The Unified Pair: Yashika Bhatt (Youth leader with Intellectual & Developmental Delays) and Mahi Dheri (Youth leader without Intellectual & Developmental Delays) journeyed through the experience of planning, working, innovating and reflecting together in the past 9 months. They jointly committed to the project , presenting it at the Global Youth leadership Summit held along side the Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Berlin, Germany in 2023
How the very small experiences of daily lives reflect a change is penned by them , unedited:
Yashika says:
I and Mahi Di went to Berlin last year in June, for the Global Youth Leadership Summit, to present our project on “INCLUSION BEYOND SPORTS”. Before the summit, we used to
meet and prepare every day over Zoom calls and also did dance practice for our
performance in Berlin. We went to India Gate to shoot our dance video as well.
She explained to me how to organize any event. I learned a lot from Mahi Di such as
planning discussions and training for athletes.
She always informs and updates me before any online meeting by sending me a text
message, and also shares pictures when the event is over.
I and Di got plan for event with other volunteers in our team. It is during these rides that
we revise our PPT, share stories and strengthen our connection. Me and Di travelling
together. Recently we go to Bal Bharti School for the Unified Project Team. Whenever I
stuck any question, she guides me how to do it. She talks politely. Di and I attended the Air
India Event, where I talked about my journey. Berlin experience grate to me. Although I
know that my speech is not very clear but, that does not break my confidence to speak.
Sometimes I can’t come to the event because the Athlete Leader Ship event is going on. I
and Di get the implementation done together
Mahi’s Says
Over the past year, I’ve had the chance of being a unified buddy to Yashika. Our journey
started at the Global Youth Leadership Summit, where we presented our project,
“Inclusion Beyond Sports”, with an aim to promote inclusive engagements in schools
across Delhi, extending beyond just sports.
Yashika has been more than a buddy to me; she’s been a mentor & friend too. Her ability to
notice the little things has been eye-opening. One day, when I was feeling overwhelmed,
she simply asked if I needed water and kept checking in on me to make sure I was feeling
okay. It was a small gesture, but it showed how much she cares and pays attention to
others’ needs.
Yashika is a global athlete, winning medals for our country, but there’s so much more to
her. She’s a friend, an inspiration, a patient listener, a talented dancer, and someone who
loves ice cream. She’s also a loving sister and a leader who isn’t afraid to step out of her
comfort zone and take initiative.
Our trip to Berlin was the first time when I experienced her opening up to me about her
feelings, her perspectives, and her challenges. Seeing her vulnerability and honesty was
truly moving. It taught me the importance of creating a safe space for genuine connection.
Through my time with Yashika, I’ve truly realised that inclusion is about more than just
playing sports together or planning a session. It’s about building genuine relationships
based on respect, empathy, and understanding.
She has shown me the true meaning of inclusion and how it can positively impact our
communities. Together, while we continue to work towards making schools in Delhi more
inclusive, Inclusion for us isn’t just a project; it’s a way of life. And thanks to Yashika, I’ve learned to embrace it fully.
