We see different examples of best friendships at display every other day. But there are some friendships that go down in history as some of the greatest examples, and this is definitely one of those very few. Meet Bharath Sharma, whose friendship with Ashwin Karthik is one that deserves to be told and retold.
Ashwin has a condition of cerebral palsy that instilled in his life a whole lot of difficulties, especially in the society. His father passed away while he was still young, so his mother spent all her time trying to make sure Ashwin’s studies did not suffer. She would sit outside his classroom to help him when necessary. Ashwin, in spite of being differently abled, was one of the class toppers.
Bharath was in the same class as Ashwin’s in 11th standard. When Bharath met Ashwin, and saw his mother’s struggle to help him with the studies, especially Mathematics, Bharath stepped up to help. Their friendship soon grew so strong, there was no separating them, to an extent that Bharath gave up 4 crucial years of his life to make sure Ashwin gets his engineering degree.
With Bharath’s unending support, Ashwin became India’s first Engineer with Cerebral Palsy, and soon got a job in Mphasis. Bharath completed his Engineering after that; this time with Ashwin’s backing, and is currently working in HP. He is married, lives with his parents, and has a beautiful girl child. Read on to know more about their story in Bharath’s own words!
Undying Friendship With Ashwin Karthik
Ashwin’s smile fills you with an enormous amount of positivity from within. I can and will do anything for that 1000-watt smile. Apart from that, he has an indomitable spirit of never giving up on what he decides to achieve, come what may! He never quits. I wanted to play a small role in helping him achieve his aspirations. More importantly, I wanted to be a part of the treacherous journey Ashwin’s mother and brother have gone through to make him what he is today.
Being A Scribe To Ashwin
I, being the only son to my parents, was expected to study well and support my family. But as fate had it, I couldn’t secure a free engineering seat and had decided to rewrite the 12th examination for one of the core subjects. As I was free until my results were announced, I decided to help Ashwin write his engineering exams for one semester. But when I saw him and his mom struggle to find another scribe to write his exams, I made the decision of being his scribe for the rest of the years and do nothing else.
It was certainly not an easy decision. It was important to convince my parents about my decision as they were not happy about it in the beginning. But when they realized I was doing something noble, they accepted my decision wholeheartedly. What kept me going was Ashwin’s own invincible determination and grit to do his best even in worst of circumstances. It fills everyone around him with so much passion and positivity, that we can do anything for him.
Bharath Sharma – As An Engineering Student
I did my mechanical engineering at MS College of Engineering after Ashwin completed his degree. Age is just a number- I agree to this now, but didn’t earlier. I was of the opinion that I had crossed the age of learning and I should take up a call center or BPO job. But Ashwin and his family made me understand that learning has no age limit and that I would be able to take care of my family better if I’m better qualified.
I was able to make friends slowly, who were supportive, but when you have a giant of a support in Ashwin and his family, I don’t think you need much more.
Managing Financial Stability
Ashwin’s family took care of my finances; especially his brother Naveen. Regarding my selfless act, I am of the belief that whatever happens is for the good. As the great Dalai Lama said, if you want to be really selfish, help someone. The joy you experience is unparalleled. I also believe friendship is a relation which is boundless. What you can do for your friend has no limits, hence the question of selflessness never comes between Ashwin and me.
One Big Happy Family
I spend most of my time with Ashwin; he means the life to me. My family is very happy about it. As both our families have grown to become one big family, and we are extremely elated about it. My parents consider Ashwin’s brother as their elder son and I have always been a son to Ashwin’s mom. It was Ashwin’s family’s idea that they would build a floor in the same building as theirs, so that we could all stay together as one big family. What more can I say!
Bharath’s Definition Of Friendship
Friendship for me has only one meaning, one definition, and only one name. That is “ASHWIN”. The world sees what I have done for him, but they don’t realize what—very silently—he has done for me in his own way. There is no one in this world who cares more for me than Ashwin does. This is what our friendship is all about!