With a background in finance and a passion for poetry, Chitransh Waghmare's story is a testament to unwavering support and a journey of self-acceptance to navigate cerebral palsy.
 | Life isn’t a smooth highway. It’s the twists and turns, the challenges, and the triumphs that make us feel alive. It's a journey that leads us to unexpected destinations and teaches us valuable lessons along the way. I am a finance graduate from The Bhopal School of Social Sciences, Madhya Pradesh. My career began in a rather unconventional way. I started as a customer success professional but soon found myself drawn to the world of writing and editing. After five years of honing my skills in these areas, I joined Deloitte in July 2022 as a consultant in the USI Sales Excellence team, where I support commercial proposals. Additionally, I'm an active member of Deloitte's Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Council. This role allows me to work closely with the PwD eminence group, support various initiatives, and act as a buddy to newly joined colleagues with disabilities. |
Playing the cards, I was dealt
I live with a condition known as cerebral palsy, or CP in short which has affected my ability to move, maintain balance, and control posture. Some individuals, like me, require special equipment to walk, while others may have milder symptoms that don't require assistance.
In the face of adversity, what keeps me going is my profound belief in self-acceptance. I firmly believe that while it might involve some hard lessons, the acceptance of my condition is probably the first step to effectively handling it. Acknowledging the strengths and limitations objectively allow me to pave a path toward a happy and productive life. Another source of motivation in my life is the unwavering support of my family and friends. I attended regular school and college, and that meant most people around me had no experience in dealing with someone with my condition. But it never ceased to amaze me how accommodating they were, and they made every effort to make my journey a seamless one. And till this day, I have a deep sense of gratitude toward them. The presence of this support system in the form of family, friends, and mentors keeps me going. Their acceptance and empathy have been overwhelming, and they continually encourage me to push boundaries and keep my spirits high.
My tryst with poetry
Poetry has played a significant role in my life. I began composing poems at the age of eight, and my first collection, "Maa" (Mother), was published when I was just 12. My passion for literature exposed me to notable figures in the Hindi literature, further fueling my creative thinking. In 2011, I was invited to the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, as a part of a delegation of poets and men of letters that met the then President of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil. I reached the pinnacle of my poetic journey when she felicitated me for my contribution to Hindi literature. It really was a surreal and fulfilling experience.
My life at Deloitte
One might wonder if Deloitte provides opportunities for individuals like me to apply their unique skills and create a meaningful impact. The answer is a resounding yes. Deloitte's dynamic work environment offer ample room for individuals with diverse competencies to collaborate and enhance their skills. The various initiatives in this organization empower individuals to take ownership of tasks they are passionate about, put their skills to work, and establish their identities.
A part of the reason why persons with locomotor challenges struggle is due to issues in infrastructure and a lack of reasonable accommodation. Lesser awareness about disabilities in general and the neglect toward spreading awareness to ensure sensitization adds to the pain. Deloitte, on the other hand, has not just been proactive in identifying those needs and assimilating the PwD workforce for years, but its intent and efforts are making a practical difference to the day-to-day life of such professionals.
I have been with Deloitte for a little over a year now and my journey has been no less than phenomenal. Leaders, managers, teammates, and peers have been incredibly supportive here. They go the extra mile to ensure that everything runs smoothly for me, eliminating the worries of potential challenges. Inclusivity is deeply ingrained in the culture, and continuous efforts are made to promote and implement it at every level. As someone who has grappled with accessibility issues in the past and often had to settle for less in so many aspects, being at Deloitte is assuring. It instils a much-needed confidence in me to conduct things on my own and have a holistic experience of everything that’s there to know and explore.
My journey at Deloitte has been one of perseverance, learning, and personal growth. With a supportive team by my side and a culture that fosters inclusivity, I look forward to continuing this remarkable journey of growth and impact at Deloitte.
The views expressed here are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of his current, former, or future employers or any organization with which he is associated.