Karthik Sawhney
Karthik Sawhney was born visually impaired. He was conceived
in Delhi, his dad has a shop of car save parts in Lajpat Nagar, Delhi. His
mother is a home-maker. Since a youthful age, Karthik delighted in considering
math, science, and software engineering. His folks constantly urged him to do
everything that his companions used to do. Karthik likewise expressed a case of
his craft classes, his mom used to stick fleece on the framework of the drawing
apparatus with the goal that he could fill shading into it.
Karthik cleared 5th standard to Xth standard with first-class
at Delhi Public School, RK Puram. In 2009 he was awarded the “National Child
Award for Exceptional Achievements” from the ministry of women and child
welfare, Govt of India, which is the biggest award of the Indian government for
students. While growing up, Karthik wanted to study in the science stream and
go for engineering studies further. Things were never easy for him. The Central
Board of Secondary Education didn't allow blind students to study science as it
would be difficult for a blind student to understand graphs, diagrams, etc.
They do not have a system to teach students like him and hence CBSE rejected
the application. He was disappointed but still decided to stand for his rights.
He wrote so many letters to CBSE controllers. It took just about 9 months and a
great deal of endeavors, he even moved toward an NGO crusade to achieve his
privileges. He, at last, got consent from CBSE for all the visually impaired
understudies to get confirmation. He demonstrated his commitment and ability
when he verified 95 percent in his twelfth standard tests. His computer1
science score was 99 and in Physics, Chemistry, Maths, and English he scored 95
that sums up to an overall score of 479 out of 500.
After this incident with CBSE, Karthik was somewhat aware of
the upcoming difficulties in his life. He also started a conversation with
IIT's while he was in the 10th standard. He knew it was not going to be easy to
convince them and get admission in IIT. In his very first attempt, he received
a denial letter straightforward even after clearing the entrance exam. After
conversations with IITs when he used to be discouraged, his family always
encouraged him to try again. He had to put a lot of effort, wrote several
letters to explain reasons and his willingness to study in IIT but
unfortunately, he was unable to convince them. But his dedication to study and
become an Engineer made him seek for better opportunities, he started searching
international options and started applying. He was so enthusiastic about
seeking after designing and at last, this took care of when he got admission to
Stanford University, USA. It was 2013 when Stanford offered him a grant and
welcomed him to contemplate there. Karthik wasn't being treated indifferently
anymore at Stanford, he got a lot of support while studying.
"They think of me as a student with varied interests who
happens to have a disability, rather than a disabled student. That is what
makes all the difference. American Universities are friendly with disabled
people while students there are even friendlier." –Karthik Sawhney
The university had a separate office for students with
disabilities known as the Office of Accessible Education. Karthik wanted to
make things easier for other students like him. He started a project STEM
Access, It provides support to the blind students and also this platform works
with Government and other institutions to help arrange proper accommodation for
such students. He wanted other students to try the STEM field. Also, Karthik
has personally mentored a few students.
Karthik worked together with a couple of companions and began
an endeavor named NextBillion.org in April 2016. His endeavor has just finished
two mentorship partners, preparing around 60 crippled understudies. Karthik has
just finished his single guy's and as of now examining Masters at Stanford
University. His fundamental focal point of examining is Artificial Intelligence
as it can affect individuals' lives and engage them. He has likewise been
regarded with the Queen's Young Leaders Award. Karthik is set to break the
limits around as inability is only a perspective. He needs to change lives at a
greater level.
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