priya Aunty  Geetha Aunty and Prema Aunty – just to name a few. I consider myself  really lucky to be able get love, knowledge, support, warmth and  understanding from all these wonderful people.When I joined  school – I couldn’t even sit up. Many of the children had to be tied to  their chairs (including myself). Slowly, as the days, months and years  went by – we learnt how to sit, how to crawl, how to eat, how to dress  up, how to talk, how to walk and how to learn. We were being slowly  transformed into Human Beings.On every single day – we faced new  challenges. But with the kind of support we got from our teachers – no  challenge was too big. I was among the first batch of students to get  formal Academic education. I was admitted directly to the  4th standard.  From then on – I never looked back. 7th standard was probably the best  time that I can recollect from my school days. We couldn’t be given  Homework – because none of us could write. And there would be nobody at  home who could write for us. And for our 7th standard – we had a Public  Board Exam (back then). We also had a new class teacher – Dolly Aunty.She  almost had an unlimited level of energy. She almost singlehandedly  taught us all 7 subjects. We were almost transfixed seeing her teach us  almost all day long – without taking a break. And when we came to school  the next day – a whole bunch of class work assignments would be waiting  for us. We had to complete everything before classes for the day could  begin. At the end of the year – the results pretty much spoke for  themselves. I had Topped the entire district with a score of 91% (my  highest score in any exam till date). All of us had passed with first  class marks and our faces were on the newspapers. This was our Golden  Moment. But our joy was short lived. Our Favorite Dolly Aunty was  leaving us and going to Calcutta. I remember, I cried for 3 days  straight. Back then, there was no facebook, no whatsapp, no mobile  phone, no internet, nothing. So we just lost contact with her.By  the time we were in Std X – we had a new set of teachers. Ours was the  first batch of students (with Cerebral Palsy) to appear for the Std X  board exams. For a brief period – there was some uncertainty as to  whether we could appear for the exams or not. We were finally allowed to  appear for the exams – along with Blind students. I managed to score  around 68% in my Std X board exams. I was happy.Later, in 2002 –  our class teacher (Geetha Aunty) was conferred the Padma Shree Award at  the hands of our Ex President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. It was a Proud  moment for me. I’m proud of the fact that I was one of her students.Then my father managed to get Transferred to Mumbai – where I’d get a chance to complete my graduation.

College Education – and Beyond:-

Once  in Mumbai – I wanted to continue with my education. But it wasn’t going  to be easy. For the first year and half – I managed to attend a couple  of computer courses at the NJDC (Chembur). But then – it was proving to  be very difficult – as there was no transportation facilities. I had to  discontinue my education for the next three odd years.It’s all  thanks to my sister – that I was able to get admission to College. A  bright and hard working student that she was – she had won a number of  prizes from the college management. But when she received those prizes  from her Principal – she started remembering my plight at home and broke  down. And she used that opportunity to pitch for a College seat for me.  Her request was considered – and I was promised a seat in SIES College of Commerce and Economics.My  father quickly sprung into action – and we were able to get a official  quarters from Canara Bank – which was right behind the college building.  It wouldn’t be wrong to say – this college was made for me – and I’m  glad that I was able to use this opportunity to the fullest.By  the time I entered college – I had lost 5 years. But the wait was worth  it. Quickly I had my own circle of friends. I’d like to remember a few  of my friends – Ramesh, Rangaswamy, Hari, Murugan, Ebanizer, Kumaran,  Abhimanyu, Lucy, Sudha – among many more. All of them were supportive  and helpful.A special mention about the college staff – all of  them were very supportive. So much so that – I started feeling that  college was an extension of my school (SSK) from Bangalore.Back  in school – I had taken Kannada as my second language. However in  college I had to take Hindi. Hindi was totally new to me. In fact, in my  first term exam of my 11th std. I had flunked in Hindi. This was the  first time I had failed in an exam. I decided to take this up as a  challenge. And I did succeed. In my 12th std. board exams – I stood  first in Hindi in our college.In my first year B.Com. – I managed  to score 78% overall. It was almost a complete rout. I stood first in  our college – and I had managed to win some 6 subject prizes out of 8.  I’d keep up this track record until my B.Com. final year board exams.  For my consistent and exceptional Academic Track Record – The Management  of SIES College gave me the Best Student Award – this is something I’m  very proud of. I’m sure – all my college professors are also equally  proud of me for this.I had come from a special school, gone into a  normal college and made my mark there. I consider this to be one of my  greatest achievements in my life so far.I had completed my  graduation (B.Com.) in the year 2000. I’d be getting my first job – a  good 7 years after that. Before Joining Mindtree – well, I was looking  for a job. I was sitting at home. But I was not sitting at home doing  nothing. I was earning (Much more than what I do at present). How? Well,  many people in Mindtree who have interacted with me – know the answer  to that question.Anyway, the point is – I wanted to work for a  Company – where I could meet new people and interact with them. I had  sent out my resume to almost every IT Company I knew at that time. And I  had Received Replies from exactly 1 Company (Philips Medical Systems  Pvt. Ltd.). But even this reply was more of a Consolation. Nothing was  Concrete. I could join if I wanted to. But the distances involved were  not helping us to arrive at a decision.

Career in LTIMindtree.

This year, in January – I completed 12 years officially in LTIMindtree.  Twelve years is quite a long time. I joined erstwhile Mindtree on 9th  Aug 2007. Just to put things into perspective – there was a time when I  myself had doubts about whether I could work in an office environment  for more than Ten hours. And even if I could – I believed that I  couldn’t last for more than 10 days. Yet, somehow, someway – I’ve  remained intact for this long…..One day – I was asked to come for  an Interview at erstwhile Mindtree. I was very apprehensive / tense.  But then, I had nothing to lose. Although I never really had a job – I  was earning (sitting at home).There’s a certain fearlessness that  comes from being in such a position. While others have a constant fear  of Losing their job (for some reason) – I don’t!Anyway, the  Interview went well, and after about another three months – I joined  erstwhile Mindtree. The first couple of months were tough. There were no  fixed transportation facilities. We had to rely on Auto-rickshaws –  which were very costly and highly unpredictable. In fact, for the first  month or so – my mother accompanied me to office.My First few  weeks at work were rather cool – full of learning for the most part. But  quickly I realized that it was difficult for me to handle large volumes  of work. And that remains true even to this day.I was initially  part of the Genie Team (which was limited only to the 'people function'  back then). I have fond memories of my colleagues (especially Shaik  Faizal) from those days.Then, after about two years – I had a  chance to work on a literary project under Mr. Subroto Bagchi (one of  the Co-founders of erstwhile Mindtree). Result – I became the Proof  Reader for Subroto’s book ‘The Professional’.In  the beginning, I had a limited friends circle in erstwhile Mindtree.  But I wanted to reach out, to be counted, I wanted my voice to be heard.  So I started this practice of writing ‘Thank You’ emails. Typically,  when I completed one year in erstwhile Mindtree – I’d be sending out  such an email to all the Top Bosses in the company. It so happened that  one such email that I had sent out – caught the Attention of Mr. Subroto  Bagchi.And then, one day – both myself and my mother were called  in for a meeting with Mr. Bagchi. Somewhere deep inside – my mother was  a bit apprehensive. But in reality, that meeting turned out to be much  more positive and exhilarating than we could ever imagine. Mr. Bagchi  was simple, down to earth and straightforward. He had quite a few words  of Appreciation for me. We hadn’t even met before. So, this Appreciation  came as a bit of a shock to both myself and my mother.Mr. Bagchi  was quick to point out that I had a good grip over the English  Language. He said, many Engineers in erstwhile Mindtree (and other  Companies) – can’t even write one or two sentences in English without  committing mistakes. My mother added that I was not well read – because I  had physical / practical difficulties in reading. Mr. Bagchi was really  surprised and taken aback. How could a person who hasn’t read a single  book in his life – manage to write so well? – he wondered…Then he told us that he was planning to work on his Third book (The Professional).  Then he offered me the opportunity to be his Proof Reader / Research  Assistant for this project. I was Elated and I accepted the offer right  away. A thought just crossed my mind – How could the Chairman of a  Company choose me to be his Research Assistant? Even now – I find it  difficult to answer that question.Work on this Literary Project  was really great. Most of the interactions between Mr. Bagchi and myself  would happen over email. I had to maintain a version controlled  repository of all the articles / chapters – that he would be sending me  almost every 2 – 3 days. I had to read them, make corrections and send  it back A seasoned writer that Mr. Bagchi was – I had very little work  in terms of actually making corrections. Rather, this was more of a  learning exercise, a refreshingly different kind of exposure to new  Ideas / new Philosophies and new styles of working. The Version Control  part of the job was a bit tricky at times – but very soon I came to  grips with it. And I’d like to believe that I did a reasonably good job  in this project. So much so – that Mr. Bagchi has written a couple of  paragraphs about me in the Acknowledgment section of the book. Oh, just  for the record – ‘The Professional’ is most arguably the First book that  I have read Completely in my life – and I have the privilege of reading  this book – before anyone else in the world.I still consider this to be one of the high points of my career in LTIMindtree.Thereafter,  I had an opportunity to work on at least a couple of Technical Projects  (in the area of Assistive Technologies). These projects were quite  interesting and I absolutely loved working on them. But due to some  organizational turmoil and some other reasons (which I'd not like to  mention) – none of those projects were Released to the public. I  Consider this phase to be a low point in my career so far.In  April 2013, work started on a new project called ‘I Got Garbage’ – a  project led by Mr. Prashant Mehra. This project (and its leader) – was  unlike anything I had ever seen before. I was extremely lucky to be  given a place in this team – right from the beginning. The first few  months of work on this project was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! I can never  forget that period in my life!I continued to work in Team IGX  until the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Just before the pandemic, we  had a Stellar Team of around 100 to 120 people working here. I’ve had  the opportunity to work in a number of different roles over the past few  years. Everything about this project was at a Stratospheric Level. If  you extend your hands a little bit – you can touch the vacuum of Space!  Undoubtedly, this was one of the best projects anywhere in the country –  and I am really proud to have been a part of it…I’m pretty much  the same person – that I was when I had first joined erstwhile Mindtree.  To be very frank – I’ve not changed much over the years. Probably, I’m  the only person in the company – whose disability has some serious  limitations on the work that they (I) do. Just to elaborate a bit on my  limitations – I type just with my little finger (on my right hand) –  which is painfully slow and frustrating, I need help in having my lunch  or even a drink, and of course, I move around in a powered wheelchair.I  think Credit should go to LTIMindtree – for being so inclusive and  disabled friendly. I don’t think I could have survived for so long – in  any other company.I’d like to mention one particular incident here…When  I joined erstwhile Mindtree – in Aug 2007 – and up until about 2010 –  we hadn’t been given Powered Wheelchairs. In my case, my movements were  highly restricted. On a typical work day – I used to come to office at  around 9am – and remain seated on my desk till the evening (5pm). Lunch  used to be served on our office desk itself. It was tough. Moreover,  when we needed to move into a meeting room or something – we had to take  help from the Security / Support Staff (who are all so understanding /  supportive / wonderful). Nevertheless, the feeling of independence /  freedom was somewhat lacking.And then, one day (somewhere in  early 2011 or so) – there was this corporate level Demo organized by  Ostrich Mobility – a powered wheelchair maker based in Bangalore.  Naturally, I was asked to be part of this Demo – along with 3 or 4 other  people. The demo was good. After the demo – we all went back to work. I  don’t know what the others did after that – but I distinctly remember  what I did. I wrote an email addressed to the Top Management of  erstwhile Mindtree. I explained about our situation and requested them  to consider purchasing Powered Wheelchairs for all physically challenged  employees in erstwhile Mindtree. I stated – This is something that  could change our lives forever…The ‘trick’ actually worked. Ashok  Soota (the then Chairman of erstwhile Mindtree) – took this intent to  its logical conclusion. My powered wheelchair was one of the first  chairs to be purchased by erstwhile Mindtree (and I still use the same  powered chair). Today, there are well over 8 such powered wheelchairs  being used in LTIMindtree – and every new employee (with a physical  disability) who joins LTIMindtree – gets a powered wheelchair right from  day one. I believe that this has been my greatest contribution to  LTIMindtree so far.Couple of observations here…..*  LTIMindtree is probably the only company in India – to have gone this  far – to ensure a better quality of life for its physically challenged  employees. I don’t know if any other company has done this. I’d put  LTIMindtree – right on Top of the list of Most Inclusive companies.In  many other Companies, Physically challenged employees are kept separate  from the others. They have their own dedicated floor / work areas  (where tools / assistive aids are provided to them). But in LTIMindtree,  there is no such separation. As a result, the entire company has become  more disabled friendly / inclusive. I think this is a Model – which  other companies can follow.* The understanding, support and help  that we get from LTIMindtree’s Security / Support Staff – is just  Unprecedented / unparalleled. I’d like to take a moment to Acknowledge  and Thank each and every one of them. I owe my existence in Mindtree –  to their efforts and love.* If there is one thing that I’d like  to be remembered for in LTIMindtree – it’s for being a ‘Change Agent’. A  change agent is just an Instrument of Change. It should take nothing to  its head. The credit for the Music being played – actually goes to the  Player of this instrument – credit goes to LTIMindtree…The Change  Agent theme – just got to a whole new level – in my last role. Just  before the Pandemic, I worked as a Content Writer for a project called  ‘University of Commons’ (UoC) – one of the many interesting projects  under IGX. In this project – we try to envision an Idealistic Society of  the Future. And then we’ll try to bring that Idealistic Society to life  – using a combination of volunteering, other programs, events etc. All  these endeavours are designed to create Change Agents – who will then  change Society for the better…..And then, in March 2020 - we  started hearing about the COVID-19 Pandemic (a once in a 100 years  event). By the end of the month - most of the World was under Lockdowns.  The past 2 generations hadn't seen anything like this. It was a real  tough / bad time for everybody the world over.The IGX Project was  moved out of erstwhile Mindtree - as there were fears that such a  project couldn't be supported by the new management. As a result, 60% of  our team (including myself) were put on Bench. The other 40% were  absorbed in other projects. Eventually the IGX Project was closed down  in LTIMindtree. However, the project is still Alive and Kicking - under a  new Name (Platform Commons) and has a new team.As  I was on Bench during the Pandemic - I embarked on a Learning / Skill  Development spree. Concentrated mostly on 'in demand' skills like AI /  ML, Cloud, Dev-Ops, Automation, Python etc..Beginning of 2022, I  was absorbed into the Digital Studio team - where I continue to work to  this day. Our team collectively manages / maintains some of the more  critical Digital Assets of our company (including the Company's Website,  Annual Report and other Statutery Reports as well as  most of our  Marketing / Sales content). The work here is quite satisfying.Fast forward to May 2023...I'm  now a Certified Independent Director. I can now make it to the  Boardroom of any Company - if they select me as an Independent Director  on their Boards. And in all probability, I'm the first Person with  Disabilities in India to clear this Exam and become an Independent  Director.One more Achievement under my belt. And One more Glass Ceiling broken for PwDs...I  hope many more PwDs will get themselves qualified as Certified  Independent Directors. The way I see it - this is the beginning of a  Silent Revolution. Companies need to become more Inclusive - right from  the very Top.Hope some of us (PwD Independent Directors) will get to Drive the Change towards greater Inclusion...In  Short – I think I have a much longer path to tread. I hope I get to be  with LTIMindtree for a much longer time. I also believe that my life has  been a truly Unforgettable Journey so far.Hope this journey continues……

My Achievements:- Academic…..

    stood 1’st in District in Std 7 Board Exam (with 91% overall)

    was among first batch of students to appear for Std X board exams (68%)

    in college – was among Top 5 in the class (all 5 years of college)

    stood 1’st in Maharashtra among disabled students in Std 12

 Non Academic:-

    Won prizes in a number of Essay competitions / Quizzes

    won the Management Award for Best Student of the years

Work And Beyond:-

    was the Proof Reader for the book ‘The Professional’ by Subroto Bagchi – one of the Co-founders of Mindtree

    Won The State Award given by Govt of Karnataka for PwDs in 2010 (Republic day)

    Paticipated in a few Hackathons and won couple of prizes

    Paticipated in a few Tech Fests within Mindtree and won couple of prizes

    was featured in the India Inclusion Summit 2017

    Cleared the 'Online Self Proficiency Assessment Test' by the ~Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) - to become a Certified Independent Director

Solutions Worked on / Ideas Concieved WhitePapers:-

    wrote a whitepaper on Alternative Uses of Kinect Game Controller

    wrote a whitepaper on Sub-Vocal Speech and its possible Applications

 Projects

    worked on few projects in the area of Assistive Technologies

    was part of a team that has built a Social Inclusion Platform (Platform Commons)

    Has developed an Android App (OKK) and few Alexa Skills

Advocacy…

    was responsible for Mindtree’s decision to provide Powered Wheelchairs to all PwDs

    was responsible for LTIMindtree’s decision to provide access to Generative AI tools (Copilot) to all PwDs

    have a closely knit network of PwDs within LTIMindtree

    External Advocacy depends on Available Opportunities (such as IIS / Congress for  PwDs)

    more Advocacy options to be explored in future…

Coping with COVID-19

     -> This year has been really bad on all fronts for everybody

     -> i’m basically enhancing my skill sets / knowledge – it will help in future

     -> avoiding going out / protecting health to the extent possible

     -> avoiding unnecessary tensions / fights in home – preserving mental peace / happiness

     -> most important – Hope for a Better Tomorrow / Never say Die…