People of Value

Chennai

New Delhi

M. Ganesan

M Ganesan, 33, the only son of PS Mohan and M Nagarathinam, supported by four sisters, can insert his folded knees into Roman rings, turn upside down and play violin. He is a state level gymnast and is now shooting for a spot in the Guinness Book of World records for the longest one-handed horizontal support of body and the most number of finger snaps in a minute. All this in a person who is afflicted by polio and could do all this after extended medical treatment, oil massages, yoga and meditation.

Growing up watching other kids, enjoying was harder for Ganesan but he never lost heart. He finished his school and under graduate in commerce from University of Madras. He says," I am not disabled. I am just differently-abled. Do not pity me." For five years he worked as a temporary staffer in a bank. In 2001, he lost his job, he appeared for a lot of interviews but always the answer was that they would call him next time. Ganesan said people always advised him to work near to his house. Everybody asked him would he be able to climb stairs, carry files, ride bicycles etc.

Ganesan took to gymnastics and with rigorous training at the Sports Development Authority of India complex for three years; he mastered the art to such an extent that he won gold and silver medals at State and District level.

He said his legs ache for three days each time he performs these acts. But he can bear this pain rather that to put up with the sympathy of people. All he wants is to fend him and lead a normal life.

Source: Polio afflicted man shows the guts to excel, Indian Express, Chennai, 23 May 2005.

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Abida

Where there's a will, there's a way, Abida proved the proverb. She lost her hands in an accident in her early childhood but today she is multilingual and her legs replaced her hands.

She wanted to become teacher although her childhood was snatched but she refused to be dependent on anyone else. Today Abida does her work with her legs. She can write, eat and her legs works on computer keyboard like anything else. Chief Minister Sheila Dixit honoured her on getting first position in Urdu academy's adult education department.

Life is not a burden but it has become an art of living for Abida. She did not curse destiny for loosing her hands but she wonders…., so what if I don't have hands then, should I leave the wish to live? And on asking how does it feel without hands and she replies what do you get to grieve?

Presently Abida is preparing for 10th board from open school her dream is to do higher studies and then to do a job.

Source: Haath nahi to kya hua… Rajasthan Patrika, Jaipur, 23 May 2005

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