Mentally Challenged Youth is role model for employees in a Hyderabad company

Twenty-two-year-old Mosin Khan is a hero of sorts in Hyderabad. Mosin became a media darling after he bagged the Best Employee Award from the President of India, Pratibha Singh Patil, at the National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd, 2010 - the "International Day of Disabled Persons."

The Indian Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been presenting the awards for persons with disabilities under various categories, including blindness, low vision, leprosy, hearing impairment, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, mental illness, autism, and multiple disabilities.

Mosin is no different from many others of his age who eke out their likelihood by working overtime to support their families. But what sets him apart is, unlike the others, he is mentally challenged.

With no formal education or regular schooling, Khan underwent just a couple of months training at the National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIMH) in Hyderabad, an autonomous body under the administrative control of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.

Later, Khan found a job at a workshop, S.H. Hydraulics, located in the industrial area of Balanagar in the city, three years ago. The workshop manufactures hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, power pack systems, cylinders and accumulator systems for sponge iron plants.

Hailing from a poor family, the youngster supplements his family's income with the Rs. 3,000 he earns per month. His extended family includes his wife and 11-month-old daughter, parents and three brothers.

Although Khan learnt the art of book binding and glass painting at the NIMH, his current work at the single-room workshop entails assembling hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders.

Khan says he enjoys his work immensely, which is very much evident from his enthusiasm as he guides me around the workshop explaining the machinery's functions. He is happy with his job and promptly returns home after work. He loves to spend time with his daughter when he is not working.

The national award fetched Khan a princely sum of Rs. 25,000, a citation, a certificate and a medal. Khan, who his associates say is a man of few needs, transferred the money into a fixed deposit in a nationalized bank. Khan's employers S. Hussain and P. Suresh said he is very hardworking and committed. Recognizing Khan's talent, the duo recommended his name for the award.

Despite his disability, Khan has become a role model for other employees for his dedication and commitment to his job. His happy demeanor is testimony to the fact that mental illness should no longer be considered a stigma in society.