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Photos: Surpassing Down syndrome, Mumbai woman turns entrepreneur

Fighting Down Syndrome to becoming a celebrated businesswoman running her own cafe independently, Aditi Verma a 24-year-old Mumbai resident, has come a long way and sidestepped typical perceptions of individuals with disabilities. Hemanshi Kamani spends a day with her.

Updated on: Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM IST

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Aditi Verma (L) with her mother Reena Verma at their home in Mumbai. Born with Down syndrome, 24-year-old Aditi runs a cafe in Navi Mumbai’s Bhoomi Mall. From living at home to becoming a self-reliant entrepreneur, Aditi’s is a journey of inclusion and endeavour. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

Updated on Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM

Aditi Verma (L) with her mother Reena Verma at their home in Mumbai. Born with Down syndrome, 24-year-old Aditi runs a cafe in Navi Mumbai’s Bhoomi Mall. From living at home to becoming a self-reliant entrepreneur, Aditi’s is a journey of inclusion and endeavour. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

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Aditi pores over food videos at home, to experiment with later. “Aditi’s growth was slow. She went through an open heart surgery when she was two. She walked slowly, her speech was unclear. We sent her to a regular school, but realised the teachers can’t give her attention. Other kids didn’t want to play with her. We then shifted her to a special school, which worked well,” her mother recounted. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

Updated on Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM

Aditi pores over food videos at home, to experiment with later. “Aditi’s growth was slow. She went through an open heart surgery when she was two. She walked slowly, her speech was unclear. We sent her to a regular school, but realised the teachers can’t give her attention. Other kids didn’t want to play with her. We then shifted her to a special school, which worked well,” her mother recounted. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

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Aditi (L) is joined by friends at her cafe in Navi Mumbai. A tea-seller at her mother’s office changed it all for Aditi. “I can also make tea at home and serve it in all offices,” she told her mother. Willing to give her a chance the family set up ‘Aditi’s Corner’ in Navi Mumbai on January 1, 2016. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

Updated on Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM

Aditi (L) is joined by friends at her cafe in Navi Mumbai. A tea-seller at her mother’s office changed it all for Aditi. “I can also make tea at home and serve it in all offices,” she told her mother. Willing to give her a chance the family set up ‘Aditi’s Corner’ in Navi Mumbai on January 1, 2016. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

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Aditi attends to customers at her cafe. And as luck would have it, Aditi found space to launch her cafe in the same premises as her mother’s office –operating independently yet close enough for comfort. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

Updated on Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM

Aditi attends to customers at her cafe. And as luck would have it, Aditi found space to launch her cafe in the same premises as her mother’s office –operating independently yet close enough for comfort. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

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Aditi stands for a portrait outside the cafe. Beginning with a staff of two –one to support her in the kitchen and another for deliveries –the cafe has over time added another person to the kitchen staff to help prepare orders. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

Updated on Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM

Aditi stands for a portrait outside the cafe. Beginning with a staff of two –one to support her in the kitchen and another for deliveries –the cafe has over time added another person to the kitchen staff to help prepare orders. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

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Taking on the responsibilities of running a business, the cafe’s growth has resulted in an experience of realising her aspirations and added to Aditi’s skills as an independent adult. She’s seen here managing the accounts for the cafe, for which she is also the staff and delivery manager. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

Updated on Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM

Taking on the responsibilities of running a business, the cafe’s growth has resulted in an experience of realising her aspirations and added to Aditi’s skills as an independent adult. She’s seen here managing the accounts for the cafe, for which she is also the staff and delivery manager. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

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Exercising her inherent right to participate in society as an individual, Aditi’s efforts have also brought her accolades and recognition. She’s spoken at public events and been invited to forums to share her story. Celebrated chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna dropped by Aditi’s Corner in September 2018. (HT Photo)

Updated on Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM

Exercising her inherent right to participate in society as an individual, Aditi’s efforts have also brought her accolades and recognition. She’s spoken at public events and been invited to forums to share her story. Celebrated chef and restaurateur Vikas Khanna dropped by Aditi’s Corner in September 2018. (HT Photo)

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Aditi is accompanied by her father Amit Verma on a grocery run in Navi Mumbai. She also keeps stock of daily inventory and manages credit sales. A certified expert at bargains according to her father, the cafe’s work has added to Aditi’s expression and improved her communication skills. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

Updated on Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM

Aditi is accompanied by her father Amit Verma on a grocery run in Navi Mumbai. She also keeps stock of daily inventory and manages credit sales. A certified expert at bargains according to her father, the cafe’s work has added to Aditi’s expression and improved her communication skills. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

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Aditi experiments with food under the guidance of her mother at their home. Progress is a constant journey and Aditi’s well on it, testing and tinkering recipes she sees as potential additions to the cafe’s menu. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

Updated on Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM

Aditi experiments with food under the guidance of her mother at their home. Progress is a constant journey and Aditi’s well on it, testing and tinkering recipes she sees as potential additions to the cafe’s menu. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

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Another in Aditi’s clutch of accolades was recognition from the Delhi Commission for Women this Women’s Day as an achiever who surpassed conditions that could limit her and emerged as an inspiration. (HT Photo)

Updated on Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM

Another in Aditi’s clutch of accolades was recognition from the Delhi Commission for Women this Women’s Day as an achiever who surpassed conditions that could limit her and emerged as an inspiration. (HT Photo)

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Aditi’s is a story of successful inclusion and the prospects for growth from a supportive environment that understands the needs of atypical individuals. While Down syndrome has shaped Aditi’s development, she’s decided to not let a medical condition dictate her experience of life. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

Updated on Mar 20, 2019 2:47 PM

Aditi’s is a story of successful inclusion and the prospects for growth from a supportive environment that understands the needs of atypical individuals. While Down syndrome has shaped Aditi’s development, she’s decided to not let a medical condition dictate her experience of life. (Hemanshi Kamani / HT Photo)

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