Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta, A Graphic Designer With Brittle Bone Disease Makes It To D-30 Disability Impact List- 2021

Andhra Pradesh’s Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta has proved that disability is a matter of perception. An author, singer and happiness coach, the 29-year-old has been chosen for the D-30 Disability Impact list for 2021. He is a beacon of hope for so many who are struggling with disabilities. He has managed to achieve so much, never once letting his wheelchair get in the way.  

Dasgupta, was just three-years-old when he was diagnosed with a rare bone disease called brittle bone disease (aka osteogenesis imperfecta) which made his bones weak rendering him 90 per cent disabled. “I used to love dancing, but the disease stopped me from it,” he says. 

Born in Siliguri, West Bengal, Dasgupta suffered depression for five years owing to the disability. However, his parent’s unconditional, peaceful support and motivation encouraged him to pursue his passions. 

“My parents never made me realise that I am less than other people. I was made to believe that I am special and I can do much better than others,” Dasgupta expresses his gratitude towards his parents, especially his mother who has been very supportive of Dasgupta and helps him in chores that need physical movement, like eating, brushing, shifting from bed to wheelchair and wheelchair to bed.   

With an interest in designing, he started acquiring skills in graphic designing from his only functioning finger. With time, he became so good at it that he managed to fetch designing projects not only from India but across the globe. Currently, he is working for a US-based company as a graphic designer.  

Apart from graphic designing, Dasgupta loves singing and writing, and has even recorded an album. He began writing his first book on his life to make an impact on others. ‘My Life, My Live, My Dear Swami’ published in 2015 has sold more than 4000 copies and has been translated into many languages. The book even garnered appreciation from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

With 140 songs under his belt, hehas been the recipient of the Dishari Award for the Best Child Singer of West Bengal 1999-2000. He trained under Shila Dasgupta and later from Kumudini Mundkur from Bhendi bazaar Gharana and has also sought training from his mother in Hindustani classical music. 

An inspiration to many, people love him for his positivity, and take guidance from him. Popularly referred to as the coach of happiness, he guides differently-abled people to be happy. His clients for happiness sessions are not only from India but also from across the globe. He has clients from corporates and PhDs. 

“Although, I spend my effort and time in helping people to have a life full of peace and happiness, but I don’t charge anything for my sessions. It gives me immense pleasure to see smiles on others face,” adds Dasgupta. He is the fourth global icon for his leadership qualities, after Helen Keller, Stephen Hawking and Srikanth Bolla.

Also, a recipient of Mastery Award 2017 by Cavin Kare and Ability Foundation, he managed to go for a special wheelchair-accessible trip to Goa after winning the All-India Wheelchair Wanderlust Competition in 2016. 

This year, a USA-based global enterprise that rebrands disability through the power of the community has named Dr. Sai Kaustuv Dasgupta from India as one of the honorees for their inaugural D-30 Disability Impact List 2021. This also happens to be the 31st anniversary of the enactment of the American Disability Act, Diversability,

The D-30 Disability Impact List is a global list honouring 30 disabled individuals who are leaders and are making a difference. Dasgupta was selected among 300 nominations across 13 countries. By representing India, he has become a catalyst for continuing to advance disability inclusion, leadership, and diverse representation at the global level.

While showing gratitude to his parents and other family members, Kaustuv says that all the parents and family members who have a disabled child or a family member should be more compassionate and motivate them so that they can muster the courage to face social stigma associated with the people like him. 

“If people like us are motivated, we can do much better in life. When we do better the social stigma also fades as people began appreciating the achievements of disabled people,” he confirms that achievements can break the stigma associated with the disabled people. He also suggests disabled people should not confine themselves in a corner of a room, “get out and do something better as you are special than others.”

While talking about the plan, Kaustuv says that he is planning to compose more songs, fetch more clients for graphic designing and also wants to write another book soon. Moreover, he also wants to travel to other parts of India and the world to help more people like him to be happy, motivated and change their life for the better. 

This story is submitted by Bilal Khan and edited by Alfea Shaikh.