A 21-year-old man who lives with an incurable bone condition has turned his struggle into a legal career. Rishu, who has osteogenesis imperfecta — commonly known as brittle bone disease — has completed his five-year law degree at Panjab University and is now ready to begin practising at the Ropar district court.
His journey has been anything but easy. Rishu lives with 85 per cent disability and has undergone multiple surgeries for retinal detachment. The condition causes bones to break frequently, often without any physical impact, and leads to severe physical deformities.
From 99 per cent in Class XII to a law degree
Rishu first came into the spotlight in July 2022 when he told The Tribune that he wanted to become a lawyer. At that time, he had just been recognised for scoring 99 per cent in his Class XII examinations — a remarkable achievement for someone living with severe physical challenges.
Now, that dream is becoming a reality. Rishu has received his enrolment certificate from the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana, a key step that allows him to practise law in the courts.
What is brittle bone disease?
Osteogenesis imperfecta, the condition Rishu lives with, is a genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to produce strong bones. People with this condition experience bone fractures frequently, sometimes without any clear cause. The disease also causes physical deformities and can affect other parts of the body, including the eyes.
Despite these challenges, Rishu has pushed forward with his education and career goals. His determination to enter the legal profession shows how he has refused to let his condition define his future.
"I have got the enrolment certificate from the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana." — Rishu, as told to The Tribune
What this means for Rishu's future
With his enrolment certificate in hand, Rishu is now set to begin practising at the Ropar district court. This marks the start of his professional career as a lawyer — a role he has been working toward for years.
His story stands out not just because of his academic success, but because of the path he has taken to get here. From scoring top marks in school to completing a demanding five-year law degree, Rishu has consistently shown that his physical limitations do not limit his ambitions.
Our Take: A victory that goes beyond the courtroom
Rishu's achievement is worth celebrating for more than one reason. On the surface, it is a story about academic success and career progression. But look closer, and it is a story about access — access to education, to opportunity, and to a profession that has not always been welcoming to people with disabilities.
In our view, Rishu's journey sends a clear message: talent and determination matter more than physical ability. His 99 per cent score in Class XII was not a fluke, and his law degree is not a charity case. He earned both through hard work.
There is also a practical side to this story. As a lawyer living with a disability, Rishu will bring a perspective to the courtroom that many others cannot. He understands firsthand what it means to navigate a world that is not always designed for people like him. That understanding could make him a stronger advocate for his clients.
His story also raises a broader point about how society views people with disabilities. Too often, the focus is on what someone cannot do. Rishu's story flips that narrative — it shows what someone can do when they are given the chance and the support to succeed.
As he begins his practice at the Ropar district court, Rishu carries with him more than just a law degree. He carries proof that perseverance, even in the face of an incurable condition, can lead to real achievement.