WDSD 2022 - CAREERS THAT INSPIRE
This World Down Syndrome Day, Art of my Optimus breaks away from the hackneyed stories of helplessness that we get bombarded with the moment our child steps foot into the world, and presents to you the trajectories of individuals who have made an exemplary mark in their chosen career options. While one decides to be a teacher, the other polishes her oratory skills to prove to the world that they have a voice. From being an artist to philanthropist, photographer to youtuber, athlete to an aspiring model– they radiate joy and happiness in all that they do.
Unnathi Suranaa
16 year old public speaker
An orator, a visionary, a conservationist.
In Mar 2018, Unnathi initiated an awareness campaign about the Traan pan nu vad (the three leaved Banyan tree) of Surat and spoke about it at an event by the Dharohar organisation, which aims at preserving the cultural heritage of the state.
Creditworthy achievements include:
She recently launched her podcast 'One World' on Spotify to create awareness about Inclusion. She is a crusader for inclusion and wants to be known for her efforts, irrespective of her medical condition.
Unnathi competes with neurotypical contestants at the school and city level for poem recitation and speech competitions.
Cleared the Grade 4 Trinity College, London examination with 96% score, which was the highest in her Centre. Mentionably, she was the only individual with special needs appearing for the exam from her centre.
Training in Kuchipudi form of classical dance for the last 5 years -- member of school community service programme where she teaches dance to children from local municipal schools.
Brand Ambassador of the Down Syndrome Federation of India - spoke at a virtual event organised by the United Nations on World Down Syndrome Day 2020.
To stay updated with this girl’s amazing work, skills and journey, follow her on Instagram.
Sahil Singh
25 year old Special Olympics athlete
An athlete and speaker for WDSD at the United Nations
Sahil has expertise in yoga and sports pertaining to Special Olympics. He was among three people with Down syndrome from India selected by the United Nations to speak in Geneva during World Down Syndrome Day 2020
Creditworthy achievements include:
Silver medal in the Aquatics 50m freestyle at the Special Olympics Asia regional Pacific game.
Trained yoga instructor teaching at his alma mater
Holds a brown belt in karate grade 3rd kyu.
If you’d like to get in touch with this enigma, write to him through bhawnams@hotmail.com
Shaurya Mehrotra
A 34 year old potter & artist
Runs a studio space/potter's haven with his mother - Banana studio
As a child, Shaurya was fascinated by colours and art. Initially he struggled a lot with low muscle tone and low focus issues which he overcame slowly with help and practice. His journey with pottery started in South Africa and Thailand and he further developed his passion when his parents opened a studio for him in Gurgaon, India, where he creates decorative and functional pottery.
Pottery showcased in art exhibitions and festivals in India and abroad.
His work now sells on his website and other online platforms.
To stay updated with this guy’s amazing work, skills and journey, follow him on Facebook & Instagram.
Sharan Delhivala
21 year old multi-faceted artist
An artist, dancer, entrepreneur, and photographer - all wrapped in one
Sharan's paintings got selected for Deep Down Art exhibition - a collective exhibition of artists with Down Syndrome at Merida, Mexico. He is an artist at Tickle Your Art, a social enterprise where Artwork made by self advocates of Down Syndrome is integrated with user-centric design to make high-end lifestyle products.
Beyond painting, he has also delved into multiple other forms of art and sports and made an indelible mark wherever he participated.
Holds brown belt (senior) in Karate and won Gold Medals in Kata Tournament at State level.
Ran in a 10 km marathon.
Won first prize in "The Anurag Gupta Memorial Photography Exposition (Architecture)" organized by The Art Sanctuary and sponsored by Down Syndrome Federation of India.
Cleared the Prarambhik and Praveshika Pratham levels for playing the keyboard.
To stay updated with this guy’s amazing work, skills and journey, follow him on Instagram and Facebook.
Manas Arvind
22 year old watercolour artist
Insane level of finesse in a highly challenging medium of art - Watercolour
Manas is an amazing water colour artist whose artwork gets sold in every exhibition.
He has developed his own method of doing water colour which has won him accolades.
His 2022 desk calendar with stunning landscapes shows his skills in blending, washing, dropping and splattering colours.
He also plays tennis and is an avid dancer too!
To stay updated with this guy’s amazing work, skills and journey, follow him on Instagram.
Karishma Kannan
30 year old artist-philanthropist
Nurturing the needs of others through art
Karishma's artwork has been presented at multiple solo exhibitions in Bengaluru and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
At a charity event sponsored by PepsiCo in 2013, three of her paintings were auctioned for USD 15,000. The proceeds from the painting were provided to support children with disabilities, medical support and heart operations of infants.
Spoke at the UN in 2019 during the World Down Syndrome awareness week
Walked the ramp for AASMAAN Foundation, the largest fashion show in India, for differently-abled people
To stay updated with this woman’s amazing work, skills and journey, visit her website or mail her.
Vandit
24 year old potter
Vandit breaks the stereotypical opinions about Down Syndrome individuals with his works of art!
He can create work like others, but at his own pace.
Currently gaining expertise in slab pottery
To stay updated with this guy’s amazing work, skills and journey, follow him on Instagram.
Elijah
10 year old YouTuber
Anchors shows with incredible confidence and ease with his buddy Crumpet!
Featured on TV twice, online press, on websites such as YooCanDoAnything, Down Syndrome Australia and DSA UK, Elijah and Crumpet from Australia have nearly 200 shows now on their YouTube channel.
Their book - Motivate Man - is not only an entertaining and beautiful book for children and adults alike, it also introduces the reader to a person living with Down syndrome in a positive way. This will hopefully then lead to questions and learning about diversity and inclusion, which is good for everyone.
To stay updated with this guy’s amazing work, skills and journey, subscribe to his YouTube channel, follow him on Instagram and go through his website.
Jijo Das
23 year old artist, illustrator, photographer & drummer
Whether it’s traditional or digital art, percussions or photography, his canvas embodies the fusion of all his interests.
the first Indian to win the #LotsofSocks Design competition for World Down Syndrome Day in 2020 with his socks being used for 2021 as well.
featured nationally and internationally for his work and inspiring journey on Down Syndrome International, Enable Magazine UK, Some Good News Australia, VOSAP, Newzhook, Indian Express and many more.
Wouldn’t Change a Thing offered him his first commissioned project where he was asked to design the graphics on the hoodies they manufactured and sold as their official merchandise.
To stay updated with this guy’s amazing work, skills and journey, subscribe to his YouTube channel, follow him on Instagram and go through his website.
and some more incredible ones
Chris NIKIC | IRONMAN ATHLETE
At 21 years of age, he completed the ironman triathlon, one of the most difficult one day sporting events of the world.
INSTAGRAM | ESPN | WEBSITE | WORLD RECORD
Zainika | BAKER & MODEL
Sugar, spice, and everything nice! Zainika is a model represented by Unique is Beautiful (India), a modelling agency promoting people with special talents in the fashion industry. She also bakes healthy and delectable desserts to support her sister in running their venture "Homebred by Gitika."
CHARLIE FRENCH | ARTIST
Charlie is an intuitive and abstract artist, who wants to be known as "Just Charlie”, for he believes that he is bigger than his condition. His first solo Art Show is in London and he puts up his art work for purchase on his Facebook and Instagram pages He also participates in various art shows where his artwork can be purchased from, and has recently started commissioning his artwork as well.
These stories have inspired us and helped us to look for ways to guide our young gun – Jijo – to find a place for himself in this world. A unique perspective on life with the ability to change others’ perspectives is a positive way to define what Down Syndrome is.
The world is changing. Typical individuals are looking at our kids and wondering about their ‘Abilities beyond Barriers’ All you Moms and Dads out there – hope this article reminds us to never underestimate their abilities. We need to expose them to opportunities in their areas of interest and offer love and support to them, for we wouldn’t want another Debbie in this world who lost her life due to pure negligence - for she had an extra chromosome.