Amol Karande
By Vijay S. Jodha*
As a trainer and National Selector for the National Abilympics Association of India (NAAI), I have had the privilege of working with some truly remarkable individuals. Among them, Amol Karande stands out—not just for his photographic talent, but for his resilience, humility, and unshakable determination. His story is one of overcoming barriers, finding strength through support, and transforming personal challenges into professional excellence.
Amol Karande, 34, comes from Koregaon Bhima, a small village near Pune. Born into a lower-middle-class family and hearing-impaired since childhood, Amol faced significant hurdles early in life. His parents made a bold decision to relocate to Pune in search of better opportunities for his education and future.
In Pune, Amol joined Aadhar Mukabadhir Vidyalay, a school that provided more than just education. There, compassionate teachers supported his academic and emotional development and helped his family cope with the stigma often attached to disability. It was through this school that Amol was introduced to Balkalyan Sanstha, where he gained essential life skills and was first exposed to creative fields.
Like many persons with disabilities in India, Amol’s journey was shaped by constant communication barriers and social isolation. Despite a supportive family, he often encountered ignorance and exclusion from the broader community. But with resilience, a passion for learning, and strong encouragement from mentors, he began carving his path forward.
After completing his 10th standard at Bhave High School, Amol pursued his growing interest in the arts. He went on to earn a Diploma in Fine Arts (Sculpture) from Bharati Vidyapeeth and later enrolled in professional photography courses to expand his creative expression. Balkalyan Sanstha continued to be a steady source of guidance, and one of his earliest mentors, Mrs. Sulbha Baravkar, played a crucial role in helping him build confidence and develop his artistic voice.
Amol first came into the spotlight for us at NAAI during the West Zone Abilympics held in Goa in 2023. As a judge and selector, I was immediately struck by his sensitivity and storytelling through the lens. I had the pleasure of awarding him the gold medal in photography and selecting him for further training under NAAI, with support from organisations like Sarthak Educational Trust.
His training journey has been intense and focused. Amol participated in regular online sessions with me, attended a national bootcamp in Delhi, and practised consistently at Balkalyan Sanstha on weekends. He also sought out events around Pune to hone his outdoor photography skills through real-world experience. Despite financial difficulties that made it hard to afford basic equipment or travel, he remained committed. With the support of Balkalyan, Sarthak, and his mentors, logistical and financial barriers were overcome to allow him to compete at the national level.
When Amol won the national-level gold medal in the Outdoor Photography category, it was a moment of triumph not just for him, but for everyone who had been part of his journey. Watching him stand on stage as a winner, knowing the path he had walked, was incredibly moving. His family watched the live stream at home—his parents were emotional, and his three-year-old daughter danced with joy as she saw her father being celebrated.
The victory brought pride not only to his family but also to his entire community. Amol was soon recognised by the Pune Municipal Corporation for his achievement. The award gave him a renewed sense of self-belief and helped him realise that his art could inspire others.
Winning the national-level competition changed Amol’s life. It validated his years of quiet dedication and opened doors to new creative and professional opportunities. It also strengthened his belief that disability need not be a barrier to success. For Amol, the award was not just a milestone—it was a symbol of hope and perseverance.
Today, Amol is preparing to represent India at the International Abilympics in Finland in 2027. He is one of the select candidates I am continuing to train under NAAI, and we are working towards not just competing, but winning on the global stage.
Amol’s goals extend beyond personal success. He is deeply committed to giving back to the community. His dream is to mentor other hearing-impaired youth, teaching them skills in photography and fine arts, and helping them believe in their potential. He wants to help others break through the same barriers he once faced.
For Amol, photography is more than a profession—it is a mission to tell stories, to uplift others, and to redefine what is possible.
As he says, “There were times when I felt unheard in a noisy world, but I never gave up. Our disabilities may make the path harder, but they will never stop us from reaching our dreams. Every step forward matters. Believe in your worth and keep fighting. Your voice and your dreams are powerful.”
As his mentor, I feel privileged to walk alongside him on this journey—not just toward a medal, but toward lasting impact. Amol’s journey is proof that with talent, perseverance, and the right support, even the most silent voices can make the loudest difference.
*Filmmaker and Photographer; National Selector and Trainer – National Abilympics Association of India (NAAI)
