“For alternatives to reach, households should put money into their little one,” says Aniket Das, whose 26-year-old brother, Jijo, is a testomony to this perception. Recognized with Down syndrome at delivery, Jijo has defied expectations, blossoming right into a gifted artist and photographer.
Rising up, Jijo, like many neurodivergent people, confronted social stigma and uncertainty. Nevertheless, with unwavering assist from his household, he has overcome challenges and embraced his distinctive talents.
“There have been a variety of stigmas round Jijo’s situation proper from his delivery, when the physician mentioned, ‘I’m sorry, however your little one has Trisomy 21,’” recollects Jijo’s mom, Moushumi Das.
“However I simply have a particular superpower as a result of I’ve an additional chromosome,” Jijo smiles. His mom lovingly seems to be at him, and Aniket reaffirms that that is completely appropriate.
Down syndrome is among the most typical issues, with 30,000 instances in India yearly. It’s a ‘gene dosage drawback,’ affecting one in each 800 dwell births. Folks with Down syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21 reasonably than two, resulting in a variety of bodily and mental challenges. These challenges embody developmental delays, studying difficulties, and bodily well being points.
“For somebody with Down syndrome, studying isn’t the identical as for a mean little one,” says Aniket, as his mom explains how the household needed to “unlearn and relearn” to have the ability to train Jijo all that will’ve come simply to a different little one.
“It’s a continually evolving educating methodology. A single methodology in educating doesn’t work. That is an ongoing journey and that’s the place your entire crux of the matter lies. Now we have to re-learn, unlearn, re-learn. As dad and mom, too, we’re studying,” says Moushumi.
“Whereas there’s a stigma round folks with Down syndrome that they will’t dwell a ‘regular’ life, the early intervention that we began at house when Jijo was only a few months previous helped her an incredible deal,” Aniket factors out.
“They all the time made me really feel like I may do something,” Jijo acknowledges.
As Jijo’s household nurtured his potential, nurturing a perception in his talents, artwork turned a robust language of expression for him. “He was all the time a really lively observer, we might watch motion pictures collectively. He referred to the films to convey his feelings,” Aniket says.
Rising up, Jijo was inspired to view himself as able to something. Watching Aniket sketch at house, he started imitating him at a younger age, discovering solace and a method to talk even earlier than phrases got here simply. Disney and Pixar motion pictures supplied a shared bond, with Jijo drawing scenes to precise feelings he couldn’t vocalise.
In 2011, Jijo acquired his first digital digital camera and commenced exploring pictures. “I needed to train him, however the educating couldn’t be typical,” says Aniket, who understood that educating somebody with Down syndrome requires a novel strategy. Persistence, understanding, and a willingness to adapt to particular person studying types are key. Whereas Jijo would possibly study at a slower tempo, with constant assist and encouragement, he may grasp any ability, regardless of how difficult it might appear.
“I’ve needed to be extra than simply his brother; I’ve needed to be his design faculty, artwork faculty supervisor, and private coach all rolled into one. All of it begins with investing in your little one, and it’s about extra than simply cash; it’s the effort and time you place in,” Aniket says.
“They all the time made me really feel like I may do something, so I simply maintain making an attempt,” Jijo shares.
All through his journey, Jijo obtained invaluable assist from educators on the Baldwin Alternative Faculty, Noble Mission, and Spastics Society of Karnataka. One among his academics, Santosh Padmanabhan, recognised Jijo’s potential and inspired him to step outdoors his consolation zone.
In 2012, on the age of 14, Jijo attended a summer time camp alone, a big milestone that helped him develop important social abilities like making associates and interacting with strangers. 5 years later, in 2017, Jijo made his inventive debut on the SSK Winter Carnival. His art work resonated with viewers, and he efficiently bought all his items, marking a big milestone in his inventive journey.
Throughout Aniket’s time on the Nationwide Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, Jijo made associates within the artwork group. With the assist of Aniket and his design faculty associates, Jijo’s willpower grew stronger. In 2021, Jijo gained an worldwide design award, changing into the primary Indian to be featured within the #LotsofSocks marketing campaign.
“Down Syndrome Worldwide and the United Nations designated World Down Syndrome Day to boost consciousness in regards to the situation. To amplify the affect of this special occasion, they launched the ‘Numerous Socks’ marketing campaign. By sporting mismatched socks, individuals are inspired to embrace range and rejoice individuality, symbolising the distinctive traits of people with Down syndrome,” Aniket explains.
The main target is on advancing healthcare, inclusive schooling, group assist, and giving them a sustainable livelihood by profession alternatives.
Past his inventive skills, Jijo has even ventured into pictures, capturing the launch of Ultraviolette’s F77 Mach 2 bike. It’s a image of hope for others residing with Down syndrome. Regardless of his limitations, he thrives by artwork; his household has remained a relentless pillar for him on this journey.
In 2022, Jijo’s pictures bagged third place on the Anurag Gupta Memorial Pictures Exposition (Structure). His work was chosen by photographer and set up artist Samar Singh Jodha from over 500 entries.
This gave Jijo an inclination in direction of pictures and impressed him to start experimenting with motorsports pictures. Bigrockdirt park (India’s main off-road coaching facility) appointed him because the official photographer for his or her XTREME ENDURO 2024 race after years of working with him.
“I like going to work, making new associates and clicking good footage,” says Jijo.
Jijo’s expertise quickly caught the attention of Ultraviolette CEO Narayan Subramaniam. Aniket, a bike designer, who was part of the Ultraviolette group says, “He began accompanying me on numerous tasks and ultimately collaborating with Ultraviolette Automotive on particular tasks the place I used to be working.” Narayan, pushed by a philosophy prioritising ardour over educational {qualifications}, inspired Jijo’s creativity.
Photographing the launch of the F77 Mach 2 bike showcased Jijo’s capacity to seize moments with enthusiasm. “I wished my footage to indicate the joy of the launch,” Jijo says proudly.
“At Ultraviolette, we imagine range in expertise and perspective drives us ahead, and Jijo is a shining instance of this. His dedication and dedication remind us of resilience and willpower. We’re proud to have him as a valued member of our Ultraviolette household,” Narayan shares.
‘I’m a rockstar’
For World Down Syndrome Day 2023, the marketing campaign ‘With Us Not For Us’ featured Jijo in Allow Journal within the UK after they noticed Ultraviolette’s video about him. Aside from this Jijo was additionally featured in Some Good Information Australia.
Jijo is increasing his artwork by additionally studying music together with Hum-Drum Drumming Lessons with Rzhude David. “I’m a rockstar,” he declares with a assured smile, reflecting the optimistic perspective that fuels his journey.
Jijo’s life demonstrates that creativity, ambition, and resilience know no bounds. In a society transferring towards higher inclusion, his journey exemplifies what can occur after we prioritise fairness, put money into assist programs, and create empowering environments.
By his web site Artwork of My Optimus, Jijo is growing a library of optimistic tales to encourage others.
Edited by Leila Badyari Castelino; All photos: Jijo Das
