– Mann Patel 

In the bustling lanes of Mumbai, where dreams can sometimes get lost amid the din, I, Mann Patel — a 15-year-old boy from a modest Gujarati family and born with cerebral palsy — earned a proud moment for my family and school with 98.2 percent in my Grade 10 (ICSE) board exam last month. With a score of 99 in Math, 98 in Physics and a perfect century in Chemistry and Biology, my story is not just about marks; it’s about courage, resilience and a refusal to be defined by my condition – cerebral palsy. 

Early on in life, I realised that life is not a bed of roses: there will be thorns — sharp, unexpected challenges that prick us, perhaps to bring out the best in us. Other times, we are caught in a storm, bent by the wind and wonder if we will ever bloom again? But then, you can’t see a rainbow without going through the rain. Our scars carry our story – of something raw and real.

Well, my condition did limit my physical mobility; it was not easy when other children were learning to jump and run, I was learning to control my limbs or to see my peers playing on the playground during class picnics while I stayed back, stretching stiff legs and trying not to feel left out. On some days, even holding a pencil felt like lifting a mountain. In a city like Mumbai, where life moves fast and doesn’t stop to notice those who can’t keep up, I had my tribe of people holding my back against the turbulent storms in my path.  

My parents and my school, their collaborative efforts helped me to see ‘myself’ beyond my ‘physical challenges’. Their perpetual motivation helped me shape my identity beyond the limitations I was born with, because some people would only see cerebral palsy even before they could ‘see me’ – ‘You are much bigger than that!’ declared my mind.  

I strongly believe your mindset can make or break your spirit. I chose to ‘make’ with what I was blessed with. My love for Math answered almost all the possible questions of my life. While other kids in my class dreaded it, I would solve math equations whenever I was bored. That was my escape and my super power. Math runs on logic and finding  solutions motivated me to find some path; I felt ‘free…liberated’ – unleashed and ready to roar.

When the board exam results came, I didn’t really cry while everyone else did – my mother had tears of joy rolling down her cheeks, dad hugged me, my relatives beamed, my teachers and principal were overjoyed; but I just sat there staring at the number. It was more than just marks. It was a proof that I wasn’t a story of struggle – I was a story of strength!

My school, where I practically spent more hours of my day than at home, was my safest abode. Writing notes was a towering challenge for me but my teachers and classmates made my life easy. ‘Focus on your text, treat your textbook as your bible’ was like a class anthem of my teachers and I did follow that advice to the ‘T’. My teachers didn’t try to fit me in any mould but made space for me to break it. They empowered me with tools, techniques and tremendous support through every setback.

I also researched on what to pursue after Grade 10 and found myself being strongly drawn to Artificial Intelligence; Math and Science had always been my best friends anyway. I think AI is the future and interestingly, given my physical constraints, AI is my biggest ally as it doesn’t judge how I walk — it responds to logic. Secondly, rote learning is my biggest enemy and I was very clear I wanted to take up something which was hands-on and practical. After attending the IBCP orientation programme at school, I realised that the curriculum offers more scope to ‘do’ things rather than just ‘memorise’ long answers. I enquired further to understand the curriculum and very soon, I was convinced that my goals and my approach aligns with this programme. So before even my results were out, I enrolled myself for the Artificial Intelligence course in the IBCP framework at Aspee Nutan Academy, Malad.

I aspire to build a future where kids like me don’t need to struggle just to be included. I dream of creating tools that speak, move and think like we do -unpredictable, imperfect yet beautiful. Giving back to the society has always been my burning desire — to create an inclusive space where everyone can collaborate for a better society is my goal and I am excited to leverage technology in order to match global standards.

I hope next time when you see someone who moves a little differently, talks a little slower or learns in their own unique way, you don’t rush to feel sorry. They might just be rewriting the rules of success in silence.

I am not my diagnosis. I am a mathematician, a dreamer and a future AI Engineer.

Today, I am walking – heading towards the world I aim to build. I know life is not a bed of roses, it’s a whole garden! I shall not deceive myself – there will be roadblocks ahead. But one thing I am sure of is our mindset can help us make moves bigger than our fears. Being humble and feeling a sense of deep gratitude will make space for things we did not realise we could manifest in our lives. Our hands may shake but with the right mindset, our spirit can remain unshaken. 

Here’s to all the underdogs – Always turn your ‘Why Me’ into ‘Watch me’. Remember, your belief becomes your reality! 

Also read: ICSE, ISC results announced; class XII toppers score centum