People of Value

Mumbai: Mahadeo Khashaba

Mahadeo Khashaba physically challenged man from Gude village of Satara, achieved a near impossible feat touring fourteen states on bicycle. Affected with the side effects of polio since the age of six, Patil compensates his loss by a strong display of fortitude and valour.

“I wanted to show that even a disabled man has the potential of accomplishing anything that a normal man can attain. I also wanted to attract the attention of the governments of the handicapped,” says Patil who is a national-level gold medalist in the disabled categories of running, swimming and cycling. Along with playing the part of a messenger of the less fortunate, Patil cycled across India supporting other causes save water, oil and nature, spread awareness for AIDS, propagate communal harmony and eradicating terrorism.

For Patil, the past few months were packed with visiting interesting places, meeting enthralling people, memorable and sour experiences alike. Patil now intends to paraphrase his experiences in the form of a book. “I found Gujarat to be the most pleasing State. I never saw a single handicapped person begging,” remembers Patil fondly. “Also, Chief Minister Narendra Modi asked me to speak on anything I felt was lacking for the disabled in Gujarat,” he added.

Commencing his expedition on November 26, 2006 from Maharashtra, Patil traveled through Goa along the western coast and entered the South. Covering the whole of south, he entered the East through Orissa and visited West Bengal and Bihar.

He also explored a part of Northern India passing through Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi and eventually broke into the west once again visiting Rajasthan and Gujarat.

However, Patil has a grouse. “I was received warmly by all the Chief Ministers everywhere, including Vilasrao Deshmukh of Maharashtra when I returned. But none of them offered to sponsor my venture.” Out of his entire tour amounting to Rs 80,000, he spent Rs 60,000 out of his own pocket.

The rest of it was paid for by appreciative people at different places, offering him a helping hand. Patil now wants to continue his tour, visiting the whole of India, but financial constraints blind his ambition. “Whatever allocation the government makes for us hardly ever reaches the grassroots level,” he complains.

A modest hardworking farmer, Patil is entrusted with the responsibility of sustaining his family of four. To darn the hole this activity has caused in his pocket, Patil plans to forgo his gold medals expecting a handsome amount in return from the government

Source: Polio is no handicap for this tireless traveler. Indian Express, Daily, Mumbai, 30 April 2007.