Fashion model with physical limitations wins National Award

Stand in front of President Smont. Ashutosh Sharma, whose Drupadi Murmu received the national award, could not contain his emotions. “It felt like a dream come true,” he said in a chat with us. For Ashutosh, who grew up with hearing and speech disabilities, this honor represents years of hard work and perseverance.

Family support made all the difference

For Ashutosh, who was born with hearing impairment, his parents were his greatest strength. His mother quit her job to focus on his development and made sure he received daily medical treatment and special care. “They never treated me differently and refused to send me to special schools. Their beliefs about me shaped my life,” Ashutosh said.

Although Ashutosh excelled in his studies, he discovered his love for theater and fashion while attending IIM Lucknow. I sought self-expression through drama club and eventually entered the Mr. India Plus contest. “It wasn’t just about winning, it was about proving what I could do,” he said.

shine on the lamp

One of Ashutosh’s proudest moments was walking the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week. “I got goosebumps looking at the crowd, but it was an unforgettable experience,” he said. His presence on such a large platform sends a strong message about inclusivity in the fashion industry.

dream big for the future

Ashutosh believes this award is just the beginning. He hopes to continue balancing his corporate career while carving out greater territory in the worlds of fashion and theater. “The important thing is to never give up. Nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself,” he concluded, leaving everyone inspired by his journey.