People of Value

Shernaz Poonekar

Polio at the age of two may have crippled her body but it sure has not deterred her from living life to the fullest and making a positive life difference in the lives of others. Spirited and gutsy, Shernaz Poonekar is a firebrand who has traveled all over the world, is dedicated towards the betterment of the disabled, drives a three-wheeler, has won 12 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals at international sports meets and was the recipient of the 1978 Arjuna Award for sports (swimming).

Understanding how difficult it is to be disabled in today’s world where people constantly go to great lengths to be perfect, Shernaz Poonekar extends her experience and knowledge to help and guide her disabled brethren. The last 25 years have seen her consult parents, spouses and handicapped people regarding general and specific situations, acceptance no both sides, awareness about the facilities and providing equipment wherever she can.

“First and foremost the family has to accept the disabled person. Basic mobility is a crucial factor I emphasize on. Excuses, tears and self-pity should not be a disabled person’s crutches. Instead, they should find a way and make an effort themselves. Instead, of expecting everyone else to make them comfortable,” says Poonekar who accepted her disability and focused on strengthening her arms to win international recognition in sport for disabled people making her a role mode for others.

Coming to Poonekar for guidance from all strata of society, the disabled are blind, spastic or mentally challenged and not just wheelchair bound. It is more difficult for adults who become disabled in their early 20’s or later to accept their disability. “Though education is a must I also tell the parents and handicapped children to explore other talents as well. There could be a hidden Lata Mangeshkar who is waiting to be discovered,” she adds.

Another area where Shernaz is actively involved is that of increasing awareness of the facilities available for the disabled. One of them is accessibility to all public places via ramps. Another facility is that if a person is over 50% disabled and the same is certified by a government doctor then he/she is entitled to a 50% rail and air concession. Then there is the job quota for each category of disabled persons.

Those who are not well-educated can go in for the schemes provided by the government like giving subsidized telephone booths to disabled people. “Other options for them include having milk kiosks for their livelihood or running a home tiffin service, chalk, candle and greeting cards making or running a barber’s shop. For educated people the sky is the limit,” she explains.

Shernaz also helps the disabled by providing the, with equipment like wheelchairs, crutches and calipers for their mobility and expensive medication like pain killers and antibiotics.

Source: Enabling the disabled. Sahara Samay, Weekly, New Delhi 21 October 2006.