Siddhant Mulgaonker Patil
Each day presents new challenges. But Siddhant Mulgaonker Patil maintains stability through the unconditional support of his parents, the companionship of his pets, and the discipline of Stoicism, which teaches him endurance, rationality and self-discipline. “My motivation arises from Stoic philosophy, which values virtue, justice and self-command,” says Siddhant who lives with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Learning Disability. However, he does not consider these as his weaknesses. For him they are fundamental parts of who he is – with a different way of thinking, feeling and experiencing the world.
Siddhant is vocal about resilience – that quiet, unyielding strength that grows within when life's challenges rise again and again. It's a strength forged not in ease, but in the crucible of hardship that he has come to know through his own journey. Siddhant’s challenges were discrimination, misunderstanding for being different, bullying, ostracism, and abuse.
“My path has been anything but smooth. Facing the sting of bullying, abuse, and harsh judgment, there were days I rode home from college, filled with anxiety and tears, wondering if the world would ever see the true me,” he recalls, adding, “But I kept going. That simple decision – to persist – is the heart of resilience.” It made him rise from silence to the spotlight.
Siddhant wants reforms that include sensitisation, civic education, compassion, human rights awareness, and the ability to recognise and challenge corruption. His achievements are a testament to this persistence.
His BA (Hons) in Political Science, postgraduate diploma in International Relations and MA in Political Science makes him a debate champion, who always represented his college. Siddhant also possesses a certificate in Generative AI and sees how one can manage it responsibly to build a more inclusive and ethical world. He also specialises in finding practical, common-sense solutions with clear thinking and has contributed to discussions with leading think tanks in Delhi, to ensure that policies are fair, easy to understand, and accessible to everyone. He is an animal lover and advocate for a plant-based lifestyle, believing that compassion must extend to all living beings.
Over time, this youth has learned a vital truth: special children can do wonders when they are given the right environment which is built on understanding, respect, and opportunity, not pity. “My personal journey of overcoming adversity has amplified my voice for those who are truly silenced. Human rights is my profound passion. I believe resilience is not just about surviving one's own battle; it’s about having the empathy to fight the battles of others,” says Siddhant whose advocacy focuses on the plight of the victims in some of the world’s most contested and suffering regions, including Kashmir, Palestine, and Baluchistan. Siddhant advocates for Hindus in Pakistan, highlighting the severe challenges faced by minority communities who are often trampled upon and forgotten.
“The global tragedies we witness, where vulnerability is exploited and empathy fades, remind us that true justice remains elusive. We must address both the local injustices, like the rape of a special child in Goa, and the enduring global crises,” he advocates.
Siddhant’s voice guides others to figure out how to navigate a society that treats being different as a curse, a mistake. “We are not broken; we are brilliant in our own ways. And we do not need pity – because pity is weakness. What we truly need is respect, accessibility, and opportunity. We must recognise that ‘ableism’ still persists in classrooms, in workplaces, in families, and in our language,” he asserts.
“Real change happens when rights are tangible and felt in daily life. We must also stop measuring human worth solely by academic or professional standards. The need is to begin to explore the many levels of intelligence – emotional, social, creative, and intuitive because, every mind has its own kind of brilliance,” he asserts.
According to Siddhant, India still has a long way to go, not only in making spaces accessible but, more critically, in changing mindsets. “Accessibility is not just about ramps and policies; it’s about empathy. Resilience isn't just a personal trait; it is built collectively when love replaces judgment, when compassion replaces fear, and when inclusion becomes a habit, not just a slogan,” states Siddhant.
"Neurodiversity and disability are not deficiencies; they are alternative forms of understanding and interacting with the world. A functioning society must integrate compassion. I want to see India as a nation where being different is not a reason for shame, but a reason for pride. Let us recreate a world where every child, every person, and every being – human or animal – has the right to thrive with dignity, safety, and love. That is the true measure of a resilient society,” concludes Siddhant.
