Akhil’s family, which comes from Kerala, has nine members. His older brother and he are both deaf – and so are their wives. Their unique family dynamic has been a significant part of his life. But finding a community outside of them came with its challenges.  

“In school, initially, I wouldn’t understand what’s going on. The teachers would speak very fast. I was unable to read, or anything! But then I went to a deaf college.” The teachers in that college taught in sign language — and suddenly, studying became easy and enjoyable for Akhil.  

Just as sign language became an essential tool for Akhil at college, it’s his superpower at work. “In my previous workplace, I used to write to communicate. They would also write and communicate with me. It was a challenge.” Now, Akhil works at Godrej Consumer Products, where he communicates through an interpreter. His journey is a reminder of how accommodation for people with disabilities can lead to a more inclusive – and joyous – workplace for everyone.