Celebrating 5 Indians With Down Syndrome That Made History | #WorldDownSyndromeDay

Have you ever heard of the concept of a ‘self-fulfilling prophecy’? It refers to assumptions that become reality through our actions. Imagine a student never studying for an exam they believe they will fail, or a teacher assuming that a child is weak and not teaching them a difficult concept. In both cases, their belief turns into reality – the student fails the exam, and the child never grasps the concept.

So, if assumptions become reality anyway, why not make positive ones?

This idea led an Italian non-profit, Coordown, to launch the 'Assume that I CAN' campaign for Down Syndrome – flipping the script on self-fulfilling prophecies. It called on society to make positive assumptions about people with Down Syndrome, opening doors for equal opportunities.

With World Down Syndrome Day around the corner, let’s take the first step toward turning this philosophy into action by strengthening our support systems.

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World Down Syndrome Day: An Urgent Call for Support

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), observed on March 21, raises awareness, promotes inclusion, and advocates for individuals with Down Syndrome – a genetic condition that affects intellectual ability and causes developmental delays.

This awareness day is also important because, till today, many still harbor misconceptions. Society often assumes that people with Down Syndrome cannot lead independent lives, leading to infantilization – where even as adults, they are treated as children and not taken seriously.

Thus, the World Down Syndrome Day 2025 theme, “Improve Our Support Systems”, is an urgent call for collaborative action from communities, schools, and policymakers to create inclusive environments where individuals with Down Syndrome can thrive and realize their full potential.

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With proper support, education, and resources, many individuals with Down Syndrome can challenge stereotypes, achieve significant milestones, contribute meaningfully to their communities and live a dignified life. Today, we are witnessing this support transforming into success in a variety of acclaimed career paths.

Let’s have a look at some personalities with Down Syndrome that defied societal expectations and made history –

1. Gopikrishnan Verma - First leading Bollywood Actor With Down Syndrome

Showing interest in the film world from a young age, Gopikrishnan Verma made Indian cinema history by becoming the first leading actor with Down Syndrome in the movie ‘Thirke’. With unconditional support from his parents and sister to pursue his passion, he defied the odds and started a coveted acting career.

2. Swasti Mehta - First Entrepreneur With Down Syndrome

Not letting her Down Syndrome diagnosis deter her, Swasti Mehta from Mumbai is now the proud founder of ‘Pudina Punch’, a Health Drink brand. Her mother’s perseverance in ensuring her daughter led a successful life began with behavioural therapies from a young age itself. The turning point came in 2020 when her family encouraged her to experiment with cooking, leading her to start a business. 

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3. Sania Khemji - One of the First Indian Models With Down Syndrome

A 22-year-old woman from Bengaluru, Sania Khemji went viral on Instagram as an acclaimed model, redefining beauty standards. Winning most of the pageant shows she participates in, she has also worked in international shoots and ads for Indian brands. She has her eyes set on walking in popular fashion shows and making her mark in the modeling industry.

4. Prithviraj SenGupta - A Rising Star in Powerlifting

Noticing Prithviraj’s exceptional strength, his coach recommended him to try powerlifting and the rest was history. With the right mentorship and support from his family, he triumphed through sheer willpower and won a Gold Medal at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship. Determined to defy the odds even further, he is now setting his sights on the Olympics.

5. Sohursh Shankar - Completed 10th Grade at the Age of 16 With His Peers

While completing 10th Grade at the age of 16 might seem normal, for Sohursh Shankar, a boy with Down Syndrome, it was an extraordinary achievement made possible with the support from his special needs teachers. This academic achievement showcases how inclusive education policies can enable Down Syndrome students to excel in traditional school environments as well.

Do you see the one common thread among these stories of resilience? 

A strong support system. While their willpower and determination played a crucial role, the unconditional support of their family, friends, and educators is what took their passions to new heights. 

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These stories also serve as much-needed representation and create a supportive environment for individuals with Down Syndrome, who are then inspired to work towards their own dreams.

How Do We Keep This Support Going? 

Supporting individuals with Down Syndrome requires a multi-faceted approach that engages various aspects of society, from governmental policies to personal relationships. Here are some vital ways in which we can show our support –

1. Support From Governments: It is essential to design, implement, and monitor protection policies that create a supportive environment. These policies should focus on safeguarding the rights of individuals with Down Syndrome, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and services. 

2. Raising Awareness: A deep and clear understanding of the challenges faced by the Down Syndrome community is fundamental. By highlighting the barriers faced, we can work collectively to dismantle stigmas and create a more empathetic and welcoming society.

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3. Access to Quality Healthcare: Healthcare accessibility is crucial for individuals with Down Syndrome, particularly since many may face challenges that affect their ability to work. Moreover, Down Syndrome leaves one vulnerable to more critical illnesses, amounting to high medical costs.

While medical loans and insurance can be a viable option, many patients either cannot access them or can't afford high-interest paybacks. In such cases, crowdfunding platforms like ImpactGuru can be the best option to fund medical treatments.

How Can Crowdfunding Help Down Syndrome Patients?

ImpactGuru, India's leading crowdfunding platform plays a crucial role in a Down Syndrome patient’s journey by:

1. Helping them raise funds for specialised medical treatments, behavioural therapies and potential surgeries.

2. Connecting them with a community of changemakers willing to hear their story and provide support.

3. Enabling individuals to spread awareness by starting a fundraiser for important Down Syndrome organizations dedicated to making a difference.

Thus, beyond medical bills, ImpactGuru becomes a comprehensive support system at every step for patients living with Down Syndrome. Join hands with ImpactGuru to be a part of this support system and together, let’s enable more individuals with Down Syndrome to unleash their potential. 

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Visit here to know more: Fundraising for Down Syndrome Treatment

Empowering an Inclusive Future

While we call for improvement in our support systems, let’s not forget one crucial detail – people with Down Syndrome aren’t a monolith. Their wants, needs and abilities vary just like any other person.

To truly support them, we must encourage their ambitions, champion their independence by providing opportunities and shift perspectives to see ability instead of disability. By challenging stereotypes, implementing better policies, and providing medical and social support, we can ensure that individuals with Down Syndrome get the opportunities they deserve.

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This World Down Syndrome Day, let’s step up, lift each other up, and give people with Down Syndrome the space to thrive. Together, we can create a society that truly embraces inclusion.