Physical disability no barrier for Devang

KANPUR: Devang Agarwal, a meritorious student of Delhi Public School, Azad Nagar, suffers from muscular dystrophy. However, the complex disease only added to his determination to do something big in life. On Monday, he lived his dream by scoring 95.8% in class XII, the results of which were declared by CBSE.

While Devang was supported by his parents at home, his teachers stood by him at school. This made his life simpler. Though confined to a wheelchair, Devang's dreams and mind were never shackled.

"He thinks creatively and despite the odd, has made his school, parents and friends proud. Everybody wanted to get a photo clicked with Devang.

The schoolground came alive after the declaration of results with people wishing Devang on his great achievement," said his teacher.

Interestingly, among the infinity of known genetic diseases that affect human beings, his disease is one that affects one of the most important tissues that impact two virtues most appreciated by the humans: life and independence.

Muscular Dystrophy has affected several people like Devang. But his will power to do something extra in life made Devang score such high marks in the commerce stream. He now wishes to become a chartered accountant. Facts which only friends and family members of Devang know is that he is a leading keyboard player in the city. He likes to play chess.

The proud parents of Devang, Dr AK Agarwal, an orthopaedic surgeon and Dr Manisha Agarwal, a gynecologist had no words to express about the success of their son. The school teachers were very excited that Devang had done so well. The teachers were not surprised that Devang had done so well as he had performed in the similar manner in class X as well. The school principal was all in praise for this bright boy.

Alok Misra, chairman of the school was equally proud of Devang's achievement.

Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease and afflicts one person per one thousand. Muscular dystrophies are categorized as nine. Each type and subtypes have different genetic origins, caused by mutations that result in the total absence, loss, or deficiency of some of the proteins necessary for muscular function. This also leads to deterioration and breakdown of the muscular tissue. The form in which this deterioration develops, its severity and the time in which symptoms appear, varies according to each type and subtype.