XTRASPECIAL
Vinayak Mahindrakar
Living with a disability Vinayak Mahindrakar pursued education with a strong passion for learning and earning, and completed BSc in Physics from Goa University, PG Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) from Goa University and PG Diploma in Operations Management (PGDOM) from IGNOU. Vinayak is born with a locomotive disability called ‘Kyphoscoliosis’ – a complex spinal deformity characterised by an abnormal curvature of the spine in both the sagittal and coronal planes, often accompanied by axial rotation.
This condition represents a combination of kyphosis, a forward curvature of the thoracic spine, and scoliosis, a lateral deviation of the spine. This is the biggest challenge he faces as he cannot sleep on his back but can only sleep sideways. He also cannot sit properly due to his back unless properly cushioned. This makes long-distance travel by bus extremely uncomfortable, requiring him to frequently shift positions to ease the strain on his back.
Looking back, Vinayak recalls that he had no role model from his very beginning. His parents were not much educated. His father late Eshwar Mahindrakar had an ice-cream manufacturing business in Vasco which is now shut. Vinayak underwent a hard childhood, and was a quiet person in school. Teachers would often complain that he doesn’t interact with others or does not participate in sports. However, later college and hostel life transformed him into a strong, self-reliant individual.
Education till class 12 was smooth as his home, school and college, all were in Vasco. However, pursuing higher education brought new challenges. During his BSc at Dhempe College in Miramar, he commuted daily from Vasco to Panaji. The first year was especially difficult due to the daily travel. Fortunately, in the 2nd and 3rd years, he stayed in the college hostel, which eased his struggles.
After graduation, Vinayak aspired to pursue MCA at Goa University and even cleared the entrance exam. However, the minimum eligibility was 55%, and he had secured 54.50%. Unfortunately, there were no reservations for persons with disability (PwD) students in 1994, unlike SC/ST candidates who had a 50% cut off. As an alternative, he enrolled in PGDCA at Chowgule College, Margao, which required 15 months of daily travel from Vasco to Margao and Borda by bus.
Vinayak’s first job was at Margao. He travelled daily by a local train. Then he worked in UAE and Qatar as business development manager but had to return to India due to market crash in 2009. Since 2013 he is working with the Directorate of Skill Development in Goa as a programming assistant (technical officer IT), and is currently posted at Vasco Government ITI.
“I feel, we should never let anyone define our limits. Obstacles may come, but with determination, persistence, and the right support system (government facilities), we can overcome anything,” says Vinayak who was unanimously elected as the president of Vasco JCI Club in 2002.
Vinayak got his first vehicle in 1995 – a Hero Puch, which gave him a sense of independence. In 1997, he purchased a Bajaj Caliber bike, despite warnings that it was too heavy. Though putting it on the middle stand and lifting it upright if fallen was challenging as he had to take help from others. He met with several accidents due to stray animals, unmarked speed breakers, and other road hazards. However, he never let these incidents stop him from riding.
Vinayak’s biggest support system is his better-half, Neha. “My marriage was an arranged one. On my first meeting before marriage I had mentioned to my to-be-wife about my disability. Neha was impressed with my simplicity and never-give-up attitude. She had no disability, was healthy and beautiful, but she accepted me. It’s been 20 years that we are happily married. Before I met Neha, I was rejected 11 times and there was a situation when the girl disappeared just six days from our scheduled wedding date. I had gone in depression during this period and thought I will not get married in future. But Neha came into my life as a motivator, and my life changed for better. She is the most amazing person I have ever met. No matter whatever difficulties I faced, she has always stood by my side. Her unwavering support and belief in me have pushed me to achieve everything I am today,” admits a humble Vinayak, who doesn’t forget to thank his friends at Anantashram, the Shetye brothers, and his co-passengers in railway journey from Vasco to Margao on a daily basis. These friends offered him unconditional support.
Vinayak became active in sports in 2022 and got his sports reward two years later, in 2024. Awareness about participation in sports and facilities were not available before, he claims. Now he plays cricket, table tennis, carrom, and indulges in travelling, too. A music lover, he wants to learn to plays keyboard and guitar. He also wishes to work for the PwDs because he doesn’t want them to suffer like him. “I want to be a part of the community organisations and help in their activities,” he says.
