'Helping hand' for handicapped

NAGPUR: "I was polio affected since birth and could not walk without help. My parents were always beside me. Life seemed less like living and more like existing because of my physical disability. After 23 years which is my age. I can finally take care of myself. I am deeply grateful to the good Samaritans who have restored my life so that I can finally live it with dignity" says Arula Soni, a patient who received a hand-propelled tricycle at an artificial limbs distribution camp at the Blind Relief Association (BRA) on Saturday.
The Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), under the union ministry of social justice, and empowerment, organized the camp which received an overwhelming response. Union minister for social justice and empowerment Mukul Wasnik, guardian minister Shivajirao Moghe and minister of state for power Rajendra Mulak graced the programme. The event gave more than just walking or hearing aids. It evoked a hope in the disabled of living a normal life once again and at the end produced many happy faces.
Talking to TOI, many physically challenged persons who were at the camp could not contain their happiness.
Yadav Maske, a 30-year-old resident of Bhiwapur, said the government's initiative to provide artificial limbs is a blessing in disguise. He said, "The response for the camp increased manifold as the disabled who are also suffering from a financial crunch, were in a way empowered."
"I am a primary wing teacher. I had this walking disability since birth and needed help. They gave me a hand-propelled tricycle and crutches. For poor families, this camp is a ray of hope. I'm so happy that finally I can stand on my own and teach students," added Maske. Some said that the camp has given them a new lease of life and the hope to overcome financial troubles.
Ashok Thannare, a 21-year-old student at ITI in Amravati said, "Since birth I was affected by polio and took the help of a walking stick. I came here solely to find a solution to my disability as I am also from a low financial background. They have given me a wheelchair and I am so elated that finally I can lead a dignified life."
Milind Ramteke, assistant counsellor of the handicapped section of the district social welfare department Nagpur, said that people from far flung areas came for the camp.
He said, "First an assessment of the patient was done and then we provided them with the necessary aid. Only after a medical check up are the artificial limbs or aids provided. More than 2,000 physically challenged people came for the camp. Since this was a free distribution camp, we had patients mostly from BPL families. The distribution went on for the entire day and will continue for the next two days" he added.