One Sunday morning, when I decided to get up a little early (defied the implicit law of waking late on holidays) I decided to do some channel surfing and stopped at a channel to see ‘Satyamev Jayate’ a show gaining extreme popularity. The topic of discussion was how disability is treated in India. The entire show was intriguing and thought provoking. A lazy Sunday morning and a very hard hitting show did not gel with my lethargy, but it helped me rekindling an amazing experience of my life. Soon after I got married I joined my husband in London, UK and was searching for suitable job opportunities. I came across a job on linked in and sent my resume for consideration. After few days I received a letter from the organization’s technology head - Henry Osaka (name changed) showcasing an interest in my profile. The first round was telephonic and I interacted with a very high spirited voice with an extremely infectious laugh. We walked through my resume and he surprised me by mentioning he had read each and every blog of mine and quoted my writings in his conversation. I heard him spell bound when he spoke about the company and their vision, in simple words I was super impressed and was smitten in the first conversation. After progressing couple of rounds, finally a meeting invite came across my way - a face to face conversation with this vivacious voice . The day, date and venue was fixed and we both looked forward to meet each other. On a bright monday morning with great enthusiasm I embarked my journey to the desired venue. I was mentally preparing myself for the interview and had all my transcripts sorted. Once reaching the company’s office I enquired at the concierge and was asked to take a seat and wait for him. While waiting, the receptionist was all praises for Henry. She thought he was a thorough gentleman and had the amazing capability to inspire people around him. After a few minutes of wait, a familiar voice called my name, I turned around in the direction of the voice to see the man i was supposed to meet. There in the long corridor, stood a motorized wheelchair and on that sat the man I was supposed to meet. He had exceptionally small limbs and was breathing through a pipe connected to a portable oxygen cylinder. With his small hands he steered the wheelchair towards me and greeted me with his ever friendly voice. For a moment feeling of surprise swept me. We exchanged pleasantries and he guided me to a meeting room, I followed him through the corridors as he traversed them with ease and greeted all the passers by - fellow colleagues. After we were seated inside the meeting room, swiftly he placed his laptop on his lap and started the conversation. His fingers moved fast and though he had to strain his neck to see the laptop screen, it seemed effortless. During our conversation, I got to know he drove to work, enjoyed cooking and participated in events with a social cause. Seeing Henry seated besides me the feeling of pathos or compassion never came. On the other hand, feelings of respect and high regard kept creeping in. In no sense could I term him disable, for me he was more able than many. Holding a key position in a prestigious organization, leading a normal life and smiling his way past the challenges life had thrown on him. As a spectator there didn’t seem any deterrent to his life. The reason it seemed, Henry with his will power had made sure that the hindrances he faces in his day to day activity never come in limelight, rather his work, his perseverance and his jovial nature stay in the forefront. I recollect when I came back home one of my friend had asked how was the interview? I had no answer for this as honestly it was no longer important if I got the job or not but it was more an honour to meet in person Henry Osaka - whose mundane day was truly inspirational.
