Down’s syndrome: Savio’s full life from work to liturgical service
On this World Day, which highlights the potential of people with this chromosomal condition, the story of an Indian boy and his family who have welcomed him for over forty years, striving to ensure that his differences do not become an obstacle. The importance of faith in his life. Today he brings joy to everyone he meets and his smile is a blessing.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – Today marks World Down Syndrome Day. The full acceptance of life and the promotion of the potential of these individuals remains a very important issue in Asia too. We publish this testimony from India, which also highlights the role of Christian communities in this journey.
Savio da Gama, a young man with Down’s syndrome, was born 44 years ago into a family consisting of his parents and an older sister.
From birth, he has been a fighter and a true example of encouragement. Born at a time when very little was known about disabilities, his parents accepted him for who he was. Whilst his father Roy was at work, it was mainly his mother Sybil who learnt what it meant to raise a ‘different’ child. Her paediatrician gave her the best possible advice: ‘He is your son – treat him as such. He may be different, but don’t let his difference become an obstacle; use it instead to encourage him to achieve goals that would otherwise have come easily to him’. From that day on, she never looked back.
Savio attended the Dilkhush Special School in Juhu, where he was stimulated and encouraged to become the best version of himself. Reading, writing, maths and experiential learning were provided to him by teachers who often had to adapt to his learning pace. He was a brilliant student and achieved many significant milestones during his school years.
Savio is also a passionate musician and plays several instruments, including the guitar, his main instrument. He began studying music at the age of 11 and has given numerous performances over the years. He is the winner of the National Award as a musician with a disability: he keeps up to date with artists and bands, and his dream is one day to be part of one of these groups.
Ten years ago, Savio moved to Goa to join his sister Liane in her Atmavishwas initiative, which offers vocational and life skills training to young adults with disabilities. Savio then undertook a training course in Food & Hospitality at the centre and worked in the café run on the premises, handling front-of-house duties and becoming the face of the venue. His work is his life and he takes great pride in it.
He is also a keen traveller and loves discovering new places. As a child, Savio was terrified even at the mere thought of seeing a plane in the sky; today, however, he has travelled all over the world and is an excellent travel companion for his sister Liane. They have attended conferences for people with disabilities in Europe, travelled to South-East Asia and Australia, and took part in the Special Olympics in Berlin in 2023.
What has enabled Savio to face all of life’s difficulties, including a major operation 15 years ago, is his faith in God. His faith in Jesus and the Virgin Mary is his greatest blessing, which he shares with those around him. His greatest joy is serving at Mass, and this is what he asks of every priest he meets. As the Church becomes increasingly inclusive, he hopes to be able to participate more and more actively. His greatest dream is to go to Rome to meet the Pope.
Savio lives a full and rewarding life. He is happy to wake up every day and is grateful when he goes to sleep at night. He is a sociable person and brings joy to everyone he meets. His smile can light up a room and cheer people’s hearts: he is a blessing. His family, along with many other people he has met along the way, has been his beacon of support. The acceptance of those around him has been the key factor that has allowed him to reach his full potential. Savio always says: “If I can do it, so can you!”
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13/12/2023 16:03
