For Tuhin Dey, aged 17, who is battling cerebral palsy, even the sky is not the limit!
Since his birth, he has undergone more than 20 surgeries as he is suffering from Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), a disorder that develops in the baby while still in mother’s womb, leaving Tuhin wheelchair bound with immobile legs and hands.
But Tuhin has never let the disability affect his determination to pursue his studies as he aspires to complete his B.tech from IIT Kharagpur followed by Masters from Oxford University to go on and become a cosmologist and physicist like the living example Stephen Hawking. “He is my idol and I wish to meet him some day”, says Tuhin, who is Battling his disability like a pro, and is studying at ALLEN Career Institute Kota, giving many students around him a tough competition.
Tuhin easily unwraps books, writes holding pen in his mouth and operates mobile and laptop using his lips with precision and accuracy just like any ordinary human. The speed at which he uses his lips for typing messages on a cell phone can give mobile users a run for their money.
He wants to pursue research in Astrophysics and searched about the best places for the preparation of IIT JEE entrance examinations on internet which brought him to Kota. “I have read and heard how the Kota coaching system is the best in the country. I took admission in ALLEN Kota looking at its past year’s results and consistency in selections in the prestigious IITs.”
An exceptionally diligent student
Basically a resident of Midnapur situated in West Bengal, Tuhin who has been a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya at IIT-Kharagpur, appeared for his Class 10 exams this year without the help of a writer or using extra time given to students with disabilities, despite being 90% handicapped from his body. His result is awaited.
Tuhin is probably the only physically challenged child to have got 2 National awards from the president Pranab Mukherjee, National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement in 2012 and Best Creative Child Award with Disabilities in 2013.
According to the Doctors Tuhin’s disorder is different from Stephen Hawking, but the only common thing between the two is that the brain doesn’t get affected. “This congenital disease does not affect intelligence and as long as he can use a wheelchair to move and communicate, he will remain highly-functional,” says Dr Yash Gulati, senior consultant orthopedic surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, and surgeon to the President of India.
His strong support system – Parents
Tuhin’s mother Sujata gave up her job in the education department of the central government to be with her son full time. Her husband Samiran deals in a small real estate business but both of them have moved to Kota to be with Tuhin for the next two years to help him prepare for IIT entrance. “Here I have no idea what I’ll be doing but I will try to make the ends meet but we can do anything for him as I am confident my son will one day emerge victorious as an example for children like him“, says his father Samiran.
Tuhin doesn’t have siblings. “Tuhin is an extraordinary child and is our world. Nothing is bigger for us than him, We didn’t plan a second child lest that should give Tuhin some complex,” his parents added.
ALLEN to be his Alma Mater
Tuhin who recently took admission at ALLEN Kota has been given full scholarship for his extraordinary skills and dedication. The coaching institute has waived off his fees and hostel fees as a gesture to support his courage. Not only this, but a special table has been prepared for him facilitating him writing with his mouth during the classes.
“Tuhin’s courage is an inspiration for us all. We at ALLEN have always been ahead in supporting the students with special talents. We are going to be there for him, in every possible manner we can, so that he fulfills his dream and makes his country proud”, said Sh. Naveen Maheshwari, Director-ALLEN Career Institute.
