CTH Story of Asif Iqbal

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Asif Iqbal is a person who can easily become a role model for many.He has never let his disability come in his way. He has met the former President of India (Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam) to discuss technology initiative which would benefit blind/ visually impaired community.He has won the State role model award in the disability community by governor of West Bengal on December 3, 2007 and the National award constituted by President of India for outstanding disabled employee on December 3, 2008. He works with the help of talking software (JAWS) which provides audio output of computer screen. He uses talking software installed on his cell phone Did you find any problems while you were doing your studies..I mean did lack of infrastructure in the Indian scenario pose any kind of problems for you? Yes, many challenges to overcome and hurdles. How do you manage your day to day activities...a brief description...i.e. with somebody's help or you are able to cope up with routine activities yourself? I have my own techniques of sorting and carrying out with my day to day affair, organizing money, shaving, eating, work out, etc. How do your parents feel about your disability? Don't think they have a choice. Was your marriage an arranged one or was it a love marriage? Arranged but this question is very personal Do you feel excess love and protection are essential for those with physical challenges? Absolutely not; don't believe that fake pity makes any better. Do you feel India is a disabled friendly country?What all needs to be done? Not at all; begin with sensitization Have you ever felt any kind of emotional outbursts or complexes due to your physical status? Yes, many times What are your hobbies or leisure time activities? Eat good food, network with people, make friends. How do you react when somebody pities you? I pity for them. What message you would like to give to the persons suffering from some kind disabilities? Never give up. Have you ever been discriminated because of your disability? Yes many times in the past and am sure many time in the future.

Asif Iqbal Kolkata, West Benagal Education: B.COM, PGDBM MaritalStatus: Married Disability: Visual Impairment Profession: Senior Consultant PricewaterhouseCoopers Pvt Ltd Contact: mohammed.asif.iqbal@in.pwc.com Quick Fire! Favorite movie(s) Forest Gump (English movie) Tare Zameen Par (Hindi Movie) Favorite books Hatchet by (author can't remember) Favorite color Blue Craziest thing that you have ever done in your life Climbing up the 14 feet high wall without much support. Most Valuable thing that you have purchased till now Maruti A star car If you are marooned on an island what 5 things you would like to keep with you My wife, Audio books, Plate of food, Mp3 player, clothes Favorite food Continental, Indian such as Biryani Your biggest strength Never giving up attitude If you take birth again, who would you like to be born as Sorry, I don't believe in reincarnation The thing(s) that you hate People who don't value time. The first thing you do right after waking up in the morning Say to myself; It is going to be a great day Inshallah The last thing you before falling asleep in the night Take my medicines You prefer sons or daughters I would prefer daughter Oft-repeated word/sentence by you Drive your effort to achieve your dream come true."Dream and Drive" If world is going to be destroyed in next 5 minutes. What would you do during this time Call my parent and say that I love you, Apologize to my wife for any wrong doing. What was your resolution on the new year To lose weight. The best gift that somebody can offer to you Audio books The town/country that you want to visit Europe If you can meet one person of your choice, dead or alive, known or not, who would this be PM, Manmohan Singh If you could change one thing your past, what would it be Nothing