Everyday we see celebrities, politicians, cricketers and personalities talking about themselves, via videos, interviews, newspapers etc. They all have two characteristics in common.
1. They are famous
2. They are unique in their field
But, what about someone who’s unique, has fascinating stories to share but not so famous? That’s where this post is directed to.
Let me introduce Hardik Gol. Hardik is unique. He’s the shortest person in entire DDU. (Shortest in Nadiad too? Probably.)
I and Hardik share a good rapport. We are from the same branch, Computer Engineering, same batch, 2012-2016. Over the span of months, I had amusing conversations with Hardik.
Below is the compilation of our chats, in Question – Answer format. Keep moving your eyes, you’re going to visualize a different perspective today!
The Fact Sheet
Hardik was born in Anida, a small village in Amreli district. Soon after his birth, his family moved to Surat. Currently he lives in Varaccha, Surat.
He completed his 1 – 10th standard from a private school, which was situated in his society, 11th – 12th Science from Government Boys School. He opted for DDIT, Nadiad for his B.Tech in Computer Engineering. He’s in 7th semester.
The unique feature, his height. It’s 129 cm. For a comparison, I stand at 178 cm. Figure wise, you won’t be able to guess the difference so have a look at this picture. Left is Sahil, middle Hardik and right most, me.
That was the introduction. Let’s turn on Hardik’s volume now!
DD: So Gol, what’s the reason behind the 129 cm figure?
HG: The first 10 years of my life were normal. But then I was diagnosed with a condition called Pseudohypoparathyroidism.
The condition is extremely rare, with an estimated overall prevalence of 7.2/1,000,000.
{Even after 3 attempts, I still can’t pronounce the name of the condition.}
DD: Did you ever try to boost height by Complan?
HG: Never. I tried other medical ways, but never did try Complan. That product is just a marketing gimmick. You find me a person who became taller drinking Complan and I’ll throw you a party in TGB.
DD: How is college life compared to your school life?
HG: In school days, till 6th standard everything was normal. After sixth standard I became the shortest person in class. From 1 to 10th, I didn’t face any difficulties in study or life as the school was in our society.
But when I went to Amroli for 11- 12th, I faced some problems. Like being stared by people. Being the center of jokes. I didn’t get school shoes for 11-12th as the size didn’t cope up.
College life is much smoother compared to school. Never a once, I faced any huge problem.
DD: Talking about college, which are some problems that you face while you’re inside college campus?
HG: You remind me of EG days! I always had the tension that whether I’d find a table or not. I was fortunate, however.
In college canteen too, I find trouble placing an order. Somebody strong would sideline me and proceed to counter. But I’d be standing at the same place still.
But sometimes I’m in advantage. Like in Viva, faculties don’t attack me and they let me off unlike others.
Also, I always get help from people whenever I need. Be it librarians, peons or colleagues.
{That are some insights!}
DD: Do people laugh at you in public?
HG: Yes, they do it every time. I’m used to it. Actually, I think that they just smile, they don’t laugh at me.
DD: Then how do you react to them?
HG: Mostly I smile back. Sometimes I don’t. Depends on the context and the situation.
{Show time now!}
DD: Do you watch Game of Thrones? If yes, then do share your views about Tyrion Lannister.
HG: I’m fan of GOT!
I like his acting. In fact, I had thought of joining the entertainment industry! He’s a motivator for me. If he can act, if he can dance, if he can kiss then why can’t I? That’s what I’ve always believed.
{Peter Dinklage stands tall at 135 cm.}
{Let’s have some fun.}
DD: Do you have a girlfriend?
HG: Ha ha ha, Nope.
DD: Did you ever try to get a one?
HG: Ummm, never, actually. I do have crush on one pretty girl, like everyone else. 🙂
DD: Do you get jealous when you see your friends hanging out with their girlfriend?
HG: Naaaa! Their life, their rules and their girlfriends. I’m happy with whoever I am. I don’t bother.
Like a boss!
DD: Is there any movie that can resemble your life? (e.g. Bhaag Milkha Bhaag is for Milkha Singh. Is there any movie that can be related to the group of people like you.)
HG: I don’t think so. I’ve seen The Fault in Our Stars, but it had an entirely different story line. Darpan, we’ll make a one in the future. 🙂
DD: Your parents or family members ever discouraged you?
HG: I believe that no one holds the power to discourage you but you, yourself.
I used to feel that my family members try to discourage me. For example, everytime I go out-of-town, I hear most of time from family members like “Never open your wallet. Stay with your friends or never go alone.”
I used to feel hapless.
But now, after years, I don’t feel the same. They advise me because they care for me. Because they love me.
{Hats off!}
DD: Any message that you’d like to give to the readers of this post?
HG: Yes, yes.
People like me can be anything but never sad or hopeless or “maayush“. We are self motivated and don’t really need pity!
Never ever feel down. Keep smiling!
Phew!! That was one hell of an interview, wasn’t it? I thank Hardik for giving me the opportunity to share his thoughts. 🙂
You can find Hardik on: Facebook | Instagram
Contact me at: Here
If you’ve come down this far reading the post, don’t simply close the tab and go away! Do leave a comment below!
Edit:
I’m overwhelmed by all the responses! It’d be inconvenient to reply to each comment, hence here’s a big THANK YOU from me! 🙂
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