“Each Impossible Mission can be made Possible if you put your mind to it and work hard without giving up,” What a brilliant message by Sujeet for World Down Syndrome Day 2016. Sujeet practices what he preaches and this is evident from his long list of achievements. With his effort, commitment and optimistic attitude Sujeet has honed himself into a versatile musician. His passion for music was discovered an early age when he started taking lessons for musical instruments. His musical journey has tuned melodiously by brilliantly learning numerous instruments like Bb, Bass clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Violin, Trumpet, Piano, and Drums. His lifetime dream came true when he performed at Carnegie Hall and received a standing ovation. He has numerous achievements and recognitions including an award by the President of Singapore for self-advocacy & music. His unlimited talent for music cannot possibly suppress his achievements in martial arts. He is also a winner of gold & silver medals in the World Games Special Olympics. He has been featured in the Wall Street journal, New York Times and so on. Let us applaud Sujeet’s musical talent and his and his parents’ hard work and determination that made his dream possible.

What is the best thing you love about music? How long did it take you to master all 7 musical instruments? Which one was the toughest to learn?S: It makes me happy. .I feel proud of myself. A like to see smile and joy in my audience when they hear my music. I started taking lessons for Violin & Piano at age 9 which took about couple of years before I perform for audience. At age 13 I started playing Base & Bb clarinet which became my best instrument and I started performing on all 4 instruments around age 15. Rest of the instruments which are Alto saxophone, Trumpet, Drums, little bit of Guitar I taught myself about and been playing about little over 8-9 years. Violin was the toughest to learn.

Can you tell us about your debut performance at Carnegie Hall?S: It was my dream come true. I broke all records of Carnegie hall rule (no audience clapping & standing ovation in between performances) .I received standing ovation for presentations below

• The concert was opened with a documentary that was prerecorded with my piano accompanist Elaine Kwon.
• For my music performance I played 4 instruments (Bb Clarinet, Violin, Piano, & Alto sax) in 7 minutes. With Concert pianist Elaine kwon accompanying me.
• Gave an ambassador speech to welcome the audience.
• Did Tae Kwon Do martial arts Demo with my piano accompanist Elaine kwon.

You have received plenty of awards and recognition. Which award is closest to you heart and why?S: The award received by the President of Singapore for my self- advocacy & music in year 2000

Which musicians do you admire and why? Which genre of music do you prefer?S:  I like many musician but I admire most Kenney G. since I met him in person in World special Olympic Games 2009 where I played my solo. During rehearsal time I had chance to play with him duet (off stage) and hang out with him little bit when we all were interviewed by press.
I enjoy classical music especially Indian sitar that is very soothing. I play classical for my concerts , But for my day job to entertain senior citizens & play at nursing homes I play different style music like Fiddle, Jazz, easy listening, Broadway since they love upbeat music.

How was your experience participating at Special Olympics? Who is your favorite sports celebrity and why?S:  I started participating in Special Olympics since age 9 and loved to be with athletes who became friends for life. I was in Swimming, alpine skiing, basketball, bowling, Track & field .Won countless gold, silver, Bronze medals. But my most exciting was when I was selected for World game 1999 and won gold & silver medals in swimming. I always felt Proud of myself and was never looked down for my disability. I enjoyed opening ceremony playing my music in 2009 World games in front of 140000 people.
Basketball (Syracuse Orange) as Syracuse was my home town where I lived 30 years & enjoyed watching the games with my family. My favorite is also Michael Jordon.

Who is your inspiration?S: First my both parents. Then musicians like Kenny G & blue grass singer Candy Cane. After my Carnegie Debut the Concert pianist Elaine Kwon (MIT music professor & Martial artist) became my idol & inspiration as musician & Martial art artist and just very good person.

What do you like to do when you are with your friends?S: Eat my meals with my friends , hang out to watch TV, in winter play indoor games and in summer outdoor games and .At times we go out to watch movie go for Karaoke and also was resting just have fun and not playing my instruments that time .

What is your favorite place to visit and why?S: I travelled worldwide performing (13 countries, 40 US states) and meeting different nationality people. But most favorite is INDIA where my parents were born. I enjoy spending time with my extended family. I love the culture, the joint family & love they have for me. Locally I like to spend time with my parents little nephew & niece, my brother & sister-in-law.

What are your other hobbies?S: Tae Kwon Do the martial arts where I am at 2nd degree black belt 4th level and working towards 3rd degree. There I am treated with respect and honor. After Tae Kwon do I love to play basketball, Bocce, ride my bicycle and play golf .Like to sit on my computer writing my friends on my Facebook as well search for different u-tube music to listen and learn

Any special message for our community?S: In my musical performances I send various inspirational messages with slides show of my story how I struggle through past 35 years to get where I am and how these are some of my messages below :

• Believe in your abilities everyone has more than one ability (I talk about MI theory multiple intelligences)
• You just need to work hard without giving up and MAKE IT HAPPEN.
• All you need is love & support from your friends, family and support services for somethings you cannot do. And it from your
• Nothing is Impossible if you keep you mind into it. It may be slow but at the end you will have bright tomorrow
• Do not get discourage Bullying because you are “Different “than normal just keep self-advocating and you will conquer their love & respect and friendship.