Disabled Ahmedabad Teen Om Jignesh Vyas Receives National Child Award for Memorizing Over 2,000 Verses
An 18-year-old disabled boy, Om Jignesh Vyas from Ahmedabad, has brought pride to his family and the entire state of Gujarat with his exceptional achievement. On the occasion of National Children’s Day in December, Om was honored with the prestigious “Prime Minister’s National Child Award” in New Delhi, awarded by President Droupadi Murmu. Om has memorized more than 2,000 verses, including the “Sunderkand” and “Bhagavad Gita,” despite being physically and mentally challenged. He achieved this remarkable feat solely by listening to these verses. Om’s name has been recorded in the World Book of Records for this accomplishment.
Om’s Passion for Bhakti Songs and Verses
Om Vyas cannot read or write, but he has memorized over 2,000 Sanskrit verses, including from “Sunderkand” and the “Bhagavad Gita.” Interestingly, Om’s interest is limited solely to devotional songs and verses. He has no interest in any other type of music, including Hindi or Bollywood songs, or even folk dances like Garba. Spiritual bhakti songs are his only source of entertainment. As Om grows older, his interest in spirituality continues to deepen. He enjoys visiting temples rather than any other place.
Om’s Remarkable Memory and His Achievements
Om has been suffering from cerebral palsy since the age of six months, which affected his physical and mental development. Although he is now 18 years old, his mental state remains that of a four-year-old. All of Om’s tasks are managed by his family, particularly by his mother, who provides him with constant care. Despite his challenges, Om can recite any line from the verses and immediately follow it with the next line.
Pride in Om’s Achievements: Father’s Perspective
Om’s father, Jigneshbhai Vyas, shared with Divya Bhaskar, “Om has participated in many shows and has been awarded numerous medals, trophies, and certificates. His room is adorned with trophies and medals, and we feel immense pride seeing them.” Due to his incredible talent, Om’s name has been recorded in 18 different record books, including the Limca Book of Records, the Asia Book of Records, and the India Book of Records.
Om’s Recognition from the President
Om has memorized all 18 chapters of the “Bhagavad Gita.” From the age of 3.5 years, Om has been reciting the verses of “Sunderkand.” He has received multiple awards and, at just 18 years of age, has already received two prestigious awards from the President, once from former President Ram Nath Kovind and more recently from President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi.
Om’s Achievement Through Listening: Mother’s Insight
Om’s mother, Varshaben Vyas, shared, “Om is 90% disabled and cannot read or write, yet he has memorized verses from ‘Sunderkand’ and ‘Bhagavad Gita.’ He has also memorized other hymns, including ‘Hanuman Chalisa,’ ‘Shiv Mahimna Stotra,’ ‘Shiv Tandav,’ ‘Gayatri Mantra,’ and many more. It’s amazing that Om has memorized all these by simply listening to them. Recently, he was honored by the President alongside other children, which fills us with immense pride.” Om was one of the two disabled children honored among 17 children who received awards from the President.
Community’s Mixed Reaction
Om’s parents, while extremely proud of his achievements, sometimes feel disheartened by the reactions from society. After Om’s birth, they faced initial hardships, but today they feel immense pride in him. However, they still face uncomfortable moments when they have to go out and people in the community express their disbelief upon seeing Om’s condition. As parents, these moments can be emotionally challenging.
