Journey of Akshay Bhatnagar is infect journey of his parents. In Akshay words, “Parents are blessing for everyone and in my case, they are my world too, whatever achievements I do have, my parents‟ grit and destination made them possible. I wish every person who is facing such challenges may have parents like mine”. The struggle of Akshay is also struggle of his parents, Right from parenting, to fight for his rights along with the cause of such children in society, they were the torchbearers. Mrs. Pratibha Bhatnagar, mother of Akshay Bhatnagar, has been crusader for all her life. She had to fight the battle on two fronts, one providing the best upbringing of Akshay with limited available resources and second, on more tough front, fighting against the misconception of society at large. In her words. “we were shocked when we realised that Akshay had Autism and he would not be able to live life like any other so called „Normal‟ child. They were quite painful early days. But we have decided to not to surrender before the circumstances and give Akshay the best of his life, like his elder sister.” She made a tough call and left her Government Job so that she could dedicate her life to raise Akshay in the best possible manner.

The agony started in beginning as no school was ready to take him and she was constantly advised to take admission in Special schools. But Mrs. Pratibha was firm to get him admitted in regular school, finally with the help of young Principal, Akshay made to the regular school. Her mother kept her promise and made him understand the subjects like any other students so that nobody can raise any question on Akshay‟s ability. In the meantime, Pratibha studied further and received diploma in Special Education and Psychological Counseling, which helped her to understand Autism affected children and their capabilities better and no wonder Akshay succeeded in his 10th, 12th and Graduation exams competing regular students.

While Akshay‟s mother silently working on the academic developments, his father Mr. Navneet Bhatnagar worked really hard to make him physically and mentally strong with outdoor activities. He taught him the basics needed to run a normal life and made sure Akshay never felt less than other. He taught him activities like cycling, swimming, music and dancing. The results that came out of all these were outstanding when Akshay secured positions in extracurricular activities like Dance and Sports as well. In addition to support Akshay to live a normal life, his parents fight with the system to get his due. Witnessing the plight of such children along with Govt. apathy, Mrs. Pratibha established many communications with government to take steps for the welfare of such children and compel it to constitute a High-Powered Committee to look into this. Despite the prevailing claim, that Govt. provides opportunity to such people, but there was hardly any action on ground level. Mrs. Pratibha fought hard to convince Centre and State Government and later she approached to High Court and finally got the relief for entire community by securing 1 percent reservation in Govt. jobs. In Akshay‟s words, “I owe everything to my parents, despite all the hardships I face, I always have a sense of gratitude, as everybody is not so fortunate to blessed with such amazing parents.”