If you’re a sucker for good representation and haven't watched Bridgerton yet, where have you been < Back Neurodiversity, Media, Disability Bridgerton: Disability representation reviewed by Aditi Gangrade If you’re a sucker for good representation and haven't watched Bridgerton yet, where have you been Aditi Gangrade 26 Aug 2024 1-min read I often see filmmakers use disability and neurodiversity as a plot to tell stories where the disability is shown as “the problem” that needs to be overcome. More often than not, these portrayals are ableist. But Bridgerton flipped the narrative. For those of you who don’t know the disabled and neurodivergent characters in Bridgerton, let's have a look: Lord Remmington, played by Zak Ford-Williams, is a wheelchair user. The actor is also disabled in real life. Dolores Stowell and her mother Lady Stowell are both deaf and played by the deaf actors Kitty Devlin and Sophie Wooley. They communicate in British Sign Language in the show. Francesca Bridgerton played by Hannah Dodd is said to be autistic-coded. And her sister Eloise Bridgerton played by Claudia Jessie appears to be ADHD-coded. Simon Basset played by Regé-Jean Page is shown to have speech disfluency as a kid and is ostracised by his own father for having a disability. Lady Danbury, played by the actor Adjoa Andoh uses a cane in the show and lives with dyspraxia in real life. King George lives with a mental illness and is played by James Fleet. And lastly, this character seemed very neurodivergent when I watched the show and when I looked him up I found out he has ADHD and dyslexia - Luke Newton who plays Colin Bridgerton. All these characters are a natural part of society in the show. Their identities, their experiences are just naturally a part of the story. And that's something I really expect from more shows. Even if your stories and plots are about something totally different, show the natural diversity that exists all around us. Include people who've been marginalised and badly represented in the past. Represent them well. The power of films and shows is immense. Imagine a kid with a disability watching shows on OTTs and TV and seeing a character who's like them. It just changes how people grow up thinking about themselves. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Ira reflects on parenting, mental health, and emotional silences in Indian homes < Back Health, Parenting, News “In 27 Years, I’ve Never Seen My Mother Cry”: Ira Khan Ira reflects on parenting, mental health, and emotional silences in Indian homes MMS Staff 5 Aug 2025 4-min read In the very first episode of Parenting Aaj Kal, a new Hindi podcast by Much Much Media, mental health advocate Ira Khan shared something striking. “In 27 years, I’ve never seen my mother cry,” she said. Ira Khan on Parenting Aaj Kal The moment was quiet but heavy. It touched on something deeply familiar to many Indian families: the absence of emotional expression, the silence around vulnerability, and the quiet expectation to always “hold it together.” Ira Khan has publicly spoken about her own mental health journey before. But on Parenting Aaj Kal, she went deeper, describing what depression looked like for her and how it was received at home. “I would either sleep for 18 hours or not at all. Until I stopped eating food, I didn’t ask for help,” she shared. Ira also shared the mental health journey of her parents actor Aamir Khan and producer Reena Dutta. What stood out in Ira’s reflection wasn’t the lack of love, but the emotional distance that can exist even in supportive households. “My mother never cried. Not for a movie, not for a death, not for anything. And four weeks ago, I realised this for the first time. So I called her and asked: what is happening?” Reena’s response? “My therapist told me to show my emotions, but I was scared you would be scared again.” This fear, of burdening children, of making them anxious, leads many Indian parents to suppress their own emotions. But in doing so, they often model emotional silence as the norm. And children learn quickly: Don’t cry. Don’t talk. Don’t feel too much. The mirror effect: when parents don’t emote, children won’t either Dr Vibha Krishnamurthy, host of Parenting Aaj Kal and one of India’s most respected developmental paediatricians, emphasises how emotional expression, or the lack of it, shapes a child’s emotional literacy. Dr Vibha Krishnamurthy on Parenting Aaj Kal “Parents tell me, ‘In our time, we never had therapy. We had thappad (slap) therapy or hawaii chappal (slipper) therapy.’ But what is therapy, really?” she asks with a wry smile. “If we never talk about sadness, grief, anxiety, how will children learn that these feelings are okay to have?” This learned emotional suppression, often seen as resilience, can be counterproductive. It can delay intervention, isolate children, and perpetuate cycles of silence. Depression doesn’t always look like sadness Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Pervin Dadachanji, who joins the episode alongside Ira and Dr Vibha, offers clinical insights into how mental health often goes unnoticed in young people. “Children don’t always ‘look’ sad when they’re struggling,” she explains. Dr Pervin Dadachanji on Parenting Aaj Kal “It often shows up as irritation, boredom, or disinterest. What we dismiss as bad behaviour or laziness could be a sign of emotional distress.” She recounts how many parents come in when their child’s academic performance drops, not realising that emotional wellbeing is often the underlying issue. “The first thing I ask is: what’s going on in this child’s life?” Why conversations around mental health in families matter At its heart, Parenting Aaj Kal is a show about making space. For questions, for emotions, and for a kind of parenting that’s rooted in presence not perfection. The show is created in Hindi, specifically to reach Indian households that might shy away from conversations around mental health because they feel “too Western” or “too dramatic.” Ira’s honesty, paired with the clinical wisdom of Dr Vibha and Dr Pervin, makes the first episode a powerful listen. It’s not just about one person’s story... it’s about breaking patterns many of us have grown up with. As Ira puts it: “There’s too much pressure to be good at everything. To make my parents happy, I thought I had to come first. Earlier, it was 50 people. Now, because of social media, it feels like I’m competing with the whole world.” Dr Pervin and Ira Khan on Parenting Aaj Kal Rewriting what strength looks like at home In India, we’ve long mistaken emotional withholding for maturity, and silence for strength. But children, like all of us, need models. If their parents never express sadness, they might grow up believing that feeling sad is wrong. If their parents never cry, they may think crying is a weakness. And if no one ever talks about what’s hard, they may never learn how to ask for help. As Dr Pervin says: “There’s a saying in English: Name it to tame it. If we talk about our feelings, they don’t spiral. But if we don’t express them, no one will know, and support never arrives.” Watch the Full Episode Parenting Aaj Kal is available in Hindi on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify The first episode features Ira Khan, Dr. Vibha Krishnamurthy, and Dr. Pervin Dadachanji, and is a must-watch for parents, educators, and anyone looking to make emotional safety a part of everyday life. Because maybe the most powerful thing we can give our children… is the permission to feel. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

A candid conversation with two siblings about rivalry, breaking societal norms, and understanding each other < Back Gender, Neurodiversity Sisterhood with Neurodivergence: Shreya & Roshni’s lived experience A candid conversation with two siblings about rivalry, breaking societal norms, and understanding each other Swara Swami 23 Aug 2024 11-min read Shreya (33, she/ her, neurodivergent) and her sister Roshni (30, she/ her, allistic) speak to Much Much Spectrum about their growing up years. Interviewer: Can you both share a little bit about yourselves and your relationship as sisters growing up and how has your bond evolved over the years? Shreya: Well, I think I should start with the story of this picture. When Roshni was just born, she was on Amma's lap. Actually she's supposed to be on Amma's lap, but I have pushed her away and she's crying and I have taken my place on my mother's lap and I'm feeling very happy about it. So essentially that kind of sums up our childhood. We used to fight a lot. Because that's what siblings do. But we also used to chill a lot together and play on the computer and have Shrewsbury biscuits while we did it. So we had a lot of these rituals, like making midnight snacks together and things like that. But we also fought a lot. But when I moved to Ahmedabad to do my master's, I think that is when we became really close when we started living in different cities. Roshni would come and visit me and stay with me on campus and then in the various other cities I have lived in. So I think that is when we became super close and we both are the first person we go to. At least for me, she's the first person I go to with any major issue. We are very similar yet very, very different people. So I think it is a little complementary and also we have a lot of shared interests. So we definitely bond on that. Roshni introduced me to Taylor Swift. We, in general, all of us enjoy food that is one of the things we bond over. And dogs, books. Yes. A lot of books. Interviewer: Roshni, do you also have something to share about your relationship with Shreya? Roshni: I definitely agree with most of the things that she has said. We were not very close while growing up because I'm the younger sister. Distance makes the heart grow fonder, so I genuinely feel like we had those special special moments when we would be cooking together, rather, Shreya would be cooking and I would be cleaning. Before I became a teenager, things were quite different. I was a little bit scared of her, but we got very, very close and actually became friends after she moved out. Shreya: I forgot to say that I was not nice to Roshni when we grew up. I thought, “Oh, you must bully your younger sister. And it was… not nice. It's an important thing to mention because there are not really very great templates around there for sibling relationships, which are not opposing genders. Roshni: On that note, as Shreya mentioned in the picture, she has pushed me off. You can see I'm crying. And she's very, very happy. Interviewer: Could you tell us about your neurodivergence discovery and the journey? Shreya: It was mostly me reading up. I would say it is thanks to the Internet, but because I was reading a lot about the Autism Awareness Month and I read up a couple of articles and I thought that those behavioural traits in adults correlated to our father. I spoke to Roshni about it, and when we spoke to Amma about it, we were like, ‘Oh my God, this makes sense.’ But this was a year before I asked to be assessed and then I didn't think about it. But it was like a niggling thing in the back of my head. Then I started correlating that behaviour across generations of my family. So then I asked my therapist if she could do an assessment and she was like, sure. And I didn't know what to think going in. And I was like, I don't know why I'm asking for this because do I even deserve to take this? What is this? What am I thinking? So then when the results came, it surprised both of us. I think also my therapist, because she'd been my therapist for four years. Once I got assessed as being autistic, I read up a lot and that also made a lot of sense to me. I understood a lot about my childhood and I read a bunch of books, starting with ‘Aspergirls’ by Rudy Simone and then ‘Unmasking Autism’ by Devon Price. I would share all of this with Roshni and Amma and they would be like, yes, okay, this makes a lot more sense. About a year or so later, I took on the ADHD assessments and that also came about and I was like, this is very true. Interviewer: So Roshni, how has Shreya's discovery/ diagnosis changed your dynamic with her? Roshni: I think this conversation is when I think I really started thinking about autism. And so many years of the last few years have been spent in just educating myself. I am also a music educator. I work in a private capacity, so I do work with a few children with diverse needs. So her assessment really, really did help in a professional sense for me to kind of work with the kids that I do, but, wow, sorry, I'm… I feel like I'm blabbering. Shreya: No, you're not. It's okay. It's completely fine. What you're saying is very relevant. Roshni: I think the biggest thing in the beginning was to educate myself and read up more, so whatever material and resources Shreya was sharing, I was making it a point to read them. It really did make a lot of sense. I think she tried to point it out to me, do you remember when this happened when I was younger or this happened? I was like, no, but I was younger than her. So I barely remember, you know, her experiences and meltdowns, so to speak. But it really made a lot of sense the way she is. Since then, I think I've just wanted to be her advocate, especially, you know, in our immediate family because not everyone is as proactive about educating themselves. I think I'm a lot more sensitive to how she is feeling, especially any sort of overstimulation. I feel like when she's around, it's like my ears are also picking up these frequencies. I need to ensure that, for example, at home when we are sitting together and watching TV anytime the volume spikes, the volume is reduced to ensure that she's feeling okay. Interviewer: Shreya, do you have something to share also? Shreya: No. Oh, I would just say that it has just become, I think, better because the understanding is now deeper. And I feel like I can be a very confusing person to be around for a lot of people, but I feel like the assessment has helped understand some of it. This may be something that Roshni has been doing for a long time, but I feel like now she is… someone you can rely on without having to explain too much when you are overstimulated in, say, family gatherings or generally just sitting at home and watching TV. So that aspect really helps because there are very few people in my immediate family or immediate surroundings who actually understand it. So it is nice to not have to open your mouth and explain it. Interviewer: So how do you both support and care for each other? Shreya: We were visiting family in Delhi in December. And it was super social for about a few days. And the last day I just, I could barely talk. I was like, I'm done. I'm done with this world. So Roshni really took on even talking to the cab guy and telling him where we had to go. And there were some physical tasks to be done. She kind of took it on. She also got me coffee. A lot of that is a big way that she has, I think, shown care towards me. I don't want it to be like Roshni is in service to me constantly, but I feel like I also like it when I'm staying with her. Then I make her chai and meals because for me doing things is showing love and care. Roshni: I think if you have ever met Shreya, especially in a house setting, it doesn't matter whose house it is, you'll definitely have multiple cups of chai, which she will make, and there will be at least one snack. Whatever is there in the kitchen, she'll make something. And that is her love language. It has always been, I think, like all of the midnight snacks also. She bakes, she cooks, for it doesn't matter who comes through the door. Actually, most people. With us also, there are weekly FaceTime calls. Sometimes we call each other and give each other the most random updates. And sometimes we just exist on FaceTime together for about 15 minutes to an hour. She is my council, she is my lighthouse. I feel like the reason why I knew I could marry my partner is because Shreya had approved of him. Any major decisions in life, I feel like I need to run by her because she has a very x-ray type scan view of things. And it's great to have such a clear voice sometimes telling you what you might not want to hear or see. So that way I feel like that's how we care for each other. Shreya: When Roshni’s partner is not there, we are just each other’s extended plus ones. And Roshni is also nicer to people than I am. So it's nice to go with her to family functions. People are nice to me also, obviously, but I feel like they're a little scared of me. But everyone is always nice to Roshni, so it's nice to be around her. But I think we balance each other out. There's a fair amount of overstimulation that happens for Roshni also. We have left a lot of weddings and gone to cafes and restaurants and just sat there. Interviewer: Despite being the elder sister, Shreya, you mentioned that your sister is often seen as the older one because of her presentation. Tell us more about the differences in your presentation. Neurodivergent people are often considered way younger than their age because of how we present. How do you both feel about this? Shreya: First of all, we both wear big glasses and we both have short hair. And we both speak in a similar manner. So lots of people also say that we look similar. But I think this really stood out to us once when we were in Chennai visiting some relatives and somebody was like, ‘Oh, I'm pointing to Roshni asking if she's the older one’, which was very strange and she's gotten annoyed and that has just increased in occurrence since then. But because I also almost always have coloured hair, I don't know if people are seeing that and seeing things because of it. And now I have a lot of tattoos. But I don't know why that points to making me look younger. But yeah, it's strange because I'm like, what are the markers of it? Roshni: Yeah, I think it could be, I mean, some people also think it's the height thing. I'm fractionally taller than Shreya. In the beginning I used to get a little annoyed. Because I was like, ‘Oh my God, but look at my face.’ I have such a baby face, but I don't care about it anymore. It's fine. Shreya: That is true. Roshni: Yeah, and I think the way we dress also has something to do with it. I am quite boring in my fashion on a day to day basis. Like when Shreya is around, things get brightened up as a proxy effect, I guess. But because she's always, she expresses herself sometimes through her clothing and the hair colour. The last one of the weddings we went to in 2021 or 22, some people asked Shreya that, and she had a bunch of green hair at that time. It was green, right Shreya? Shreya: Whose wedding? Roshni: This was Varun's wedding. Shreya: Varun's wedding? Roshni: Yeah. Shreya: I had some coloured hair, but it wasn't green. I think it was purple or pink. Life stage wise, as per traditional societal life stage, I am not married and I don't have kids and I'm 33 and there are very few people I know my age who are like this, which is very strange in India. But I feel like that also shows. And the tonality of talking. But I feel like this may also play into why people think I am younger in general. It doesn't make sense. Interviewer: Can you both share a message to families/ siblings where one is neurodivergent and the other is not. Roshni: I'll just repeat what I said earlier, which is, educating oneself is the most important thing you can do as the first step. If anyone in your family is assessed, provide support in whatever way is possible. And, I once brought this up in therapy actually, I don't know sometimes how to help my sister or how to advocate for her. I feel like in some situations it's very sticky and the best piece of advice she's ever given me is to just ask her what she wants. So I think educating oneself and ensuring that you are asking questions and giving the support that a person needs and not just kind of preemptively giving them support based on what you think they need. Shreya: Asking, as you said, but also being willing to listen. Because I feel like when a neurodivergent sibling says something, a lot of what we say is very, very surprising to people because of the experiences, because if everyone has experienced the same thing, the way people experience it can be very, very different. So I feel like sometimes being generally better at listening and believing the other person that, okay, yeah, this is what they got out of the situation… I think that really helps. But I feel like if someone has grown up with a neurodivergent sibling in any case, they would always know that there are a lot of things that their family does, or that they would do as siblings, that are not usual and that are anyway designed to cope with the other person's neurodivergence. So like you have already been living with it. Now when we think about our family and we realise we are so strange, all of us, and we all do these things also that are so strange. And I realised when I talk to my friends' families that they don't have naturally strange families. So… these things. So, just embrace it and believe in the other person. That's all. Shreya is a media professional and podcaster. You can check out her podcast 'At Odds' here . Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

No coaching. No resources. A state scheme and Collector backed Yogeshwari Selvam's IIT dream < Back Disability, Education, News From rural TN to IIT-B: Disabled girl to study aerospace engineering No coaching. No resources. A state scheme and Collector backed Yogeshwari Selvam's IIT dream MMS Staff 20 Jun 2025 3-min read When 17-year-old Yogeshwari Selvam from rural Tamil Nadu secured a seat in Aerospace Engineering at IIT Bombay, it was a revolutionary moment for India’s public education system. A disabled girl from a Tamil-medium government school, with no access to private coaching, cracking one of the country’s toughest entrance exams in her first attempt? In a landscape where structural disadvantage is often treated as personal failure, Yogeshwari’s story is one of what’s possible not when you “defy the odds,” but when the system starts to work. A spark in a small village Yogeshwari hails from Padanthal village in Virudhunagar district. Her father works in a tea stall, and her mother is employed in a fireworks factory, both part of Tamil Nadu’s working-class backbone that quietly sustains the state’s economy. Education was always a priority in the Selvam household. Her two older brothers made it through college, and Yogeshwari was determined to follow but with a dream that seemed impossibly distant: to study aerospace engineering. The spark came early. “I developed an interest in space during Class 7,” she says. “I didn’t even know what aerospace engineering meant exactly but I knew I wanted to study it.” It wasn’t until Class 12 that she even heard of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the national-level entrance test required to enter the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). “I got to know about JEE through the Kalloori Kanavu program,” she says, referring to a career awareness initiative under the Tamil Nadu government’s Naan Mudhalvan scheme, which introduces government school students to competitive exams, college streams, and career options. For Yogeshwari, it was a turning point. State support and 40 days of opportunity She was among the 230 students from government schools selected for specialised crash coaching funded by the Virudhunagar District Collector’s office. The classes were held in Erode, over a 40-day period after her plus-two exams. Until then, Yogeshwari had studied in Tamil medium and had never attended English-language instruction. “The training was in English. It was difficult in the beginning,” she admits. “But I picked it up little by little just by staying focused.” She secured the 75th rank under the Differently-Abled (OBC non-creamy layer) category in JEE (Advanced) and with it, a seat at IIT Bombay. Representation, not resilience Yogeshwari’s story is often framed as one of resilience. And it is. But it is also about representation of government school students, disabled students, rural girls, and Tamil-medium learners in elite Indian institutions that have historically excluded them. Yogeshwari credits District Collector VP Jeyaseelan for helping her realise this path was possible. Through the Coffee with Collector initiative, she and other students had the rare chance to meet a government official who treated their dreams with seriousness. “The Collector told us the State would take care of our education,” she says. “That made my parents more confident.” She also thanks Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for launching schemes like Naan Mudhalvan, calling them a “boon for children from poor families.” But her journey is also a reflection of how much invisible labour students like her must still do, navigating caste, class, disability, and language barriers just to be seen as deserving of the same shot at excellence. Disability, not inability It’s worth noting that Yogeshwari is disabled, though most media coverage around her barely addresses this beyond a category label. In a system where disabled children are routinely segregated or written off, Yogeshwari’s admission into IIT is not a “miracle”. It’s a sign that when disabled students are included in mainstream education with proper support, they thrive. Disability-inclusive coaching, accessible content, and sensitivity training are still missing from many such interventions, a gap that Tamil Nadu’s education policy must now begin to address if it wants more Yogeshwaris to succeed. Looking to the skies What lies ahead for Yogeshwari? She speaks with confidence. “I want to work at ISRO one day,” she says. “Sunita Williams and Kalpana Chawla are my role models. If they can do it, so can I.” But she’s not chasing glory, she’s chasing possibility. And in doing so, she’s also become one: for millions of young girls across India who are told their dreams are too big for their village, their gender, their disability, or their mother tongue. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

This men’s health week, our community addresses men’s health, fertility issues & toxic masculinity < Back Community, Health, Gender The men's health issues that aren't talked about This men’s health week, our community addresses men’s health, fertility issues & toxic masculinity MMS Staff 17 Jun 2024 3-min read June 12 - 18 this year is Men’s Health Week. The occasion aims to raise awareness about preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases in men. The timing coincides with Father's Day to leverage the increased attention on men's health around that holiday. We all know the importance of regular checkups and prostate cancer screenings, but what about the other things impacting men's health and well-being? This Men's Health Week, we're taking a deep dive into the health issues that often get swept under the rug for guys. We asked our community: “What are some things about men’s health that aren’t spoken about enough?” And here’s what they said - Fertility issues Mental health is associated with fertility issues! When a couple faces trouble getting pregnant, it is NOT always a physiological issue with the female partner. Fertility issues do arise because of the male partner and when diagnosed, there is a tiny section of men who are open to working on it physically, mentally and emotionally for the wellbeing of the couple and their future as parents. But I have observed that is the case only with the wise few. Some men seem to perceive it as an attack on their masculinity! They live in shame and/ or denial and project their internal chaos onto their partners and the people around them, leading to depression, aggression, emotional turbulence, mood swings, and eventually poor physical health and a broken marriage/ relationship. I believe that with the right medical treatment for their fertility issues, seeking therapy for their mental health is also essential, along with lots of patience, strength to break the stigma, and love for self and others. That's how miracles are made! Being a man is much more than what makes you male. Your masculinity isn't something that needs proving. Please take care of yourselves. ❤️ - Manisha Manoharan Health awareness I think the transitions in life and its impact, that is never spoken of. Men in general do not really have much self awareness of health to be honest. And for those who do, find it hard to accept. - Shubhoneet Chatterjee Self-care and preventative care. I'm so tired of men dismissing their own health. - @mariemakesart The way the change in Women's health and empowerment reshapes their (men’s) health and empowerment. - @corne.lia.444 Sexual abuse Men and boys survive sexual abuse as well and usually do not have a safe person or space to talk about it and receive support. Which compounds the trauma. - @hermitnorthernwoods Toxic masculinity Conforming to patriarchal norms of masculinity. ‘And boys don’t cry’ - @ms.eshaleemadgavkar Being able to cry, which is going against the norm, a brave thing to do, to me is manly af. - @16_thunderstorm Mental health and trauma Victims of domestic violence, depression. How they are so called ‘not allowed’ to feel emotion even though they are human. - @qveenora3 Men are never allowed to feel their emotions let alone express them. Also child sexual abuse is higher for boys but goes unreported. - @metalpsychologist Men’s mental health. Depression in men. So many men go through depression alone. The pressure of masculinity ensures that men neither talk about it nor take the required rest and self care. - @riceinmybelly Everything, they just don’t talk. - @kieranshepard69 Consent Infant circumcision is non-consensual genital mutilation. - @wdc_nathan Body image Struggles with body-image, for example small hands and height. (I'm a woman but that's something I've seen a lot) - @ma.thilde7569 As Men's Health Week comes to a close, it's clear that the journey toward better health is far from over. The insights shared by our community highlight a range of issues — from mental health and fertility to the impact of societal expectations — that deserve more attention and action. Men's health is multifaceted, and addressing it effectively requires breaking down the barriers of silence and stigma that often surround these topics. For better health outcomes, it is important for men to seek regular medical advice, engage openly with health professionals, and embrace self-care practices that include mental, emotional, and physical health. It's equally important for society to reshape its understanding of masculinity, allowing men the space to express vulnerabilities without judgement. Creating more awareness programs, enhancing access to mental health services, and encouraging open discussions about health at all ages can help this generation of men and next. Let’s provide better health education, and dismantle the toxic norms that hinder men’s health. What are some topics about men's health that you think need to be urgently addressed. Tell us in the comments below. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Former Chief Justice opens up about how most Indian homes remain unfit for disabled people < Back Disability, News, Parenting India isn’t built for the Disabled — DY Chandrachud Former Chief Justice opens up about how most Indian homes remain unfit for disabled people MMS Staff 19 Apr 2025 3-min read When the 50th Chief Justice of India Dr DY Chandrachud recently spoke about his struggle to find an accessible home for his daughters with disabilities, it wasn’t just a personal anecdote, it was a national wake-up call. Speaking at a recent event on disability rights, Chandrachud said, “We have two beautiful daughters who are children with special needs. But every house we go to is just not equipped for a family with disabled members.” Chandrachud, who must vacate his official residence by April 30, shared that his family has been actively searching for a home to rent. But the options, even in India’s capital, are startlingly inaccessible. “We saw a lovely house today,” he said. “But the rooms were at different levels, separated by a step. And the landlord said, ‘I’ll put a wooden ramp,’ not realising that accessibility isn’t just about connecting Level 0 to Level 1. It’s much more.” When the system fails the system The irony is hard to miss. Here is one of the most powerful men in India’s judiciary, someone who has presided over landmark rulings on disability rights, now confronting the very barriers he has spent years trying to dismantle. If Chandrachud and his family are facing these obstacles, what about the millions of Indians with disabilities who lack the same influence, resources, or legal knowledge? A country still not built for disabled people India passed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD) in 2016. The law mandates accessibility in buildings, transport, communication, and digital services. But implementation has lagged. Budget allocations remain inadequate, and public and private infrastructures alike continue to ignore basic design standards. Where they exist, accessible infrastructure is patchy. Ramps, if present, are often too steep. Elevators are missing or non-functional. Tactile paving is placed in arbitrary directions. Toilets are not usable for wheelchair users. And in most Indian homes, steps at the entrance or inside rooms make independent living nearly impossible. The issue is not a lack of laws but a lack of will, societal understanding, and inclusive design. From the courtroom to the community To be clear, Chandrachud is no stranger to the disability rights movement. As Chief Justice, he delivered the 2017 judgment in the Rajiv Rathod case, directing states to draft comprehensive accessibility plans. He also established the Supreme Court Accessibility Committee in 2022, and released the Supreme Court’s Disability Handbook in 2023, guiding judges on disability-inclusive jurisprudence. At the event, he emphasised that law alone is not enough. “Courts can only go so far,” he said. “There must be incentives — like tax benefits — for accessible design. And there should be monetary sanctions, not criminal ones, for non-compliance.” He also addressed the need for empathy-led judiciary reforms, supporting the idea of benches that understand disability rights, even if not exclusively dedicated to them. Who designs for whom? India’s cities — its homes, schools, airports, parks, courts, and buses — are largely designed for the non-disabled. For the 26.8 million disabled people in India (as per Census 2011, though estimates are likely much higher), the world outside is often a series of closed doors. And while accessibility is often painted as a “special need,” it is, in fact, a universal need. An elderly person recovering from surgery, a parent pushing a stroller, a delivery worker carrying heavy loads... everyone benefits from barrier-free design. A moment of reckoning That it took a former Chief Justice’s personal housing struggle to reignite this conversation says something about the invisibilisation of disabled voices in public discourse. The path forward Chandrachud concluded with a note of quiet urgency: “Disability law cuts across the whole of society. It’s not like insolvency law, which requires niche expertise. What it requires is understanding and design that respects dignity.” Until then, the former Chief Justice — and millions of disabled Indians — will keep encountering steps where there should have been bridges. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Exploring the intersection of gender, sexuality, and neurodivergence where fluidity and individuality thrive < Back Neurodiversity, Gender, LGBTQIA+ Being atypical isn’t a deficit: My Neuroqueer identity Exploring the intersection of gender, sexuality, and neurodivergence where fluidity and individuality thrive Soumya Mishra 28 Jul 2024 5-min read A few years back when I attended a workshop, one of my fellow participants addressed me by “they” pronoun, and I felt incredibly seen at that moment. Up until then, I was internally struggling to accept the non-binary messiness of gender, even though growing up I have had plenty of instances when I felt like a square peg being forced into a round hole situation. When it comes to discourses around gender, sexuality or neurodivergence, we often come across the word “spectrum.” The idea behind “spectrum” is that it encompasses a range of understandings, views and opinions on these subjects. But what if, instead of a range, it was a vast universe where everyone could be whatever they wanted? Each individual is a unique star and can be their most authentic self here. That’s what the neuroqueer space means to me. My relationship with gender, sexuality and neurodivergence is deeply neuroqueer. The neuroqueer space is a radical space where non-conformist notions concerning gender, sexuality and neurodivergence are celebrated, which is in contrast to a world where cis-heteronormativity and neuronormativity are enforced. Being neurodivergent means seeing and interacting with the world in atypical ways. And since neurodivergence affects how I see and interact with the world, it has also shaped my understanding of gender and sexuality. Usually, gender identity is constructed from a neurotypical lens, completely disregarding neurodivergent perspectives. However, neurodivergent folx experience a queering of the mind. So neatly defined identity labels based on neurotypical standards such as “boy,” “girl,” “man” and “woman” mean differently to many of us. Even as an adult, there are parts of me that are more childlike than others around me. This entails how I experience and express my feelings, my innate curiosity or whimsical behaviour. And this has invited comments and infantilisation from those around me. For instance, I’m often told I seem much younger than my age because my behaviour doesn’t coincide with what is considered age-appropriate. So from my neuroqueer perspective, even the construction of cis-gender identity is complex, and sometimes, it is closer to the idea of queerness as it defies what is perceived as “normal.” Now, while I started using “she/ they” pronouns initially to be more inclusive and break the gender binary, overtime it has become more than that. “They” can be both singular and plural; it’s fluid. I’m an individual whose identity has been shaped by numerous experiences, which can be truly understood by understanding the context. To me, “she/ they” makes room for all that and more. So even though I’ve been socialised as a “woman,” there are moments when I feel the term does not encapsulate all my feelings. As neuroqueerness celebrates fluidity, it has given me the space to explore the idea of gender away from neurotypicality. In addition, by virtue of my asexuality, I experience little to no sexual attraction. But I’m romantically attracted towards two or more genders, which is atypical in this allonormative society that reinforces compulsory sexuality and heteronormativity. My asexuality requires no “fixing.” Like my neurodivergence, my asexuality, too, subverts the normative culture, but both of them are described in terms of “lacks.” While asexuality is commonly described as an absence of sexual attraction, neurodivergence is defined as having social impairments. But, being atypical isn’t a deficit. Feminist theorist Bell Hooks wrote: “‘Queer’ not as being about who you’re having sex with (that can be a dimension of it); but ‘queer’ as being about the self that is at odds with everything around it and that has to invent and create and find a place to speak and to thrive and to live.” Building on her argument around queerness, when queer theory and the neurodiversity paradigm inform one another, there is a further queering of the body and the mind. In this resulting transformative space, which is the neuroqueer space, normative understanding of gender, sexuality and neurodivergence can be challenged. My neuroqueer bodymind isn’t fixed or singular, nor does it exist in a vacuum. It has been shaped by numerous experiences and can only be understood by situating my experiences contextually. In their book Authoring Autism, M Remi Yergeau eloquently argues, “Neuroqueering signifies a generous and inter-bodily gesturing, one that postures beyond brains, bones, and dermis; one that waves in a plurality of identities, orientations, affective stances, and lived experiences, modes ranging from autism to deafness to trauma to asexuality.” Simply put, to me, neuroqueering is resisting neatly defined categories and creating a space where even the messier parts of myself can thrive without giving in to binaries. Neuroqueerness problematises neat identity labels, making room for fluidity and plurality of identities, orientations and lived experiences by disrupting cis-heteronormativity and neuronormativity as well as defying societal expectations around what is considered “normal” and “abnormal.” My lived experiences and the journey I’ve undertaken to reach here are complex and difficult to disentangle from one another. “Neuroqueer” is all-encompassing without restrictive labels and diagnoses. It’s a space where I can make sense of my neuroqueer bodymind, connect with folx who’ve similar lived realities, and be a part of a community to experience a sense of belongingness. Glossary: Neuroqueer - It is both an identity and a verb. An individual who diverges from dominant societal norms, considers them to be neurologically queer, rejecting normative ideas around gender, sexuality and neurocognitive functioning. Neuronormativity - Upholding a set of rules, values and ideas around neuro-cognitive functioning which suggest that certain types of behaviour are normal, while others are not. Cis-heteronormativity - The idea that being cis-gender and heterosexual is the norm and such people are superior in society. Neurotypicality - The state of not being associated with neurodivergent behaviours. Asexuality - A type of sexual orientation wherein people experience little to no sexual attraction towards others, but may or may not engage in sexual activity. Allonormative - The idea that all human beings experience sexual and romantic attraction, and that’s the norm. Soumya Mishra (she/ they) is a neuroqueer development sector professional with over 6 years of work experience, who is primarily interested in leveraging digital mediums to amplify marginalised voices, bridge existing gaps, promote inclusivity and accessibility. Their work and approaches are informed by their lived experiences. Building a community and fostering a sense of belongingness have been crucial in Soumya's work approach. As a personal project, they're also building a podcast — Atypical Dikkatein — to chronicle the stories of queer-disabled folx in India as these stories are often relegated to the margins. Follow Soumya on LinkedIn Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Paramjeet Bisht of Uttarakhand practised his race walking only past 9 pm to avoid judgemental onlookers < Back News Youth ridiculed for ‘funny walking style’ represents India at Paris '24 Paramjeet Bisht of Uttarakhand practised his race walking only past 9 pm to avoid judgemental onlookers MMS Staff 3 Aug 2024 1-min read A 23-year-old resident of Uttarakhand - teased by the residents of his village for his ‘funny’ gait - represented India yesterday in the men’s final of the 20-kilometre walk at Paris Olympics 2024. On Thursday, Paramjeet Singh Bisht reportedly finished 37th in the 20 km men’s final where he took part alongside two other Indians - Vikash Singh and Akshdeep Singh. A native of Khalla village in Chamoli district Uttarakhand, Bisht used the roads of his village to practise for the event when they were secluded past 9 pm every day. He wanted to avoid the gaze of the other villagers, who ridiculed him for his ‘funny walking style,’ Bisht has said . “They would often laugh at me... as they were not aware it’s a globally recognised sport.” While Bisht clocked 1 hour, 23 minutes and 48 seconds in the finals, Singh crossed the finish line in 1 hour, 22 minutes and 36 seconds, and Akshdeep pulled out of the race around the 6-kilometre mark. Bisht presently holds the national record for the under-17 and under-19 men’s 5-kilometre walk events. In 2022, he joined the Indian Navy as a senior secondary recruit. “It was a great journey for me,” Bisht simply wrote on his Instagram after the race. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

The global autistic community shares how they respond to dismissive and ableist comments < Back Community, Neurodiversity Best responses to - “But you don’t look autistic” The global autistic community shares how they respond to dismissive and ableist comments MMS Staff 8 Jun 2024 5-min read Have you ever disclosed your autism to someone, only to have them drill holes in your head with their eyes and give you the classic, "But you don't look autistic" refrain? Though seemingly harmless, this line is more than just a misunderstanding. It shows a deep lack of awareness about the vast spectrum of autistic experiences. For many autistic people, comments like these are hurtful. When our autism goes unrecognized, it leads to a lack of crucial support. We might struggle in social situations or sensory overload without receiving the help that can make a huge difference. Not to mention this also takes its toll on our mental health. Imagine constantly being told a core part of you isn't valid, or being asked to prove your neurodivergence. Makes you feel isolated, confused and even depressed. We've said before, we'll say it again - Autism is a neurological difference, not a physical appearance. Autistic people exist in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. So, the next time someone throws that outdated comment your way, be prepared to respond with confidence and a touch of humor! How? Read on - Our amazing community shared some fantastic responses to "But you don't look autistic". We've written their comments down alongside their Instagram profiles. Oh! I have detachable wings and left them at home today - @ alt.life .immycool Sorry, I'm sharing my autism with a friend right now, so it might be diluted - @charlielittlechild It's so clear to see if you know Autism - @jackie_steed Decides who?! - @karolincze That’s an inside thought Karen … - @aglaematl You don't look like a burden - @le_randomiseur How about now? hand flaps "maybe you can only see it under a black light? - @cantstanja Your observation skills are rather poor, dear. Might I suggest some glasses to help you see my autism? - @yagamilight3000 Do you want me to say “thanks”…? - @karolincze We can't all be Rain Man or the Good Doctor, Karen. - @olivia.shorthair And you don’t look ignorant but here we are - @emhope98 Alright so have you ever heard about specific interests? Mine is [followed by a five minute monologue about very precise information]. Do I look more autistic to you now? If not, you might question your own spectrum. - @lelune_akemi Yes I do! Whether you say I do or not I still do and it will never change! So go away! - @magically_made_photography Shall I flap my wings a bit for you? - @arcanadi You might want to learn what "invisible" meant, would you like a dictionary? - @lelune_akemi Here, try on my glasses. - @jadenikita1998 This is what I say, “Stop, Stop right there. I do not need you to tell me this. I love being autistic, it's so freeing. This diagnosis is a good thing, not a bad thing. I love you, but this isn't a good comment to say to me. Please be happy for me.” - @lightningdragon1 Oh darling, and you don't look like someone who understands the full spectrum of fabulousness! But here we are, defying expectations and slaying stereotypes, one sequin at a time! - @officialqueemo I put whatever object is closest and put it on my head, and then say "how about now?" 😅 - @ audhdantics Well of course not. You can’t see Autism. whispers it’s inside my brain! - @trainerhalsitemshop Is this due to my confidence or hotness levels being at least 137x higher than yours? - @eldritchvampireofthefaewild YOU CAN SEE ME?! - @ andie.ink Really? I must have left my 'Autistic' uniform at home - @booleanhunter AHA… my disguise is working” *walk away laughing evilly - @the_other_abby2007 Oh because I don’t make blunt statements? - @halicope You should see me on a full moon—all of my ‘tism bursts out in full force then. 🌙 - @joannareese7 Well you don’t look allistic but here we are - @neuronandrosepsych Well, I am and I am proud of it! - @revajain__ takes a bow - @infamousswfan That's not really the compliment you think it is - @anjalir283 No? Oh you do!" (Let them wonder for a bit) Then say "See, that's just as weird as saying I don't". - @babette_2000 That's just all the plastic surgery I had 🤣 - @meranaphi Well you don't look normal, but here we are - @ausomecharlie I don't have enough time or crayons to explain the impact of your comment - @monera_ooo I know you're trying to be kind, but it's not where you can see it... it's in my brain! - @themindofmariavivienne I have horns which I file everyday before I leave - @theboywhogrewupasanaspie 1. What am I supposed to look like? 2. In-depth explanation of what masking is 3. Horror story about ABA, if applicable 4. Well you don’t look like a jerk, but here we are. 5. Because I’m not a six-year-old boy? Shocking. /s 6. Yes I do, you just don’t know what you’re looking at. 7. I literally only told you because you caught me doing X autistic thing. 8. That’s not a compliment. 9. Are you sure? start stimming and staring off into space 10. Well you don’t look neurotypical! See how weird that sounds? 11. Sorry, I left my Rain Man costume at home. - @aureliaundertheradar I don't get it. Please explain." (Same as the response to racist/sexist/etc 'jokes') - @creatingwhilelearning But do I SMELL autistic?” Always confuses the hell out of them. Some people actually then say “Ah I see what you mean!” as in, it’s as ridiculous as saying autistic people all smell a certain way. Others don’t get it. So I let them continue to be baffled 💅🏽 - @sniffyjenkins you don't look stupid… - @hollylaike I show true colours only during full moon - @preeti.sharma_27 Hang on, let me just do some autism for you - @comfaclothing I'm undercover. - @kotoku_denjiro I put on the invisible cloak! - @manishachandini You don’t look rude either, but I guess we can’t judge a book by its cover - @thealyssaproject Shit, I must be overdue for my autism-causing vaccine booster - @wdc_nathan Laugh very loudly and leave - @purramids I was wondering if the new mask was working. Turns out it works both ways. You can’t tell I’m autistic and I can’t tell how much of your brain you have left. - @lauraliteatime Remember, the best response depends on the situation and your comfort level. You are autistic, and that's perfectly okay! Some final thoughts: Don't feel obligated to justify your diagnosis (whether you have one or not cuz self-diagnosis is obv valid) Educate politely, but don't feel like you have to be a teacher Embrace your individuality. Being autistic is a strength, not a weakness Let's break down the stereotypes and celebrate the beautiful diversity of the autistic community. With a little understanding and humour, we can create a more inclusive world As always, we'd love to hear from you. Share your favorite responses to "But you don't look autistic" in the comments below. Check out the original post here . Remember, if anyone ever tells you they can't see your autism, you can always tell them you left your invisibility cloak at home. 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Thought about checking in on your dad’s mental health? We give you a starting point < Back Health, Parenting The best gift idea for Father's Day you wouldn’t wanna miss Thought about checking in on your dad’s mental health? We give you a starting point MMS Staff 15 Jun 2024 5-min read Father's Day is an opportunity to show appreciation and love for the fathers and father figures in our lives. While traditional gifts like ties, grooming kits, or tools are always appreciated, this year consider giving a gift that could have a lasting impact: the gift of health and mental well-being. Mental health challenges are more common than many realise. As per Statista, as of October 2021, 33 percent of men had depression as compared to women with 31 percent during the same time period. Initiating a conversation about mental health with your dad can be one of the most significant gifts you give. Consider starting a dialogue that addresses the stigma and acknowledges common issues like trauma and provides a supportive space. A new Verywell Mind and Parents survey has found that 75% of dads are looking for more mental health support. Here’s why protecting men’s health is so important First, create a non-judgmental environment where your dad feels safe to express his feelings and share his experiences. Listen patiently, respond with empathy, and remind him that his feelings are valid. Let your dad know that it's not just okay but appreciated to talk about and seek help for mental health. To have a meaningful conversation about health and mental health with your dad, approach the topic with sensitivity, understanding, and respect for cultural nuances. Here’s an expanded guide on how to navigate this important dialogue: Understanding cultural context Be mindful of cultural differences: Recognize that in many families, topics like mental health are not commonly discussed openly due to cultural stigma and misconceptions. Before initiating the conversation, consider how your dad has traditionally viewed mental health and prepare to address these views compassionately. Educate yourself: Equip yourself with knowledge about mental health issues, symptoms, and resources. This information will help you provide factual insights and dispel common myths, making the conversation more informative and less opinion-based. Initiating the conversation Choose an appropriate setting: Pick a moment when both of you are relaxed and have some privacy, such as after a meal or during a quiet evening at home. Avoid times when he is stressed or preoccupied with work or other responsibilities. A calm and comfortable setting can make the conversation more productive. Start with a neutral topic: Start with a broader discussion about physical health, which might be less sensitive. You could bring up topics like diet, exercise, or routine check-ups. Here’s a script: “Dad, I’ve been reading about how important regular health check-ups are as we get older. When was the last time you had a check-up?” Make the conversation relatable: Discuss the health or mental health story of a celebrity, public figure, someone else he might be familiar with, or something that recently appeared in the news or media. This can segue into a broader health discussion. Deepening the discussion Share personal observations and experiences: Gently make conversation more personal by sharing your own experiences with health issues, be it physical or mental. This can make the topic feel more relatable and less intimidating. Here’s a script: “I’ve noticed I feel a lot better when I talk about my stresses. It’s not always easy to open up, but it helps me manage my stress. Have you ever felt something similar?” Introduce mental health gradually: Frame mental health as an integral part of overall well-being. Discuss how mental and emotional health impacts physical health and everyday life, drawing parallels to common physical health problems that are more frequently discussed and accepted. Mention stories of public figures or characters from films or TV shows that dealt with health issues, including mental health. This can make the topic more relatable, less intimidating, and also might help break the stigma around certain health conditions. Discuss trauma and generational patterns: Introduce the concept of trauma, including generational trauma, which may not be immediately apparent or discussed within families. Approach this topic gently and with understanding rather than assigning blame. Here’s a script: "I've been learning about how experiences and habits can be passed down through generations, affecting how we handle stress or conflict. It might help us understand some of the challenges we face as a family." Mention specific incidents or symptoms: Carefully bring up any behaviours or symptoms you've noticed that may indicate mental health struggles. Make sure to approach this part of the conversation with sensitivity and without judgement. Here’s a script: “I've noticed sometimes when things get overwhelming, you tend to withdraw and isolate yourself. I read that it can be a sign of anxiety. It’s something that many of us might not even realise we're doing.” Draw connections between actions and emotions: Help your dad make connections between his behaviours and what they might signify about his emotional state. This can provide him with insights into his own feelings and offer him the language to express these emotions: “When we talk about being anxious and how it leads to shutting down or isolating, it’s really about noticing how our bodies and minds react to stress. Understanding this can help us find better ways to cope.” Offer tools for self-reflection: Suggest simple ways in which your dad can reflect on his feelings and behaviours. This might include journaling, mindfulness practices, or even engaging in regular conversations with you or a therapist. Addressing stigma, misconceptions, and toxic masculinity Discuss cultural stigma: Address the cultural stigmas surrounding mental health openly but sensitively. Here’s a script: “I know it’s often not seen as okay to talk about mental health, but I think it’s really important for us to be open about it. It affects so many people and talking can really help.” Provide information and examples: Through examples, discuss the benefits of mental health awareness and care. Give examples of people who sought help and how their lives changed. Discuss the pressure of toxic masculinity: Talk about the societal expectations on men to appear strong and detached, and how this can be a barrier to mental health discussions. Here’s a script: “I’ve noticed that often, our society expects men to not express their feelings openly, considering it a weakness. But I believe being able to share what we feel is actually a sign of strength.” Discussing action and support Encourage your dad to take small, manageable steps towards improving his mental health. This could look like consulting a professional, getting in a workout, meditation, mindfulness, therapy, or even attending a workshop or seminar on mental wellness. Provide information about local health professionals, credible websites that offer information, and support groups. Offer to help him reach out to these resources if he shows interest. Maintaining an ongoing dialogue Reinforce your support throughout the conversation. Here’s a script: “I really appreciate you taking the time to talk about this with me. I’m here for you, and I think it’s great for us to keep this communication open.” Don’t let this conversation be a one-time event. Check in regularly about what was discussed, offer additional support, and share any new information you come across. This ongoing dialogue will help normalise the discussion of health and mental health in your family. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS