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Compiled by Editorial Team
Anand, a central Gujarat city situated between Vadodara and Ahmedabad, is famous as the birthplace of India's White Revolution and the headquarters of the global dairy giant, Amul. Yet, this bustling commercial and educational hub is also the backdrop for another powerful story of transformation. It is the story of Alpa Dhyani, a mother who transformed her fears into an inspiring campaign for inclusive education for her visually challenged son, Dhvaj.
Speaking to Diversity, Alpa perfectly summarized her journey: being the mother of a visually impaired baby means discovering strengths you never knew you had and confronting fears you never knew existed
The arrival of their second child, a son, initially brought immense joy to Alpa's family, completing their home alongside their older daughter. However, Dhvaj was born 35 days premature and battled hypoglycemia, requiring 21 days of care across various hospitals. While the family celebrated his recovery for nearly two years, a new challenge emerged when Dhvaj began holding objects extremely close to his face to see them.
When Dhvaj turned three, the search for the right educational environment began. School principals and others advised sending Dhvaj away to a blind school and hostel. Refusing to accept a segregated path, Alpa made a resolute decision: Dhvaj would live at home and attend a mainstream school to prove that differently abled children deserve equal opportunities, rather than limiting societal labels.
Dhvaj secured admission at the I. B. Patel School, joining his older sister, Dwisha.
As Dhvaj progressed to higher standards, academics grew more complex, but a major breakthrough arrived when Alpa enrolled him in a chess competition at the SP Khel Mahakumbh through NAB Anand. Securing second place ignited a new confidence. He continued to excel, winning first or second place at the district level annually and eventually capturing first place in the state during his 11th standard.
Simultaneously, Dhvaj discovered his true passion: technology.
While mathematics posed a barrier before modern tech solutions were fully integratedāleading Dhvaj to drop Math for Music in the 9th standardāhe now recognizes that current technology makes the subject completely accessible for differently abled students.
Despite studying Humanities in his 11th and 12th standards, Dhvaj's immense passion for Information Technology drove him to pursue a regular BCA degree. He enrolled at SEMCOM University in Anand, graduating third in his university with a stellar 9.00 SGPA and an 8.1 CGPA. Today, he is pursuing his MCA online to allow more time for his professional work.
Through years of translating textbooks, recording audio, and advocating fiercely for inclusive education, Alpa instilled a single, powerful philosophy in her son: "You have to decide whether people take pride in you because of your ability, or whether anyone helps you out of sympathy because of your disability."
Looking at Dhvajās incredible achievements today, there is no doubt it is entirely Alpaās mindset to face the challenge and the support she received from her loving husband Rupesh Dhyani and lovely daughter Dwisha Dhyani.