On 30th May 2024, Persistent launched a DEI-focused initiative called ABLE. It was my honor to be invited to the launch of the event. I participated in a panel discussion with Amrut Shah (AVP delivery, salesforce us) from Persistent. The session was an interactive question and answer-based session where Srirang (another esteemed panelist) and I talked about our views on disability, our journeys, and our inspirations which helped us to conquer our disability.
Before we get to the excerpts from the discussion (excluding some of the company-specific information) I wanted to tell you how I landed this amazing opportunity to talk in one of the most prestigious it companies.
The opportunity
“speak as if you are talking to the audience individually, separately. Then your story will remain with them” said my mentor when I started my journey in public speaking. For the last 3 years, I have been speaking in various forums, sharing my disability story. I even got a chance to speak at a TEDx event. (link here). I tried to follow this advice to the best of my ability but you never know how effectively you are speaking until you get a message like what I got from Jyotika (one of my ex-colleagues from Infosys). I have been speaking at every opportunity I got in Infosys about my “unlocking unlimited potential story”. Jyotika, who had left Infosys for a few years and is now working with Persistent, remembered my story about how I conquered my disability. She connected with me with an enticing opportunity to join the panel discussion during the launch event of the able initiative.
I was delighted to even be considered. I jumped with excitement and said yes yes yes.
I wanted to ensure I did justice to the opportunity that was given to me. And what an opportunity it was.
Here is the excerpt from the event. Here I am only sharing notes from my portion of the interaction. Srirang also made some excellent points during the panel discussion. I want to do a separate piece on Srirang’s inspiring journey of how he conquered the blindness disability (which he got at the age of 13), and later how he settled in the US and continues to work in the field of accessibility for the blind.
Question 1 – share your thoughts on the cultural shift in disability inclusivity.
Mandar –
On cultural shift:
- There’s been a positive change in accepting people with disabilities (PWDs) in both workplaces and society. For example, we see in Indian cinema, movies like “Iqbal” and “Sreekanth” portraying disability-centered stories. So certainly there is a good cultural shift in our society.
But challenges remain:
- Despite cultural acceptance, basic accessibility issues persist, like the lack of wheelchair-accessible washrooms in public spaces.
- On disability inclusion, we continue to see that employers often focus on limitations rather than the potential of PWDs, making job placement difficult.
The opportunity gap:
- While some PWDs, like me and Srirang, find success in it, a vast majority (around 87%) lack literacy or higher education, limiting their job opportunities.
Initiatives for progress:
- Organizations like “youth for job” and “Swarajability” provide job opportunities to illiterate PWDs.
- NGOs like “Mahatma Phule Apang Pratishan” offer vocational training for underprivileged PWDs in Maharashtra.
Conclusion:
- While corporates are more open to PWDs, a one-size-fits-all approach for support and integration won’t work. Each PWDs needs and support system should be considered.
Question 2: Tell us what has been your inspiration and motivation. What aids you when chips are down?
Mandar –
Finding solace in books:
- I spoke about my childhood trauma and how I found books as a source of comfort and inspiration during childhood. Titles like “To Kill A Mockingbird” offered valuable lessons and opened up a world of possibilities.
Family support:
- My family, particularly my mother, is a constant source of motivation. Her advice, like “if you don’t have 2 legs, but if you keep your tongue in cheek you will have thousands of legs helping you,” instilled a positive and resourceful attitude.
Overcoming challenges:
- Dr. Stephen Hawking continues to inspire me even to date. Even as a child, I saw Dr. Hawking’s perseverance as a reminder that my own struggles were surmountable.
Mental strength:
- Books, family, and dr. Hawking contributed to my mental strength, enabling me to face challenges like bullying and physical obstacles.
Facing obstacles:
- The reality is that PWDs often start at a disadvantage. However, it emphasizes the importance of determination and perseverance to achieve goals and inspire others.
Question – what are the key things to do to ensure we are doing disability inclusion in the right sense?
From the employer’s perspective:
- Education and awareness: increase understanding of disabilities and their impact in the workplace through training programs.
- Inclusive recruitment: design recruitment processes that are accessible to PWDs and avoid unconscious bias.
- Assistive technology: provide suitable assistive technology based on individual needs and gather feedback on its effectiveness.
- Manager and coworker training: train managers and colleagues to recognize and address barriers faced by PWDs.
- Accessibility: ensure physical spaces, facilities (e.g., accessible washrooms), and communication methods are inclusive.
- Data transparency: publish data on disability inclusion efforts to demonstrate commitment.
From the employee’s perspective:
- Feedback: provide regular feedback to employers on accessibility and support needs.
- Empathy, not sympathy: seek collaborative solutions and avoid fostering a culture of pity.
- High performance: strive for excellence to demonstrate the value of disability inclusion to the organization.
The Talking Mother!
This was the first time my mom saw me speaking. I am sure she would have been proud of me. After I completed my speech, she told the organizers that she even wanted to speak in Marathi. The event organizers – Paresh, Vrinda and the entire team were so kind that they said, we could discuss it in the canteen. In the canteen, they all gathered around my mom to hear her speak. She told me about her struggles and said as a mother of a disabled boy, I feel extremely proud that all the effort was worth it. There was a loud applause echoed in the canteen. My mother’s words were far more effective. I was proudly telling everyone that you could see where I got my genes at the end of her talk.
But more so another beautiful interaction happened. I met a family, who had a disabled child with Down syndrome. Her mother connected with my mom’s struggles and carried hope at the end of our interaction that maybe everything would turn out to be alright for her daughter as well, which I am certain will be so.
This experience will stay with us forever!
I was going to speak in person for the first time (as all of my earlier events were over Webex) so, I thought of checking with Persistent, if I could bring in my mom, wife, and nephews. Without a hitch, the company welcomed us with open arms. I was very happy that my mother – who has been my anchor throughout my life, would hear me speak for the first time. My wife, who has only heard about my talks would also be witnessing me speak for the first time. I didn’t know how my nephews would react to my talks as they were still young. But I was happy for them to join us in the event.
Persistent royally treated us throughout the day. They had sent a big swanky car to pick us up. They ensured we were tended to all the time when we were on the campus of the company. I got to meet Dr. Anand Deshpande( the founder, chairman, and managing director of Persistent Systems since inception and is responsible for the overall leadership of the company.) Up and close. He mentioned that he heard my TEDx talk and found it very inspiring.
I had no words when I met Dr. Deshpande. I just uttered, “Pleasure to meet you, sir”
I just regret that on the day of the event, I couldn’t click a picture with this great man. I am hoping that I will soon get another opportunity.
What really touched my heart was that not only they facilitated me but they also brought in gifts for my entire family, which was a lovely gesture. It only shows how a “human-centric” culture Persistent created within its organization.
Thank you Persistent.