Huafrid Billimoria

Bogged by learning disability (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia), ADHD (Attention Deficiency Hyperactive Disorder) and physical symptoms resulting from subsequent treatment, early childhood was not all sunshine and rainbows. I learnt to face bullies with humour and learning issues with unorthodox solutions. Over the years, the attitude of running away and acceptance of the inevitable has morphed into the ability to anticipate new hurdles and look forward with resolve.

Despite my disability type being recognized by the government, there are still so many glitches and anxieties one goes through to get acceptance. When I came around, my parents didn’t know what hit them. Gradually we were educated about my condition. I was told I could not handle numbers like tables, wouldn’t be able to study from a main stream school, and wouldn’t be able to write (that being my major disability).

During the tenth standard board examinations, I wrote my own paper because I was scared of letting someone else write for me. But my body started shaking so much so that I couldn’t drink water from a bottle, let alone hold a pen to write. That was when I was diagnosed with a neurological disorder called dystonia due to which I had to opt for a writer. In spite of these hurdles, I graduated with distinction from one of the best schools in Mumbai (St. Mary’s ICSE).

Encouraged, I kept my eyes on my mission and went on to crack the JEE exams to get into the best Hotel Management college in India (IHM-Mumbai), passing with an overall 70%.

When I look back, it would appear that I managed to breeze through school, one of the best colleges and two high-profile jobs without the ability to use a pencil or a pen. With a keyboard I can still knock it out of the park. Having metamorphosed from a fat bullied kid into a fit man trained in Mixed Martial Arts. Despite dystonia, I began to focus on my next challenge - the prospect of a long term career, one that would test my abilities to the fullest.

I’ve had some of the most wonderful support during the fight back. There were these folks who didn’t simply hold my hand but more importantly, showed me the way. When I look back I am amazed! All of them had successful careers but still took time out for me and my life. That’s who I want to be.

There are so many like me with their own set of challenges and my mission is to support them like those who gave me direction. With this in mind I enrolled at TISS (Tata Institute of Social Studies, Mumbai) and am currently pursuing MA in Social Work in Disability Studies and Action.

From being ragged, bullied and told that I was useless, I have come a long way. While I still struggle with anxiety, insomnia and depression, I am not giving up. And in keeping with my belief, I have a tattoo which says “Never Give Up”.

I believe in conversations, not chats; in listening, not hearing; in getting it right, not achieving; in sticking, staying to the course, not digressing.

I always believe in plan A; I’ve never given myself the luxury of a plan B.


)

Maharashtra Dyslexia Association

Written by

A not-for-profit organisation committed to building an integrated support system for individuals with Dyslexia. www.mdamumbai.com

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade