Stammering, an idiosyncrasy that has been largely misunderstood, plays a profound role in shaping the lives and identities of those it touches. While the narratives of these experiences may be as diverse as the individuals involved, they all converge on a shared theme—resilience. Today, we bring you the stories of seven such individuals, who’ve charted their own unique paths despite the stutter, emerging not just successful but also proudly owning their stammer.
Meet Aniket Kakade, a 21-year-old Digital Product Designer based in Pune, who transformed his stammering into a strength. He believes his experiences with stammering have fostered empathy, a crucial asset in UX/UI design. There have been instances when his stammering affected his design process, particularly during client interactions or presentations. However, Aniket has always leveraged this as an opportunity to slow down, think, and communicate his ideas more effectively, thereby positively influencing the UX/UI elements of the digital products he designs. He seeks to use this very platform to challenge the representation of stammering in digital media, reinforcing that it’s part of the diverse human experience.
Down south, we have Naveen Kumar, a 28-year-old mechanical engineer from Chennai. His work in the automobile industry demands problem-solving under pressure, and his stammering has only added to his creative approach. Naveen concedes that stammering has affected his workplace interactions and team collaborations. But rather than let it undermine him, he developed strategies to communicate effectively, including patiently waiting for his turn to speak and using gestures to supplement his words. He hopes for more understanding and accommodations for individuals who stammer in the industry.
In the sprawling city of Pune, we also have Neel Adke, a 22-year-old BTech Mechanical Engineer with a passion for Robotics. Neel’s journey with stammering has shaped his approach in the technical field. While there have been challenges in presenting or defending complex robotic concepts, his stammering has sometimes allowed for unexpected advantages—providing extra time to think and articulate his thoughts more precisely. Neel believes his experience with stammering has enriched his creativity in robotic designs and envisions a future where AI could help normalize stammering.
In the heart of India’s capital, New Delhi, resides Chinmay Anand Panigrahi, a 28-year-old Lawyer who believes stammering has added a unique perspective to his profession. Chinmay recalls instances when his stammering led to an unexpected advantage in court, by adding gravitas to his arguments and making people listen more closely. He sees room for more understanding and representation of stammering within the legal profession, advocating for policies that normalize stammering and accommodate those who do.
In the historical city of Kurukshetra, we have the ambitious 18-year-old Ankit Lohan, an MBA student and aspiring entrepreneur. Ankit believes that his stammering has played a significant role in shaping his business approach. It has taught him the importance of patience and persistence, values he hopes to incorporate in his future ventures. Ankit envisions his entrepreneurial journey as a means to normalize the narrative around stammering, transforming perceived weaknesses into strengths.
Next, meet Divyajeet Singh Sabharwal, a 23-year-old finance professional from Ajmer, Rajasthan. Divyajeet’s stammering has shaped his interactions in the finance domain, influencing his negotiation strategies and client interactions. Despite the challenges, his experiences have provided him with unique insights, contributing to his unique approach in the finance sector. Divyajeet sees his journey as an opportunity to influence the finance sector.
From the breathtaking valley of Srinagar, we meet Mohamin Sahil Bin Ameen, a 26-year-old entrepreneur armed with an MBA and a determined spirit. His journey began with a childhood accident, leading to a stutter that became a lifelong companion. Despite the challenges of limited friendships and barriers to communication, Sahil was undeterred. He pursued a degree in engineering and an MBA, weathering the storm of rejection from colleges due to his stammer. He faced humiliation and harassment but emerged with resilience, completing his project on time. Upon discovering that his MBA lacked credibility, Sahil, undaunted, landed a position at an MNC. However, he soon realized the corporate world’s limited understanding of stammering. A chance encounter with another individual who stammered served as Sahil’s catalyst for change. Choosing to step out of his comfort zone, he ventured into entrepreneurship, determined to create a space of awareness and inclusion for individuals with invisible disabilities. Today, his journey serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, portraying stammering not as a limitation but as a stepping stone to remarkable transformation.