MUMBAI: “People always wondered if I will ever be able to do anything. Will I even complete my schooling? I have now graduated,” said Zain Iqbal Naik, brimming with confidence.
Born with phocomelia, wherein the person’s hands and feet are either attached close to the trunk or are entirely missing or deformed, Zain (21) recently completed his TYBCom from Indira Gandhi College of Arts and Commerce with an impressive A grade and an overall credit of 8.64 out of 10.
“As a child, I would feel awkward among people. But eventually, I grew to accept myself,” said Zain.
His father was in the ICU for a bypass surgery the day his final semester exam dates were announced. As a single child, Zain managed to look after his father, who was advised strict bedrest, helped his mother with Ramzan, and studied for his exams. He even modified his two-wheeler which made him capable of riding it.
“When he was born, we were worried as to how he would survive. We thought we would have to take care of him, but now, he is taking care of us. He hates the word ‘bechara’ because he believes that he can do everything that others can,” said Reshma, Zain’s mother.
Zain went to Little Flower English High School, Ghatkopar, and was home tutored in college. He studied for six hours daily.
He loves to watch cricket. “As a child, I would play cricket with my friends,” he said. “My mother has been my biggest supporter.”