What made you give up on your dream of studying engineering at an IIT?

I had always thought highly of the IITs. I dreamed that if I were to study engineering in India, it had to be from one of the IITs.

However, since I was visually impaired I realised that there was no provision for people like me to appear for the JEE, which is a highly competitive test.

So between 2010 and 2012, I wrote several letters to the IITs in Madras, Kanpur and Delhi, respectively. Each time, they not only turned down my request, but were also rude to me.

Although the IITs have a three per cent reservation for the physically handicapped, it is restricted to students with poor or low vision. Since I am 100 per cent blind, they told me that I am not qualified to take the JEE.

When some NGOs tried to take up my case, a faculty member from one of the IITs told one particular organisation that since the JEE is a highly competitive test, they could not arrange for a reader or a separate form of testing for me. Moreover, they were apprehensive of cheating -- they feared that any reader assisting me may try and help me with the answers too. How absurd is that?

At first I was very disappointed. I thought that if leading Indian institutes like the IITs are not willing to consider my abilities and accommodate me as a student, I will not be able to pursue a higher education.

And after being turned down for three years successively, I realised that there was no point in waiting. Even if they were to allow me to study there eventually, I would have to face even more serious challenges and I wasn't even sure how long I'd have to wait to see that day. It was the lack of options in India that forced me to look abroad.

How do you intend to make use of your international education?

Internationally, Stanford is the best place to pursue engineering. Ever since I understood computers, I have been passionate about computer science engineering.

I have already designed this software called 'STEM made easy', which has two different applications and aims to help blind students like me study subjects like math and science easily.

With the benefit of a Stanford education, I think it's not only possible to shape up my computing skills, but also try and develop applications that will improve the condition of the visually impaired back in India.

What are your interests?

I love music, particularly Indian classical music and have been professionally trained in singing for 10 years now. In fact, when I was in Class IX, I was one of 10 talented students selected from across India, who received the rare opportunity to receive training from the late Pandit Ravi Shankar.

I also enjoy learning computer languages and designing new applications.

Who inspires you?

I have always admired Dr A P J Abdul Kalam. In 2005, I had the opportunity to interact with him and I must say, he had inspiring words for me about how to perceive life and its challenges.

When Dr Kalam learned of my disability and what I had achieved, he told me: "Son, it is better to have a vision (foresight), than merely have vision (eye sight)." I will always value his words.

What are your greatest learnings?

When I was young and somebody told me that I could not attempt something because I was blind, I'd feel bad.

But over the years, I have realised that nobody is perfect. All of us have weaknesses.

I feel that it is unfair to compare one set of abilities to another, or set restrictions merely on the basis of any deformities. I hope people in power realise that everyone is differently abled and instead of pointing out our flaws, see what can be done to improve the current regulations in a way that can benefit several boys and girls like me.

Do you have a message you'd like to share with our readers?

Do not judge people based on what they lack; instead, focus on what they are capable of and if possible, help them get closer to their goals.

It is okay to get frustrated when things don't work your way. If success came so easy, we would not value it so much. Whenever you find yourself in a difficult situation, try and look at the better and brighter side of things. There is no excuse for not working hard. And if you do, you are destined to taste success sooner or later.