An Inspiring Story of and By – Dr. Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta
At three and a half months old, the first crack appeared. Within a year, I had fractured three more bones. The doctor explained to my parents that I suffered from Brittle Bone Disease (Osteogenesis Imperfecta) and that they will need to prepare me for life on a wheelchair because my body was not creating the collagen or protein required to develop my bones.
It was not easy for a hyperactive child like me who loved dancing and singing, and I often blamed my falls and broken bones on my clumsiness. I saw that the other children were healthier, so I just thought I needed to pay more attention to my step – until at age ten when I fell and broke both my legs. During my school days once I secured the first position in my class and a friend came forward to shake my hands. The only thing I remember next is that I had a major fracture in my hand after that. It was not so easy to cope up with 3-4 fractures a year. I had numerous fractures till date, but after 50, I have stopped counting as I was feeling my bones are brittle but I will not allow the disease to break my heart.
Fractures were very unpredictable in my case, I never knew when it was going to happen and that was the scary part. It is difficult to accept when you live a colourful life at first and then shift to black and white. Society, my relatives, and all other people used to define me as a being of suffering as there was no awareness of the situation I was going through. I had to face exclusion in every stage but I have focused more on the inclusion part of my life. That’s why I’m here today to make you all smile.
My mother Dr. Shila Dasgupta used to teach at the same school I was enrolled in so that she can also take care of me all the time. Whenever I had to change school, she had to leave her job too. I think my family has done everything possible for me throughout. They never cried in front of me or treated me like a burden. They completely accept me and love me for who I am and I am thankful for that. I got huge support from parents which made me what I’m today. Becoming successful for a differently-abled person is not that easy if he or she does not get parents support.
Throughout my life till now, my main driving forces are my parents Mr. Kausik Dasgupta and Dr. Shila Dasgupta. They are like living angels for me. From morning to night they assist me in each and everything. Without their help, I can’t move an inch too. In all my success they are the main pillars and in all my sorrows they are my main supporters. They have sacrificed a lot for my well-being and happiness. They were very supportive from the time I was diagnosed with this disease. They never broke down or complained about their fate. My parents inspired me always to choose what I love to do and it is their greatness which made me see the world in my own way. Besides them, my younger brother Dr. Kushal too motivated me a lot. Whenever I decided to do something new, he always inspired me to go ahead for it. Because of their strength today I have come a long way and got millions of people’s love.
It is not like there used to happen sudden crisis in my life during fractures, I am facing problems every single day and moment. I am confined to a wheelchair now, one hand and one finger functions at present, that’s all. That helped me a lot to understand and learn, how to be positive throughout it all. It’s incredible to think just how much of the body’s ability lies in just one finger of mine; a tiny organ that most physically-able people take for granted is my most invaluable asset. From childhood itself I used to have extra caution about my activities. I used to witness the playing of my friends with so much joy. But never got a scope to join them as my health never permitted it. Naturally, this became a common factor among others that they always use to show sympathy towards me. They never encouraged me to come out of the safe zone and lead a normal life. I was different and they made me realized this very well.
Today when I have grown up into a 29 years youth, people started seeing my growth and realized that disability could not defeat Dr. Sai Kaustuv. People still ask me the same questions about my health issues and disability. But now I have enough courage to reply to them boldly that I’m fully fit and maybe better than them because I’m living my life with positivity. I might be in an Electric wheelchair today but I’ve turned my disability into greatest gift. Disability is not an inability is once again proved by me as a Wheelchair Warrior. Today people made me successful because of my positivity and will power as handling all these roles of a graphic designer, singer, composer, author, and a motivational speaker is not an easy job for one who can’t have a glass of water on his own. Being unable to do all the regular works, I have taught myself to do such works, which all able bodies are not able to do. So slowly people started believing that positivity doesn’t need any medium to enhance, its huge in itself. My positivity made me today and it gave strength to handle my life and its different shades. I have become the Global Ambassador for family peace and spreading happiness worldwide through my community #HappinessUnlimited.
Many people ask me how it is possible to smile after so many sufferings? How I motivate myself?
What is that magical X factor in my life which is driving me towards my destination for all these years? My biggest strength is my smile. I always love to smile in every situation as I believe a smile is the signature line of positivity. And through so many adverse situations of my life, I have learned to smile as it helps me overcome the situations and gives me the satisfaction of winning over it. My Smile also attracts people towards me as they feel a positive vibe after meeting me and return back with inspiration. So I use my positive energy and smile to motivate myself and these are my strength to show the world how a 90% differently-abled guy can prove his unique capabilities.
Beside my smile, My mantra for being successful is very simple.
“Think out of the box and do something which you are good at! Life is too short to celebrate it fully. So give value to you every moment. If you cry and complain about small things in life, you will never have enough. So always be grateful of what you owe. Be thankful for your abilities. Come out and shout loud that you can.It is never too late to start creating that life which you have always dreamt of. Just get up, throw your pains, feeling of helplessness and put your trust in yourself. Find your creative skills and capabilities. Explore more to express your true self. Inspire before you expire. There are so many people in the world who are dreaming to live a life that you are living right now. You have no idea. Embrace each and every breath you are taking. Celebrate your life. Live it. Live your life fully. Accept yourself as you are. Be kind to yourself and others. Forgive everyone who has hurt you. Send love to all whom you missed saying love you. Real happiness lies in gratitude. So be grateful to everyone. Be alive and be happy, and as I said believe “ It’s Possible “
Dr. Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta, Puttaparthi, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India International Graphic Designer, Happiness Coach, Author, Motivational & TEDx Speaker, Singer & Composer, Entrepreneur, World Record Holder, Wheelchair Warrior of India, Global Ambassador for Family Peace & Founder of #HappinessUnlimited
