By Marissa V. Foster

MAHENDRA Phagwah is the only son of two children to differently-abled parents ( both of whom are deaf and mute). He hails from the community of No.2 Village, Canje. His childhood was always a hassle due to his parents’ conditions but families from overseas gave them relief by helping them out in various ways. That, however, did not fill in the gaps. Mahendra recalls seeing everyone’s families venturing off to adventures, enjoying barbecues and other family events, while his family could not. This always left a void of feelings within him because he craved for such a love and bond. He could not hug his parents or speak to them when something was wrong to seek their advice. This enacted a rebellious side of Mahendra, but it was a desperate signal for love in disguise. High school was no exception, for hardships limited food as well as hygiene-related and other issues; he was laughed at and mocked because. This all resulted in him being very depressed.

Eventually, Mahendra withdrew from school and began working, but still felt the need to go back one day. He attended private classes with the help of some giving persons but it still was insufficient. Nevertheless, with the generosity of a teacher from J.C. Chandisingh, he was enrolled even though he advanced the age of high school. Mahendra was still very determined to get that CSEC education and persevered through the generous offer of a scholarship from the MMP Foundation for Excellence, alongside the support of classmates, parents, his sister and teachers. Eventually, he aced through with 15 CSEC subjects.

Poverty and the role in which it plays in deterring students from pursuing a sound education is something he hopes to change in his community. The root causes have to be determined, tackled and solved with everyone on board and not just a one man’s show; he hopes to be a part of that transformation. Some of those underlying issues are all close to home for him and have affected him directly or indirectly. He stressed that there are many like him out there who have dropped out of school but were not fortunate enough to return to school and complete their CSEC education. Sadly, he also lost his best friend to suicide and knows of many others who lost loved ones in that way as well. All of these misfortunes gave him the strength, experience and knowledge to become the man he is today.
Current achievements

Currently, Mahendra is in the United States of America at NYU University and the Champlain College for the Young Leaders Program as the only Guyanese in attendance this year. He is required to carry out a service project for a year and as a graduate. He will be entitled to funding to ensure his vision turns into a concrete project whilst being guided under the prestigious advice of his mentors. In doing so, he would be visiting schools to create awareness on his platform, work with the government and ministries on collaborative efforts to tackle school dropouts and partner with other organisations.
The ultimate aim is to have a platform that works with everyone to tackle the issues affecting young people and build a more cohesive society for the growth and development of his community and country at large. The common person must be able to have a voice and empowerment must be for all, irrespective of their status. Mahendra was also recognised by the Royal Commonwealth Society and was awarded a distinction in Associate Royal.

Plans

On a personal goal, he currently plans to pursue Law as he sees this goal complementing his passions. Even though Mahendra is occupied at the moment with an Associate Degree in Public Health and other courses, his ultimate aim is to be an all-rounder. As a little boy and even to this date, he wishes to one day become President for his country. His love for Guyana lies not in pro-opposition or anti-government support, but to help in one way or the other, directly or indirectly, to make the lives of his fellow brother and sister easier. Politics has always been painted negatively, but that same brush that draws is always determined by the painter hence politics once guided by true leaders who want nothing more but the voice of the people who enacts into reality is what should be the goal.

His sister has always been supportive and he is always pushing her to do her best as she has the ability and she too will be working with him on many social platforms. Last but not least, his parents are the ones who are the burning fuel for him wanting to achieve success. Both of his parents, despite their disabilities, have worked at domestic jobs. His mother never gave up on him, even when he dropped out and the least he can give them back is the happiness they truly deserve.

This future lawyer’s advice to young boys with stories similar to his is: “Boys are taught to be tough and it’s a weakness to express yourself, but this leads to isolation, denial, and built-up anger. My advice is we are a generation that has to break that stereotype and work together to become tomorrow’s better father, brother and friend’s keeper. Most young men want fast money, but the consequence of negating it is even greater. Work hard, honestly, and for a cause.”

Mahendra Phagwah is now a popular name in our county and his story is a testimony that one should never give up, despite their circumstances.