New Delhi: A finger is all he had to help him go about in life. The rest of his body was dysfunctional.

And one fine day, he became a graphic designer.

“A pep talk from a friend changed it all. I did a diploma in graphic design and added colors to my otherwise black-and-white life,” says Sai Kaustuv, who received a national award for empowering persons with disabilities.

Born with brittle bone disease (Osteogenesis Imperfecta), Sai has been treated for over 50 fractures. He was three and a half months old when he had his first fracture, in the right arm. It was fixed with a cast. This was only the beginning.

“My family was shocked. How could a newborn have a broken arm? I had three fractures within a year. My parents took me to Kolkata and Bengaluru to treat his disability.”

Sai Kaustuv with his family

Sai had to let go of his first love, Kathak.

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He has been confined to a wheelchair for over 20 years now.

At 33, he has dabbled into various careers. He is a singer, composer, happiness coach, and motivational speaker.

“We (persons with disabilities) are not only special; we are limited edition,” he says.

Sai has received an honorary doctorate from the University of London. He is India’s first disabled certified happiness coach. And is currently pursuing an MBA.

He says,

“You may go through any kind of adversity, but if you have the courage and determination to change your circumstances, nothing can stop you.”

Sai Kaustuv as a kid, learning to play Tanpura

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