From the States

Chennai

Patna

Governor for the cause of the disabled

One should recognize the fact that the disabled also have the potential to work and contribute to the society, said Surjt Singh Barnala, Governor of Tamil Nadu at the valedictory function of the 7th Artificial Limb Camp in Chennai on July 29. The function was organized by Adinath Jain Trust.

Barnala said that with the help of charitable organizations, one could rehabilitate the differently abled in a meaningful and substantial manner. The construction of ramps and other special features for the physically challenged as is in its initial stages.

According to him, the government was taking steps to transform the lives of the disabled. The challenge of rehabilitation could be met successfully with the help of the community, voluntary organizations and the handicapped themselves, he said.

The skills of the disabled also must be recognized for the society to be complete in all respects. He commended the Adinath Jain trust for their service to the disabled.

The Governor distributed calipers, artificial limbs, wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids and sewing machines to some of the 7200 beneficiaries of the 15 day camp in Chennai. The materials were supplied at a cost of Rs.2 crore.

Source: Transform lives of disabled: Barnala. Indian Express, Chennai, 30 July 2006.

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School under pressure: takes back disabled boy!

The right to access and education cannot be denied to anybody on the ground of a certain disability. It the duty of a responsible society to ensure that violations of the rights and privileges accorded to the disabled under law does not occur.

In one such instance where righteousness prevailed and a grossly unjust episode was avoided, the management of a school run by the RSS in Jharkhand finally allowed a physically challenged boy, who was asked to leave the school a few days ago, to attend classes.

Ravi Ranjan, a Class 11 student at Saraswati Sishu Mandir in Ranchi whose legs are afflicted by polio, was asked to leave the school as he reportedly found it hard to climb to the first floor of the building to attend zoology classes. Also, following an order by the principal, the conductor of the school bus stopped allowing Ravi to board the bus a few days prior to this issue being briught to public attention.

The school management was informed about the student's physical disability when he was admitted to the school early this year. Earlier, principal Kamlakant Das had said on record that Ravi's physical constrains would not only create problems for him, but also for his colleagues.

However, the school management succumbed to pressure from all quarters of society, including Governor Syed Sibtey Razi, who asked the chief secretary, M.K. Mandal to ensure that the boy was not expelled. He had also sought a report from the HRD department and the district administration.

Ravi's father, Mr. Suresh Paswan, had also assured the school management in writing that he would not be responsible for any problem his son might face while attending classes. Mr. Suresh Paswan had moved the Jharkhand Education Tribunal (JET) demanding action against the school management for expelling his son.

"Ravi wants to become a doctor. His dreams should come true. He is a meritorious student. I don't want to get into any kind of controversy with the school management. Now, since they decided to take back my son, I will withdraw the case against them," Mr. Suresh Paswan told reporters in Ranchi.

Source: Disabled boy to rejoin school. Asian Age, New Delhi, 27 July 2006.

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