Opening Doorz

By Olivia Moraes | Opening Doorz Editorial | August 03, 2024

Shruthi Poojary, a vibrant and talented graphic designer, has defied the odds to carve a successful career in a world often indifferent to those with disabilities. Born with a hearing impairment, Shruthi Poojary’s journey has been marked by her single-minded focus on overcoming the odds.

From tiding over the initial shock of her disability to navigating the challenges of her school life and the professional world, Shruthi Poojary’s story is one of triumph and inspiration. Married to a supportive partner, Mehul Poojary, Shruthi’s life is proof of the power of love, perseverance, and the human spirit.

Not one to sit and mourn her ‘hearing disability’, Shruthi Poojary, shone through the love and support of her parents and sister and her school. Opening Doorz met with Shruthi Poojary to step into her world and explore how she has not only overcome her limitations but has also become a beacon of hope for others with disabilities.

“When Mehul showed interest in me, I felt nervous. I was with a handicap and here this man, despite knowing about my disability, was still interested in meeting me. My heart was pounding and I had butterflies in my stomach. We continued meeting and we married in June of 2022,” reveals Shruthi, her eyes gleaming with excitement at the mention of his name.

Excerpts

When did you, as a child, realize you had a hearing problem?

As a kid, I was a very joyous, cheerful, naughty, mischievous girl. As I grew up [around the age of 5-6 years] I realized I had a hearing problem, I used to struggle a lot in listening, speaking, and lip-reading. My family members, Dad, Amma, and elder sister played a crucial role in my upbringing. Once I started school, things became a little easier with the support of the teachers. With the help of my hearing aid, I could hear better.

At this realization, were you angry, hurt, sad…?

There was no anger; just sadness since I was struggling to hear like a normal person. Somehow I felt I was a dumb girl as I couldn’t hear. This was my regret; I wanted to know why I alone couldn’t hear while the rest of my family members could listen to me. I was curious how others could hear clearly and how much they could understand quickly. I kept overthinking all the time.

Did these feelings bring about a sense of self-pity?

Yes, at times, I felt at a loss when I was not treated well or felt rejected especially for jobs that I had applied for. I have become stronger, more assertive, and more confident now.

How did you overcome this constant turmoil in your heart and mind? Who were your best supporters in your journey?

Firstly, my family members were my greatest supporters in making me what I am today. Secondly, I thank all my school teachers for their education. They made me believe in myself. They helped me chase my dreams. Thirdly, my audiologists who have treated me since childhood. Fourth, my friends and well-wishers who supported me. And lastly, now my better half who makes my life more beautiful.

Today, you are married to a wonderful man who has accepted you despite your handicap… do you feel fulfilled?

Yes, I feel extremely blessed and happy. My husband is caring, understanding, supportive, and helpful in every aspect of life. I am enjoying every bit of my married life with the added responsibilities. He is a wonderful spouse. We keep looking forward to new adventures, running marathons, going on treks, and making new memories.

How did you meet your husband?

I met Mehul Poojary through a matrimony agency. Initially, I was a bit apprehensive because of my handicap. Immediately after our first meeting, he showed interest in me. I started feeling a bit nervous. I still remember, my heart was pounding and I had butterflies in my stomach. We continued meeting and we married in June of 2022. He works in an IT firm.

Tell us more about your career.

I graduated from Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai in Fine Arts (BFA), and have more than seven years of experience in Graphic design. I have worked on campaigns for digital advertisements like Faber Castell, Havmor, Sony Picture Entertainment, Sipahh, Netgear, etc. I have also worked for Edtech, a firm named ‘LIDO, located in Lower Parel, Mumbai.

In addition, I have done mural paintings for the ‘Bookwallah’ Organization a non–profit Organization in Mumbai, participated in Art festivals like Kalaghoda, and have done workshops for Faber Castell. I have also conducted workshops for students in Stephen High School for Canvas painting and many more. I also undertake graphic design work as a Freelancer.

What is Shruthi’s USP? What is unique about you?

All my heart and mind are attracted to visual arts. My USP is art. I love painting, sketching, and photography. You will see my artwork on my Instagram, and Facebook.

Do you think the workplaces are inclusive and supportive towards the disabled and particularly the deaf?

Yes, in private sector organizations or MNCs, most workplaces are inclusive and supportive towards the disabled and particularly the deaf. But I would like to see more improvement for the disabled, and the deaf in particular.

What improvement would you expect more from corporates and other organizations as facilities for the disabled?

• Training Staff and professionals with sign language
• Transport Facilities
• Fair compensation
• Health care benefits

And what changes or improvements would you desire for the deaf (in particular), at the school level?

• Career counseling for further studies.
• As we are in the age of ever-changing technology, changes should be brought into the curriculum with corporate collaboration for training, especially to include computer-related subjects or tools that help one scale up their skills.
• Knowledge of disabled rights as per Indian laws/constitution, and schemes, should be taught in school.
• Training on Advanced tools, gadgets, and mobile apps to be taught to make tasks easy.
• The development of user-friendly aids and appliances, and all matters connected with disabilities will significantly alter the quality of their life.

What about provisions from the Government? Is there any specific provision that you would want to share? Do you have any expectations, or are you content with the concessions/facilities currently provided for the disabled?

There are provisions from the government for transport, fee concession, etc. I am availing of these benefits. I also avail of Tax benefits. However, I do hope the Government looks into providing concessions for railways and Flights. That would also help us.

When you look at the disabled community around you, do you think we as a country are doing well towards inclusivity and mainstreaming?

Disabled individuals in the community face many social problems. There is a need to focus on educating disabled children to bring them into the mainstream as much as possible. We need to increase public awareness and understanding of the disabled.

In Urban Indian Cities, things are better now. Having said that there is always scope for improvement. However, in Rural India, I feel, there should be more investments made in specific programs, training, and services for people with disabilities.

What would your advice be to other deaf students?

Work a little harder, go out and chase your dreams. Showcase your abilities to the world. Remember, you too are filled with potential.

Moving forward what do you aspire to do?

I wish to have my own Art Gallery to showcase my artwork. I also have a desire to support other deaf artists like me.

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