Aditi Verma is a 23-year-old entrepreneur in India, who owns and runs a café at Navi Mumbai’s Belapur. As you enter the place, you’d almost think it’s just another eating joint serving beverages and snacks, but as you make yourself comfortable and see little Aditi slowly making her way towards you, you’ll know it’s a lot more than just another eatery. It’s a feeling, a passion and a vision that she transmits to all those she meets.

The protagonist of our story, Aditi has Down’s Syndrome, but she has never let this stop her or define her.

She went through open heart surgery when she was just two-years-old, but since then has been the picture of health and she seems to be unstoppable.

How Did It All Begin?

Aditi was admitted into a special school when her parents realized that she was facing hell at a mainstream one. Mass bullying, ignorant teachers and a tedious curriculum were part of her daily life. She would often be found hiding under benches or crying in a corner by herself.

At her new school, Aditi exceeded all expectations. She was awarded the ‘best student’ medal and also, outperformed all her classmates in extra-curricular activities. She loved dancing and drama, and was even awarded the ‘best actress’ award in a competition.

The doctors always told Aditi’s parents to treat her like any other normal child, as it was the only thing that would motivate her to move ahead in life.

So when Aditi completed her schooling, her parents realized that they wanted to make Aditi economically independent.

The Start Of A New Chapter

They initially tasked her with managing data-entry for her father’s logistics business. She gradually learnt to manage and handle account books, that too without any calculation errors.

However, it was clear that something was missing: Aditi, although extremely proficient at her work, wasn’t really taking much interest in it.

Her mother noticed her detachment from her work and saw her take a keen interest in cooking. She says,

”Aditi always had a knack for cooking. Sometimes, she used to watch videos on YouTube and prepare dishes. So my husband, cousin and I decided to help her in making her dream come true”

It’s been two years since Aditi has been successfully running the place. Apparently, Aditi’s customers call her the ‘Little Business Woman’.

Aditi has two helpers on the premises, but multi-tasks all her daily activities herself: from taking orders to cooking meals to managing the accounts, Aditi is a true inspiration and makes us question: are we really living our best lives?

Aditi’s Dream

Aditi wanted to expand her horizons and help other disabled children like her realize their full potential. So one day, she went to her father and said,

“I want to grow this – but I want to bring out people like me from their homes, employ people like me, train and make them independent.”

Acting upon her unique idea, she represented Maharashtra as an entrepreneur in the Self Advocates Forum Of India (SAFI) in Bangalore in 2016 and was nominated as the state representative for the same.

Let’s hope Aditi can achieve many further accolades in life and that she continues to inspire us all with her hard work, diligence and consistency, proving once again that ‘disability’ is not a barrier and there are no limits to what can be achieved when you have a vision.