Annual Felicitation — 2017
Ashwini Nair

Maharashtra Dyslexia Association’s Annual Felicitation is always a wonderful summation of the year that was. It serves as a constant reminder of why we do what we do and the impact it has on the lives of our students.
This year was a celebration of differences, unique talents, hard work, and the resulting confidence to achieve their true potential across fields ranging from academics to the culinary arts. Students who achieved a milestone, shared their struggles and experiences to motivate each other.
Credited as being bright, loving, caring and extremely sensitive, Ashay Gandhi has used these qualities to catapult into a food career having had the opportunity to train under Michelin star chefs. He has also completed a stint with the Trident Hotel chain and is now an assistant to a celebrity chef. Just when you think he’s done, he reveals that he is all set to soar once again to pursue his Masters and specialise in desserts.
The programme also saw Ms. Jyoti Row Kavi-Hon. Secretary, MDA, interview her son Jai Row Kavi on his challenges of dealing with Dyslexia and his subsequent success as a professional drummer. The mother son duo provided a heartfelt insight into the experience a family goes through when a member is faced with Dyslexia.
From being a five year old who was a handful to a young adult on a mission, Huafrid Billimoria spoke about depression and bullying with his unique brand of humour and limitless energy. His philosophy, “You got to push. If you don’t push, you lose.”
Students of Maharashtra Dyslexia Association (MDA) also presented an entertaining three minute mime titled ‘Incredible India’ which took the audience on a visual journey of the evolution of India.
These are just a few of the amazing stories, but they reiterate the importance of timely professional intervention and family support. With events like this we endeavour to help students to stay focussed on their path of overcoming their challenges in order to become confident and independent adults.
The spirit of the event was beautifully captured by Sargam Merchant, who has just passed the Bar Council Exam to become a full fledged advocate, with an inspirational quote from the Harry Potter series, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
The snacks were just icing on the cake!
