“For opportunities to arrive, families must invest in their child,” says Aniket Das, whose 26-year-old brother, Jijo, is a testament to this belief. Diagnosed with Down syndrome at birth, Jijo has defied expectations, blossoming into a talented artist and photographer.
Growing up, Jijo, like many neurodivergent individuals, faced social stigma and uncertainty. However, with unwavering support from his family, he has overcome challenges and embraced his unique abilities.
“There were a lot of stigmas around Jijo’s condition right from his birth, when the doctor said, ‘I’m sorry, but your child has Trisomy 21,’” recollects Jijo’s mother, Moushumi Das.
“But I just have a special superpower because I have an extra chromosome,” Jijo smiles. His mother lovingly looks at him, and Aniket reaffirms that this is absolutely correct.
Down syndrome is one of the most common disorders, with 30,000 cases in India every year. It is a ‘gene dosage problem,’ affecting one in every 800 live births. People with Down syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21 rather than two, leading to a range of physical and intellectual challenges. These challenges include developmental delays, learning difficulties, and physical health issues.
“For someone with Down syndrome, learning is not the same as for an average child,” says Aniket, as his mother explains how the family had to “unlearn and relearn” to be able to teach Jijo all that would’ve come easily to another child.
“It’s a constantly evolving teaching method. A single method in teaching does not work. This is an ongoing journey and that is where the entire crux of the matter lies. We have to re-learn, unlearn, re-learn. As parents, too, we are learning,” says Moushumi.
“While there is a stigma around people with Down syndrome that they can’t live a ‘normal’ life, the early intervention that we started at home when Jijo was just a few months old helped her a great deal,” Aniket points out.
“They always made me feel like I could do anything,” Jijo acknowledges.
As Jijo’s family nurtured his potential, nurturing a belief in his abilities, art became a powerful language of expression for him. “He was always a very active observer, we would watch movies together. He referred to the movies to convey his emotions,” Aniket says.
Growing up, Jijo was encouraged to view himself as capable of anything. Watching Aniket sketch at home, he began imitating him at a young age, finding solace and a way to communicate even before words came easily. Disney and Pixar movies provided a shared bond, with Jijo drawing scenes to express emotions he couldn’t vocalise.
In 2011, Jijo got his first digital camera and began exploring photography. “I had to teach him, but the teaching could not be conventional,” says Aniket, who understood that teaching someone with Down syndrome requires a unique approach. Patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt to individual learning styles are key. While Jijo might learn at a slower pace, with consistent support and encouragement, he could master any skill, no matter how challenging it may seem.
“I’ve had to be more than just his brother; I’ve had to be his design school, art school manager, and personal trainer all rolled into one. It all starts with investing in your child, and it’s about more than just money; it’s the time and effort you put in,” Aniket says.
“They always made me feel like I could do anything, so I just keep trying,” Jijo shares.
Throughout his journey, Jijo received invaluable support from educators at the Baldwin Opportunity School, Noble Mission, and Spastics Society of Karnataka. One of his teachers, Santosh Padmanabhan, recognised Jijo’s potential and encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone.
In 2012, at the age of 14, Jijo attended a summer camp alone, a significant milestone that helped him develop essential social skills like making friends and interacting with strangers. Five years later, in 2017, Jijo made his artistic debut at the SSK Winter Carnival. His artwork resonated with viewers, and he successfully sold all his pieces, marking a significant milestone in his artistic journey.
During Aniket’s time at the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, Jijo made friends in the art community. With the support of Aniket and his design school friends, Jijo’s determination grew stronger. In 2021, Jijo won an international design award, becoming the first Indian to be featured in the #LotsofSocks campaign.
“Down Syndrome International and the United Nations designated World Down Syndrome Day to raise awareness about the condition. To amplify the impact of this special day, they introduced the ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign. By wearing mismatched socks, people are encouraged to embrace diversity and celebrate individuality, symbolising the unique characteristics of individuals with Down syndrome,” Aniket explains.
The focus is on advancing healthcare, inclusive education, community support, and giving them a sustainable livelihood through career opportunities.
Beyond his artistic talents, Jijo has even ventured into photography, capturing the launch of Ultraviolette’s F77 Mach 2 motorcycle. It is a symbol of hope for others living with Down syndrome. Despite his limitations, he thrives through art; his family has remained a constant pillar for him in this journey.
In 2022, Jijo’s photographs bagged third place at the Anurag Gupta Memorial Photography Exposition (Architecture). His work was selected by photographer and installation artist Samar Singh Jodha from over 500 entries.
This gave Jijo an inclination towards photography and inspired him to begin experimenting with motorsports photography. Bigrockdirt park (India’s leading off-road training facility) appointed him as the official photographer for their XTREME ENDURO 2024 race after years of working with him.
“I like going to work, making new friends and clicking good pictures,” says Jijo.
Jijo’s talent soon caught the eye of Ultraviolette CEO Narayan Subramaniam. Aniket, a motorcycle designer, who was a part of the Ultraviolette team says, “He started accompanying me on various projects and eventually collaborating with Ultraviolette Automotive on special projects where I was working.” Narayan, driven by a philosophy prioritising passion over academic qualifications, encouraged Jijo’s creativity.
Photographing the launch of the F77 Mach 2 motorcycle showcased Jijo’s ability to capture moments with enthusiasm. “I wanted my pictures to show the excitement of the launch,” Jijo says proudly.
“At Ultraviolette, we believe diversity in talent and perspective drives us forward, and Jijo is a shining example of this. His dedication and commitment remind us of resilience and determination. We’re proud to have him as a valued member of our Ultraviolette family,” Narayan shares.
‘I’m a rockstar’
For World Down Syndrome Day 2023, the campaign ‘With Us Not For Us’ featured Jijo in Enable Magazine in the UK after they saw Ultraviolette’s video about him. Apart from this Jijo was also featured in Some Good News Australia.
Jijo is expanding his art by also learning music along with Hum-Drum Drumming Classes with Rzhude David. “I’m a rockstar,” he declares with a confident smile, reflecting the positive attitude that fuels his journey.
Jijo’s life demonstrates that creativity, ambition, and resilience know no bounds. In a society moving toward greater inclusion, his journey exemplifies what can happen when we prioritise equity, invest in support systems, and create empowering environments.
Through his website Art of My Optimus, Jijo is developing a library of positive stories to inspire others.
Edited by Leila Badyari Castelino; All images: Jijo Das
