7-year-old only hope for deaf-mute parents & ageing grandpa

Nagpur: Every teacher in the principal’s cabin praises seven year-old Yash Pathak’s cursive writing, except his parents. They keep absolutely quiet even as words like ‘well done’, ‘wow’ resonate in the cabin. The reason for Pankaj (35) and Naina (29) Pathak’s complete silence despite their child being the centre of attention is that they both are deaf and mute. Their eyes, and a wide smile, are more than enough for Yash to realize that ‘aai’ and ‘baba’ are proud of him.
On Saturday, Yash secured admission under the RTE quota at South Point School and became the first member of the Pathak family to study in an English medium school.
‘Aajoba’ (grandfather) Chandrakant uses his hands to convey to the parents that everyone in the principal’s cabin is appreciating Yash’s writing skill. Father Pankaj immediately signals back with his left palm saying that he has understood everything that transpired.
Retired from MSEB, the 65-year-old grandfather is the only mode of communication between the two generations. “Since the day Yash was born, my wife and I have been helping the parents and child to talk to each other. In the night when they were asleep, there was no way for them to realize if Yash was crying or having some other problem. So I would stay awake and inform them about Yash’s needs. Thankfully, Yash has now picked up sign language quite a bit and can communicate important things directly,” said Pathak, who also faces financial challenges because of lack of pension.
Yash got admission under the economically weaker section category because the family’s income is less than Rs10,000 per month. Chandrakant said, “My son works as a computer data entry operator and is the only earning member. Since neither of the couple went to college, their job prospects are limited and their physical disability makes it more challenging.”
Speaking through his father, Pankaj tells TOI that all he wants for Yash is a good education. “Only by studying can he make a life which is better than what we can provide him,” said Chandrakant, speaking on behalf of the parents.
Director of South Point School, Deaven Dasture has promised to alleviate some of family’s financial burden. “Till Yash is in this school, we will be taking care of his books and uniform so that the family does not suffer,” said Dasture.
While Chandrakant is elated with the recent developments, his happiness soon gets overshadowed by concern over an uncertain future. “Now Yash also has a younger brother who will turn three soon. And I am the only one who has to take important decisions in the house because Pankaj and Naina aren’t ‘street smart’ due to low self esteem. I pray to God that I am alive and healthy till both kids are able to take care of themselves,” said the ageing grandpa.