Jawad Bhatti’s story is a powerful reminder of how determination and resilience can overcome even the toughest obstacles. Born in Shujabad, a small town near Multan, Pakistan, Jawad faced a life-altering challenge early on. An illness at around age three caused permanent deformity in his legs, leaving him unable to stand and bedridden for years. Yet, his journey from those dark days to finally becoming a medical student at Allama Iqbal Medical College is truly inspiring. Early Childhood: The First Trial Jawad’s early life was defined by his severe physical disability. Unable to walk or stand, he had to crawl and depended entirely on others for daily tasks. Despite the immense struggle and absence of adequate treatment, Jawad developed a strong desire to go to school. Supported by his loving family and friends, he finally started attending the local primary school at around age seven. Every day, friends helped him get to class and carried him back home, showing the power of a supportive community in the face of hardship. Starting Education: Against All Odds Getting to school was not just a physical challenge for Jawad; social and economic barriers made the journey even harder. But his persistence shone through. He embraced whatever support was available—family, friends, and sheer willpower—to continue his education. This phase laid the foundation for the ambitious dream that would sustain him through later challenges: becoming a doctor. Dreaming of Medicine: The First Setback Jawad’s passion for medicine grew stronger as he progressed in his studies. After successfully passing the medical college entrance exam, he faced a heartbreaking rejection. The admissions committee refused him entry because his physical condition meant he could not stand upright—a strict criterion that seemed insurmountable. But this was only the beginning of his struggle, not the end. Medical Treatment and Surgeries: Pain for Progress A breakthrough came when a doctor offered Jawad a series of complex surgeries—five to six operations—that could help him stand. Jawad bravely accepted, enduring months of painful recovery and uncertainty. Being bedridden for six months post-surgery tested his mental strength. Even after the plaster was removed, he had a long road ahead to regain physical function, but he persisted. Re-trying Medical Admission: The Next Challenge Determined not to give up, Jawad again passed the entrance exam after his surgeries. This time, he appeared before the committee walking with crutches under both arms. While this was a huge improvement, the committee remained unconvinced. They argued that using both hands for crutches meant Jawad wouldn’t be able to examine patients. Reality and regulations clashed once again. Overcoming the Final Hurdle: Rising to the Test Faced with a tough ultimatum, Jawad was asked to demonstrate walking with only one crutch—freeing one hand to examine patients. Learning this after years of crawling and relying on double crutches was an enormous physical and mental challenge. It required relentless practice, balance, endurance, and courage. Jawad committed himself fully to mastering this new skill. Triumph: Admission to Medical College After about six months of disciplined practice, Jawad returned to the admissions committee walking with a single crutch. This time, the committee accepted him. His admission to Allama Iqbal Medical College was not just a personal victory but a testament to the power of persistence and adaptability. Lessons from Jawad Bhatti’s Journey Jawad’s story is a shining example of how determination can rewrite the limits set by fate. For anyone facing tough odds, his journey reminds us that with resilience, support, and clear purpose, no dream is too far away. No matter what you need to negotiate, following are the FIVE most powerful tips which will enhance your negotiation skills Tip # 1 – DO prepare. Always! Best negotiators always prepare as intuition doesn’t help all the time. Have as much information as possible about the organization, the kind of deal your prospect is looking for, and the person you will be negotiating with. Information is the most important source of power in negotiations. Tip # 2 – DO listen to others. We all have two ears and one tongue. We should at least listen twice as much as we speak. We usually get caught up in talking when we are eager to make a business deal. Successful negotiators always listen more than they talk. Tip # 3 – DO use a friendly approach. Negotiation is not a war. Warmth and friendliness go a long way when it comes to business negotiations. You will be surprised by how a friendly approach can lead to shared common ground and which can in turn help in negotiations. Becoming too friendly is also not a good approach ! Tip # 4 – DO know when to say YES and when to say NO. Before going into negotiations, do you homework on options which are acceptable and the ones which will not be acceptable at all. This will help in making the right decision when negotiating. This homework will help you when you are required to make a decision on the spot. Tip # 5 – DO control your emotions. When it comes to business negotiations, don’t let your emotions direct your approach. Successful negotiators always stay calm and friendly even when others on the table aren’t.
