Gratitude for a Scientist

Recently had the opportunity to listen to Dr. V.S. Ramachandran speak on the occasion of the launch of his new book The Tell-Tale Brain. Amongst other things the eminent scientist talked on topics like synesthesia, mirror neurons, mirror box etc. He made the topics easily comprehensible and fascinating.

During the period of interactions with the audience a young boy stood up. He looked smart and spoke articulately. He said he had come mainly to thank the neuroscientist. As the audience contemplated the possible reasons in their minds, the boy continued and disclosed that he had cerebral palsy. Sometime recently he had suffered from dislocation of the hip. This had subsequently caused him to change his lifestyle from a physically active one to a more inhibited one. He was scared to undertake any physical activity due to the fear of pain and due to doubts about his ability to undertake the activity. Then he had happened to view a video where Dr. V.S. Ramachandran had spoken about learned disability. After viewing the video and obtaining this new knowledge he had decided to challenge his limiting beliefs and had started undertaking activities which he was previously scared to perform. He once again started moving towards an active lifestyle and gained progressive confidence and satisfaction.

As the boy completed, I sensed a gentle smile on the neuroscientist’s lips. The boy’s expression of gratitude would have definitely made both him and the recipient happier. An insightful scientific talk had proved to be a source of inspiration, strength and happiness to a boy whom Dr. V.S. Ramachandran did not even know. The concurrent applause from the audience was perhaps an appreciation of the endeavour of both human beings.