Right from her childhood, Zainika Jagasia, a 21-year-old girl with Down Syndrome, wanted to be a model.

Born to supportive parents in Mumbai, she had her dream come true when her parents arranged a photoshoot in 2021.

After the first photoshoot, Zainika shared that she felt more confident. Soon, she got many more modelling projects.

“Wherever I have reached today is thanks to my parents and all the therapy that I’ve been taking since childhood,” she said.

“Today, I can talk better, speak better English, form better sentences and I’m able to physically cope as well,” Zainika added.

Throughout the journey, her parents have been a pillar of support. Zainika’s mother, Reshma Jagasia, says she had a gut feeling throughout her pregnancy that ‘there was something wrong’.

“It was almost like my child was talking to me all the time.” When the baby was born, the doctors confirmed that she had Down Syndrome.

The ever-supportive parents then spent eight to 10 hours a day with their child in occupational, physical and speech therapy when Zainika was just months old.

The bright girl has also gained popularity on social media for her impressive baking skills. When she isn’t baking, Zainika excels in her academics.  Is there anything she can't do?

Her next dream is to become a full-time model and walk the ramp for luxury fashion brand Gucci one day. “I want to emphasise that everyone has a place in this world. You will meet people that adore and support you,” she said.