He couldn’t be ordinary, so he became extraordinary!

He couldn’t be ordinary, so he became extraordinary!
He couldn’t be ordinary, so he became extraordinary!

“Pain is inevitable, but suffering is an option.” These words sound strong but are difficult to follow.

Today, let us know someone who proves this statement true, every day, every second of his life. Let us know about an unsung warrior, Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta.

Belongings

Sai Kaustav Dasgupta was born on October 6, 1991, to Mr. Kaushik Dasgupta (Security Officer, and Operational Executive at International Museum) and Mrs. Sheela Dasgupta (Classical Singer, Neurologist). Although he was born in Siliguri (West Bengal) but his family shifted to Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh) for Kaustuv’s proper treatment.

Kaustuv is an International Graphic Designer, author, singer, music composer, motivational speaker, happiness coach and a TedX speaker. All these skills might seem ordinary to you but not when you will know about the hurdles of this Hero’s life.

He has Osteogenesis imperfecta, a brittle bone disease. This disorder results in weak bones that break easily. Fractures are common and movements are difficult in this terrible disease.

Early Days

Thoughts of your childhood bring warmth to your heart and smile to your faces. But along with these, Kaustuv also remember the days of restriction, boundaries, and dissatisfaction. He says “When I was a kid, I use to see other kids of my age play and enjoy themselves where I was just stuck in a wheelchair because of my never-ending fractures.”

Friends and People

He was bullied initially, but to this, he said “I made good friends back then. My friends use to sit with to help me avoid bullies and some of us are still friends.” Upon asking further about his supporters, he said “I cherish the bond I have with my younger brother, Kaushal Dasgupta. He is in 11th grade now and a lovely friend to me.”

Despite knowing about his condition, people use to ask him mockingly “what is your state now?” or “Is it gonna end ever?”. He says “I was a good student, a good painter, singer, composer and much more, but people focused more on my weakness. They wouldn’t let me forget and overcome.” The wound of his peculiarity was scratched again and again.

Accept everyone as they are. Please do not judge anyone as per your own understanding. Acceptance is always better than expectations and that is what made my life a miracle. – Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta”

“Mentally it was not easy for me to tackle the situation. But I was very positive and I had willpower. I thought I will reply them all, one day.” And For sure he has replied. Not with words but with achievements.

Exploring the true self

Initially, he was partly affected by the disease but then came a time when he became 90% physically disabled. For two years he did not leave his bed and was limited to a room only. He adds “from 2009 to 2015, I was in depression because I was restricted from having a normal life. I was demotivated because of my disease.

But I am thankful to those dark days because they made me realize what capabilities I have, hidden beneath. I thought if I act vulnerable and fragile, then what will happen to the others like me? No physical difficulties must limit you and it was then I decided to cheer myself up for the sake of my and other similar people’s lives. I decided to motivate others and help them see the better side of the life.”

Life is a unique story. Everything is possible, NOTHING TO WORRY!” – Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta


Now, Sai takes motivational sessions. With the support of his parents and younger brother, along with friends, he is now a happiness coach, helping people to remove the mud of sadness and let the seed of happiness grow.

He looks up to make the world depression-free. “People are depressed over reasons which can be solved, they just need someone to hear and a hand to bring them into the light.”

Awards

The distinct skills he posses are his reply to the people who eyed him with pity. But not only this, he has many awards in his name, such as Dishari Award for West Bengal’s Best Child Singer, Mastery Award 2017 by CavinKare and Ability Foundation. He is Limca, India and Asia Book Of Records holder. Recently, he has been honoured by the Telegu Book Of Records for fastest time to type as multi-faceted.

In 2016, he went for a special trip to Goa using a wheelchair as vehicle after winning the All India Wheelchair Wanderlust Competition.

He has written an autobiography, ‘My Life, My Live, My Dear Swami’ which has been translated into 16 languages and also received appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Inspiring others

After Helen Keller, Stephen Hawking and Srikanth Bolla, Sai is the fourth Global Icon for his leadership qualities.

Inspire before you expire. – Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta”

He is also researching to find methods where differentially abled can get friendly work environment and is looking forward to conducting awareness plans so as to educate and skill specially abled.

Turning his weakness into his strength makes Sai an achiever. Indian Achiever.

Tanishka Patidar
"Serving humanity & scratching words to feed the soul" Tanishka is the Co-Founder of Indian Achievers Story. This lover of pen and poetry is also a social worker.