Outdoing the ordeal of living with the incurable osteogenesis imperfecta, 21-year-old Rishu, who recently completed his five-year law degree at Panjab University, is now set to begin practising at the Ropar district court.In July 2022, he had told The Tribune that he wanted to become a lawyer after he was recognised for scoring 99 per cent in his Class XII examinations, despite living with severe physical abnormality.Also called brittle bone disease, the affected person experiences his bones breaking, often, without any physical impact. It also causes severe physical deformities. Rishu lives with 85 per cent disability and has undergone multiple surgeries for retinal detachment.Rishu said, “I have the got the enrolment certificate from the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana. After my initial visits to the district courts, I realised the inherent problems of physical accessibility, movement within courtrooms and the demanding environment of court practice that I will face. I will fight those, but I realised that my bigger challenge is my acceptability in the legal fraternity. There are many who make fun of me,” he said.Rishu said, “I have been told by my lawyers that my disability will be an unworkable handicap for my practice in the courts. I need a podium to stand on to communicate directly with the judge.”His father, Lal Chand, a retired schoolteacher, said, “Even as a kid, Rishu faced problems with his acceptability in most of the settings outside our home. Schools denied him admission, saying they could not take responsibility of a student whose bones broke randomly.”“We have lost count of the fractures Rishu has suffered since childhood. They have averaged nine every year. He appeared for his Class XII examinations with one eye covered. While studying law at Panjab University, he was hospitalised several times because of injuries,” said his mother, Kusin Lata, also a retired school lecturer.Despite these challenges, Rishu continues to visit the court, meet clients and learn the practical aspects of the profession as he works towards establishing himself as an independent advocate.“A beginning has been made, but I will be really helped if the court or the government allocates me a little space to sit,” he said.Rishu also expressed disappointment with the state government for not providing him what he considers meaningful assistance during his struggle.“The Punjab government should support and encourage meritorious persons with disabilities. I don’t demand any sympathy. I want equal opportunity,” he said.