Despite congenital cerebral palsy and being barred from formal education, 22-year-old Polina Chandra Sekhar from Hyderabad has built a thriving YouTube channel, inspiring many with his gaming skills and educational content tailored for excluded students.
Polina Chandra Sekhar, a 22-year-old gamer from Hyderabad, has faced a series of daunting challenges that would discourage many. Born in 2002 in Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district, his life took a dramatic turn before it had even begun, due to a delayed birth that resulted in permanent brain damage and a diagnosis of congenital cerebral palsy. Unable to walk or speak, Sekhar’s early existence was marked by significant physical limitations. However, his journey is not merely one of survival; it’s a testament to resilience and a quest for identity against the odds.
Determined to change the course of his life, Sekhar’s mother made the brave decision to relocate to Hyderabad, seeking better therapeutic options and opportunities. Starting from a place of poverty and isolation, her relentless dedication gradually yielded results. After two years of perseverance, Sekhar spoke his first words, and with time, he began to improve his mobility, inching closer to a life he desired.
Yet, despite these advancements, formal education remained elusive. In 2019, while preparing for his Class 10 board exams, Sekhar was unexpectedly turned away by his school, a rejection that came with no explanation and left him without any further educational recourse. This setback, however, would serve as a turning point; armed with a smartphone, a 5G connection, and limitless hours of potential, he ventured into the world of gaming.
It was then that he discovered Free Fire, a battle royale game that allows for one-handed play. Sekhar, with only one functioning finger, adapted remarkably to this constraint. Encouraged by friends, he began to stream his gameplay, showcasing his talent to a growing audience. Initially, a trickle of views turned into a flood, and soon, he launched his YouTube channel, aptly titled “Disability Gamer.” His platform has garnered over 150,000 subscribers by 2021, transforming his gaming passion into a source of income and influence.
Despite the challenges, including the deletion of his YouTube channel at one point, Sekhar remains undeterred. He devotes between 12 to 18 hours a day to creating educational content tailored for students who, like him, have been excluded from traditional education. His commitment sends a powerful message: disability does not imply inability. Through his gaming and educational initiatives, Sekhar not only entertains but also enlightens, striving to redefine what is possible for others facing similar challenges.
Sekhar’s story has resonated with many across India, making him a beacon of inspiration for those who may feel trapped by their circumstances. His determination reflects a broader narrative about overcoming adversity and realising one’s potential, serving as a reminder that with innovation, creativity, and resolve, barriers can be shattered.
Reference Map:
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/cities/hyderabad/2025/Jun/08/the-hyderabad-gamer-who-defies-a-diagnosis-daily – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/cities/hyderabad/2025/Jun/08/the-hyderabad-gamer-who-defies-a-diagnosis-daily – This article profiles 22-year-old Polina Chandra Sekhar from Hyderabad, who, born with cerebral palsy due to a delayed birth, overcame significant challenges to become a successful gamer and educator. Denied formal education, Sekhar turned to gaming, particularly the battle royale game Free Fire, using his smartphone and a single working finger. His YouTube channel, ‘Disability Gamer,’ amassed over 150,000 subscribers by 2021. Despite facing setbacks, including the removal of his channel, Sekhar remains committed to proving that disability does not equate to inability, dedicating 12 to 18 hours daily to creating educational content for students excluded from formal education.
- https://www.practo.com/hyderabad/doctors-for-cerebral-palsy-treatment/sardar-patel-nagar – Practo provides a comprehensive list of 22 doctors specializing in cerebral palsy treatment near Sardar Patel Nagar, Hyderabad. The platform offers detailed profiles, including years of experience, consultation fees, and patient reviews, facilitating informed decisions for individuals seeking medical assistance in this area.
- https://www.rainbowhospitals.in/doctors/best-cerebral-palsy-specialists-in-hyder-nagar – Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Hyder Nagar, Hyderabad, features a team of esteemed pediatric neurologists and rehabilitation specialists dedicated to treating cerebral palsy. The hospital emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating various therapeutic modalities to enhance patient well-being, and offers personalized treatment plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.
- https://drchandraneuro.com/ – Dr. Chandra Sekhar Tavisetty is a highly esteemed neurosurgeon and stroke interventionist in Hyderabad. He is among the newest generation of high-tech and hybrid neurosurgeons who have undergone extensive training and up-skilling in minimally invasive surgical techniques. These surgical procedures involve highly evolved, high-precision equipment, where even a millimetre deviation from the intended area of the brain can make the distinction between success and failure of the procedure.
- https://www.rainbowhospitals.in/doctors/best-cerebral-palsy-specialists-in-secunderabad – Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, offers specialized care for children with cerebral palsy. The hospital’s team includes experienced pediatric neurologists and rehabilitation specialists who collaborate to create individualized treatment plans, utilizing the latest techniques and technologies to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
- https://www.rainbowhospitals.in/doctors/cerebral-palsy-specialists-near-me-in-secunderabad – Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Secunderabad, Hyderabad, provides a team of highly skilled and experienced specialists for cerebral palsy care. The hospital emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, offering services such as medication management, physical and occupational therapy, and speech therapy, all tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is fresh, published on June 8, 2025, with no evidence of prior appearances or recycled content. The New Indian Express is a reputable source, and the article appears to be based on original reporting.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes were identified in the provided text, suggesting the content is original or paraphrased. The absence of direct quotes indicates a high likelihood of original reporting.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from The New Indian Express, a reputable news organisation known for its journalistic standards. This enhances the credibility of the report.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about Polina Chandra Sekhar’s background and achievements are plausible and consistent with known information. The narrative provides specific details, such as his YouTube channel ‘Disability Gamer’ and the challenges he faced, which align with his public profile.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and sourced from a reputable organisation. The absence of recycled content, direct quotes, and the plausibility of the claims support a high confidence in the report’s authenticity.
