PANAJI
Phocomelia is a rare congenital disorder causing one or more of a child’s limbs to be short, underdeveloped, or missing. It can vary in type and severity, affecting one or more limbs. In some cases, the hand or foot is directly attached to the trunk. Despite having Phocomelia, 15-year-old Joshua D’Cruz is dreaming big. His disability affects both his lower limbs and his right upper limb. However, he manages everything with his left hand and uses his right hand for support at times. Currently studying in Std XI Science at St Xavier’s Higher Secondary School in Mapusa, Joshua has a very positive approach to life.
“My biggest dream is to get into IIT and study either aerospace or electronic engineering, preferably aerospace. I also want to make a robotic hand for people with disabilities to help them do many things and improve their lives,” shares Joshua, the only child of Johnny and Babita D’Cruz from Moira.
“With Science and Maths as his favourite subjects, Joshua plans to join IIT. He also sings and plays musical instruments, mainly rhythm guitar, bass guitar, and drums. He started playing drums at the age of five, rhythm guitar at nine, and bass guitar at twelve. Joshua was chosen as the school music leader at Holy Cross High School in Bastora. The school created this position just for him. He has composed his own song and performed it at a school function held online during COVID-19. He also played guitar for the school choir in a Christmas Carol singing competition, where the school won fourth place, and he was specially awarded by Bal Bhavan, Panaji,” shares his proud father. “Joshua has two main hobbies “ playing musical instruments and playing football.”
Joshua’s positivity shines through when he says, “First of all, I would like to thank God for this opportunity. It is He who has worked miraculously in my life. My parents are my biggest support. They love me a lot. My father introduced me to music, and my mother helped me with my studies. They have gone out of their way to take care of me and make me happy. My friends and cousins have also played an important role. My cousin sisters made a timetable for me, which helped me study for my SSC board exams. Two of my friends, Jelvin and Jonus, have practised music with me, and we have all progressed together.”
The teachers at Holy Cross High School were very supportive and treated Joshua like any other child. “My teachers encouraged me to study and gave me various opportunities for speeches and to play the guitar,” recalls Joshua. His school friends were also very helpful and supportive, and Joshua even played football with them as a goalkeeper. He suggests that the government and NGOs should make ramps on the beaches and ensure all schools and offices are accessible for people with disabilities.
Speaking about himself, Joshua shares, “I play football, cricket, chess, and carom the most. I have also learnt swimming in Pedem. I am best at music and problem-solving in maths and science. People sometimes react positively, negatively, or neutrally when they see me, but I don’t let their negativity or sympathies affect me. Instead, I smile back and stay positive.”
Joshua’s mother, Babita, feels blessed to have him as her son. “I am proud of him. I trust him. He keeps us lively as he is very humorous,” she says.
Mature for his age, Joshua advises against thinking of suicide even in the worst situations. “I believe that I can do all things as Christ strengthens me. When we create a masterpiece, we would never destroy it. Similarly, no matter what people say or how they react, or even if no one loves you, God will always love you because He created and formed you. Each human being is God’s masterpiece.”
Emphasising that societal perception and response towards disabled persons need a significant shift in awareness, acceptability, and accessibility, Joshua points out that even today, many large buildings are constructed without any access for disabled persons. The implementation of the PWD Act is not enforced, causing great hardship for disabled persons. Accessibility in many schools, shopping complexes, sports complexes, markets, hotels, panchayats, and parks is still lacking. “We must work towards making society inclusive,” concludes the teenager. Joshua is truly an inspiration and an example of courage, with his life carrying the meaningful message, ‘Less is more!’
