Amit Gose's Inspiring Journey from Adversity to Advocacy
Amit Gose was born in Silchar, Assam, India, as the youngest of four siblings. His father, who was working in London at that time, had planned to wrap up everything and move back to India permanently. However, when Amit was just a few months old, he was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of tumors along nerves in the skin, brain, and spinal cord.
Early Life and Diagnosis
While these tumors are usually benign, they can cause significant pain and disfigurement, and there is no known cure for the condition. Because of this diagnosis, his father decided to put his plans to return to India on hold and instead brought the entire family to the United Kingdom. Amit grew up in London, where he faced extensive discrimination and bullying in school.
"I did not have many friends. I was bullied and was often called 'the boy with a funny face.' I received really mean comments that broke my heart," Amit recalls. This harsh treatment deeply affected his self-esteem and social interactions during his formative years.
Cricket as a Turning Point
But there was one thing that became his savior—his love for cricket. When he was around 10 or 11 years old, he played exceptionally well in a match. "Suddenly, I realized that my identity had changed from 'the boy with a funny face' to 'the boy who plays cricket.' In fact, cricket helped me tremendously in building my confidence and self-esteem," he explains. This shift in perception marked a crucial turning point in his life, allowing him to find a sense of purpose and belonging.
Struggles with Marriage and Self-Image
After graduating and securing a job, Amit faced new challenges when it came to marriage. "By then, all my siblings were married. I was only attending the weddings of friends and relatives. I had given up on the thought of ever getting married," he shares. He tried various methods, from blind dates to online platforms like Shaadi.com, but his facial appearance often became a barrier.
Throughout his life, Amit had tried to hide his face, but one incident particularly hurt him. "One day, I attended a friend’s wedding, and an aunty tried to be sympathetic. She said, 'Think of it this way—if you had a daughter, would you want to marry her to someone like you?' That hurt me so badly that I decided I would never get married," he reveals. This moment shattered his efforts to be recognized for his character rather than his looks.
Family Support and Loss
His father, who was his greatest champion and supporter, played a pivotal role in his life. "He was the only one who treated me like a normal child, just like my siblings. In fact, he scolded me like the others and pushed me to study hard and become independent. He worried about me, and in his last few days, I could see that concern in his eyes," Amit says. The loss of his father was a profound blow, leaving him without his primary source of encouragement.
Finding Love with Piyali
Amit maintains a strong connection with India, visiting every year since 2013. During one trip, he told a friend that he no longer wanted to get married. Upon returning to London, his friend called and mentioned a girl named Piyali, a makeup artist from India who might be interested. Amit asked his friend to show her his photo first, anticipating disinterest, but his friend insisted he contact her.
After initial hesitation, Amit sent a message, and Piyali responded the next day. They connected over messages and phone calls, eventually moving to video calls. "I was very nervous. I was sitting in my car when I made the call, hiding the side of my face where I have the problem," he admits. One day, Piyali said, "If we are going to do this, you should show me your full face." He did, and she had no negative reaction, accepting him completely.
Overcoming Family Opposition
However, challenges persisted. While Amit's family was supportive, Piyali's family initially opposed the marriage due to his facial deformity. "I was heartbroken. She stopped talking to me for some time because she did not want to go against her family for a four-month-old relationship," Amit recalls. Eventually, they reconnected, and his sister, who lived near Piyali's house, helped convince her family. They married in a small ceremony, and Piyali moved to London with him.
Transformation and Advocacy
"My life changed after Piyali came into it. Earlier, I was very uncomfortable with my looks. But she encouraged me to tell my story to the world," Amit explains. It was her idea for him to make his first TikTok video, which went viral. He then started posting more videos about confidence building, leading to invitations to speak in America and at schools and colleges.
Later, he met an official from the NHS who asked him to work on inclusivity initiatives. Amit passed the required exam and now contributes to promoting acceptance and diversity. Through his experiences, he has learned and taught a vital lesson: the first step to success is self-acceptance. If you cannot accept yourself the way you are, the world will not either.
