Hello, I am Kritiman Dasgupta.

I’m currently pursuing my graduation at Visva-Bharati University, and I am a music student.

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(Music)

When I was young, my father said,
“Son, I’ve have something to say.”
And what he told me I’ll never forget,
Until my dying day.

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I am 20 years of age and I’m on the autism spectrum disorder.

As you may be aware, autism is a special condition which creates some limitations for the people who are affected by it, and may vary from person to person.

For example, I do have some amount of difficulties in comprehending the subtle nuances of languages of people and also, I’m at times unable to read people’s intentions behind their words.

But there are some things which I can do despite my disability.

I do play chess.

Do cross…can solve crosswords etc.

I uh love all types of food except prawns and crabs.

Uh are you allergic to it?

No no I don’t like the taste of it.

At time I uh um go for an outing with them uh or enjoy uh having some uh food items by gathering.

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I’m Swati Dasgupta, mother of a 20 year old who is on the autism spectrum disorder.

Having lived with him for the last almost two decades now, there are a few things which I would like to share with everybody in the fraternity, you know?

One, denial never helps.

We need to fight it out, rather than giving it a flight, you know?

We need to work around, do everything in our capacity to work towards the road ahead.

In this, the second would be creating more and more and more of awareness, as much as we can, instead of actually shoving it under the carpet.

There is no embarrassment in living with a condition of disability.

It’s just diversity.

And the third, it’s very important for all of us, you and me, to help our children to work for themselves, to earn their respect and dignity in this world.

Let them talk about themselves.

Let them enjoy the regular life, bring them out.

Let them converse, let them meet people, let people meet them.

Let’s all struggle, strive and make it a better world.