Imagine Ishan from Taare Zameen Par, the boy whose neurodivergence made it hard for him to fit into a world built for others. But in the movie, he was recognized and supported by Aamir Khan’s character, who saw the beauty in Ishan’s creativity. His special gift for art was discovered, nurtured, and celebrated. Because of this recognition, Ishan flourished.

Now imagine Taare Zameen Par 2. Ishan, now older, suddenly can’t draw anymore. His passion for visual arts, the one thing that gave him a sense of worth, is slipping away. Why? Because along with his neurodivergence, he develops a physical disability that affects his vision. No one is there this time to help him, no one acknowledges his pain, and he’s left struggling, feeling worthless again, just like before.

This is my story. I am that Ishan. A kid whose fire was lit, only to be extinguished by a disability that no one wants to acknowledge.

It’s like being a marathon runner who suddenly develops a condition that makes it impossible to run without losing their legs forever. The one thing that gave them purpose once again, is now taken away—without any accommodations to help them continue.

Doesn’t that feel like an unimaginable cruelty?

Our system, our policies, are built with no creativity or passion. They don’t accommodate people like me, people like Ishan, who are not just dealing with one kind of challenge, but many. This system only serves the majority, the 85% of people who fit neatly into its structure, while the 15% of us who are neurodivergent are left out. We are not recognized, not supported, and we are silenced.

And the worst part? The system itself doesn’t allow creative, passionate neurodivergent people to contribute to its design. Policies are made by and for people who don’t understand what it’s like to live with our challenges. But what if they did?

Imagine a world where people with creativity, passion, and neurodivergence were given a voice in shaping policies. There would be no broken systems. There would be no suffering.

Everyone deserves a chance to contribute, to live with purpose, and to follow their passion. But in our country, those of us who can see the beauty and potential in the world are left behind, trapped by systems that refuse to change.