Arun Fernandez's life story is one of unwavering determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. As a social entrepreneur, he is the founder of DLearners, an Edu-Tech platform that stands as a beacon of hope for children grappling with learning difficulties, particularly Dyslexia.

Arun's personal journey mirrors the struggles and victories of countless individuals with Dyslexia. His academic path was laden with obstacles, from the challenges of reading and writing to the dreaded exams that brought anxiety. Failing tests and a constant cycle of changing schools added to his burdens. Regrettably, he was often dismissed as lazy and an underperformer, a label that gnawed at his self-esteem. Amidst this sea of difficulties, the tennis court became his refuge, the one place where he felt alive and in control.

Despite his father's successful logistics business, Arun constantly felt the weight of disappointment, as he fell short of the academic achievements expected of him. With his frequent school changes, he struggled to make lasting friendships, and his self-confidence waned. He yearned for understanding and validation, hoping that those around him would recognize his unwavering efforts in reading, even if it yielded less-than-ideal results.

Fortunately, his mother provided steadfast support and sought help from experts, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of Dyslexia. This revelation transformed Arun's perspective, as he came to understand that he was not lacking in intelligence but merely a different kind of learner

Arun's childhood Photo

Fueled by his mother's belief in him and the guidance of dedicated special educators, Arun successfully completed his 12th grade and pursued a degree in Commerce at Loyola College. A pivotal period in Hong Kong ignited his passion for social work, inspiring his return to India to embark on an MSW course, despite his father's initial disapproval. He gave a presentation titled "Transcending Differences" at the University of Notre Dame in the USA. In 2015, he founded the Blink Foundation and 3R Research and Technology Publishing Private Ltd, both of which focused on screening, identification, awareness campaigns, lab-based remedial education, and the development of SLD content. Soon, Dr APJ Kalam, India's former President, felicitated him for his contributions.

It was during this period that the seeds of DLearners were sown. In 2014, Arun founded DLearners as a platform designed to provide equitable educational opportunities for students grappling with specific learning disabilities, with a particular focus on those in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. With the support of acclaimed actor Jayam Ravi as a brand ambassador and the backing of invaluable partners and well-wishers, DLearners has left a remarkable impact, benefiting over 800 students and 2000 government-funded children across six states in India.

Photo with the Brand Ambassador "Jayam" Ravi

Arun Fernandez's journey is not just a testament to personal resilience, but a call to celebrate our differences and appreciate the uniqueness in every individual. He passionately advocates for a shift away from outdated notions that equate reading and writing abilities with intelligence, emphasizing that each child possesses their own set of strengths and talents.

His life story underscores that learning difficulties need not be insurmountable obstacles to realizing one's dreams. Arun's journey encourages us to believe in ourselves, to persist with unwavering determination, and, above all, to make a meaningful and positive difference in the world. He demonstrates that adversity can be transformed into a source of strength and a driving force for creating a more inclusive and compassionate world, where every child's potential can shine, regardless of their unique learning journey. Arun Fernandez's story is a testament to the power of resilience, empathy, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual, serving as an inspiration to all.

A photo was captured while Arun jumped in the middle of the sea.

Thanks for reading our blog! We hope you found it informative and helpful.

Did you know that strong reading, writing, and spelling skills are crucial for academic success? If you suspect your child is struggling with these skills, getting them screened for a learning difficulty as soon as possible is important.

For questions related to foundational writing skills or other language-specific areas such as spelling, grammar, and learning difficulties, reach out to the Dlearners team at 7299125465 or support@dlearners.in

Do you know that academic performance correlates with strong reading, writing, and spelling skills?

Even if you have the slightest doubt that your child is struggling with reading, writing or spelling, get your child screened, as there might be a risk for a Learning Difficulty.

DLearners offers a free screening process, which entails a comprehensive report detailing your child's strengths and weaknesses in reading, writing, and spelling and is provided in 48 hours.

Download the DLearners Parent App and get a free screening today. - Drop us a follow, DLearners , for more content like this!

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