Crucial Success Skills Forged Through My Journey
Living with a very rare Brittle Bone Disease called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, I have faced the challenge of enduring more than 50 fractures. Despite being confined to an electric wheelchair 24x7 and experiencing severe hearing impairment, I've emerged as the Wheelchair Warrior of India, motivated to inspire millions through my positivity and smile. I am Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta from Bengaluru and my life, marked by courage and an unbreakable spirit, serves as an emblem of resilience. Earning the title of a Global Icon with leadership traits, I draw inspiration from figures like Helen Keller, Stephen Hawking, and Srikanth Bolla.
My journey includes motivational activities and happiness coaching, where I've had the privilege of inspiring global leaders, scholars, doctors, students, and corporate professionals through live and online webinars. Leadership, a key skill I've cultivated, is demonstrated in my initiative to research accessibility and transform India into a wheelchair-friendly country. Personally making places accessible, such as communities in Bengaluru, MGM University, Aurangabad, and Chitravati River Ghaat, underscores my commitment to inclusivity. Recognized for his exceptional contributions in the field of accessibility, inclusion, and diversity, he received the prestigious National Award for Individual Excellence in the "Shrestha Divyangjan" category from the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. When questioned about my relentless positivity despite adversities, the answer lies in my smile – a signature line of positivity. My parents, Kaushik and Shila Dasgupta, are my living angels, providing unwavering support. The sacrifices they've made for my well-being and happiness are immeasurable. My brother Kushal has been a constant pillar of support.
Their collective encouragement has shaped who I am today. Contributing to the increased hiring of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) across sectors, I am dedicated to fostering disability leadership globally. Recognitions, including the National Award from the President, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Ability Award, the Diversity Leadership Award, and the Karmaveer Chakra Bronze, reflect the impact of my diverse skill set. As a Goodwill Ambassador and recipient of the Inspiring Role Model Award from the Madras International Film Festival, I continue to make a positive global impact. My versatile singing talent, honored with the "Dishari" Best Child Singer Award in West Bengal, and my Hindustani Classical background, exemplify my creative abilities.
Composing over 300 compositions and gaining recognition from artists like Shreya Ghoshal and A.R. Rahman highlight my proficiency in music. Success as an international graphic designer further showcases my creative prowess. Selected for the D-30 Disability Impact List in the United States, I persist in advancing disability inclusion in sustainable development goals and advocating for diverse representation at the UN level. My journey is a testament to cultivating leadership skills amidst adversity, contributing to the transformation of spaces, and fostering inclusivity for the differently-abled community. My iconic status is defined by choosing positivity over negativity, enduring difficulties, and making a lasting impact globally.
Crafting Creative Opportunities from Every Challenge
In the face of discovering my unique disease and the limitations it imposed on my mobility, I made a conscious decision to navigate my life in a way that break all the barriers. Confronted with challenges, I have inspired millions through live and online motivational talks, my journey took an unexpected turn as I grappled with the confinement of six years, enduring frequent fractures and complications. It was during this period of darkness and depression that I discovered solace in the light within my soul. I was left with no hope. Amidst the trials, I had to make the courageous decision to discontinue my studies and passions, redirecting my focus to graphic design. Breaking barriers, I operated the mouse with one finger, showcasing an indomitable spirit that refused to be confined by physical limitations. Emerging from the depths of depression in 2015, I embraced acceptance over expectations, firmly believing that miracles happen when one chooses to create them. A pivotal moment in my journey came with the transition to a new electric wheelchair, marking a transformative shift. Instead of succumbing to further confinement and begging for mercy, I chose acceptance, recognizing it as the key to transforming my life into an example for others facing similar challenges. In the face of difficult situations, I held onto the power of choice—the choice to create miracles and boldly declare, "Yes! I Can Do!”
My Impact
I've encountered numerous challenges, but my journey takes on a profound meaning as I witness the tangible impact of my work on individuals' lives. There was a moment when I unknowingly saved a person from attempting suicide. Receiving a message from him expressing deep depression and contemplating suicide at late night, he stumbled upon a motivational video of mine just before taking a drastic step. Miraculously, he chose to jump back into life after watching my TEDx talk. Such instances reinforce my belief that miracles happen when people choose to create them. This experience drives my commitment to spreading positivity, reminding others that they, too, can overcome challenges with resilience and a smile. Additionally, I've become a beacon of inspiration for millions seeking happiness beyond conventional definitions of success. I've received heartwarming messages from individuals realizing the true essence of achievement – living a life free from stress, high blood pressure, and depression. Serving as a Happiness Guru for someone from Odisha, I guide them towards a path of selfless and joyful living. These stories reflect the transformative power of choosing happiness and gratitude in the face of adversity, encouraging others to shift their focus from what they can't control to what they can create. My goal is not only to prove the capabilities of differently-abled individuals but also to challenge societal perceptions, promoting inclusion and celebrating the unique abilities within us all.
Scaling New Heights in Personal and Professional Triumphs
Making a global impact through over 1000 happiness coaching sessions and webinars, my influence reaches diverse audiences worldwide, spanning from global leaders to members of the LGBTQ community. This message transcends borders, resonating with individuals in countries such as the United States, Australia, Malaysia, and beyond. My ultimate mission is to ensure equal access to opportunities and foster inclusive workplaces where every individual can thrive. At the heart of my message lies a profound commitment to acceptance, disability inclusion, diverse work cultures, and empowerment. My reach extends to prestigious institutions, inspiring individuals on a global scale. Going beyond motivational speaking, I actively engage in research to enhance wheelchair accessibility in India. Recognition on the D-30 Disability Impact List in the United States underscores my dedication to sustainable development goals, with representation at the United Nations level. Additionally, I proudly serve as a Goodwill Ambassador dedicated to fostering family peace.
My journey of transformation, overcoming a rare Brittle Bone disease with over 50 fractures, serves as a beacon of inspiration. It encourages others to embrace life's challenges, choose positivity, and seek happiness and peace. My definition of success involves setting benchmarks, evolving from a dancer to a successful graphic designer, singer, and author, holding 16+ world records, and earning the title of India's first certified disabled happiness coach. Recognized as the Wheelchair Warrior of India, Inclusion & Diversity Champion, and the recipient of 100+ national and international awards, my journey reflects an unbreakable spirit. The virtual platform I've created, Happiness Unlimited, stands as a testament to my ongoing commitment to building a compassionate world for everyone. I advocate for embracing dreams, emphasizing that it's never too late to create the life one has always envisioned. By encouraging self-trust, acceptance, kindness, and gratitude, I believe that true happiness is a journey, not a destination.
The Synergy Between My Path and Recognition Values
In the relentless pursuit of creating wheelchair-friendly public spaces and fostering inclusivity, I stand as a testament to my unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the community. My vision revolves around forming a universal platform where individuals can contribute their unique ideas and skills, echoing my deep-seated aspiration for a world where happiness knows no conditions or expectations. My journey exemplifies the motivation to redefine life, embrace positivity, and triumph over challenges. Addressing my special-abled status with confidence, I proudly stand out in the crowd, reflecting the resilience and strength that the recognition from WAHstory seeks to honor. Sai’s story unfolds as a celebration of empowerment, emphasizing the transformative power of acceptance, resilience, and the unwavering spirit to overcome all adversities. It serves as an inspiring example of how one individual's choices and actions can pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society. The acknowledgment of being a real-life hero underscores the transformative impact of my choices on happiness and peace. In essence, my story is a living embodiment of the values celebrated by WAHstory, illustrating that true strength lies in accepting all barriers and choosing to break them with an unbreakable spirit. Yes, I am Brittle, but not Broken.