International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated across the world on 3 December every year. There are many disabled people in India who did not give up, did not sit at home considering themselves weak, but did something whose example is given in the world today.
‘I am 50 percent disabled due to polio in my leg. After completing B.Com, he started going to companies for jobs. Everywhere I found taunts about being disabled. They used to send you away saying that there is no job for you. They would return home cursing their fate and crying. When I got work at one place, it was 15 kilometers away from home. Used to reach there by riding a bicycle on one leg. Now I am giving job to someone else.
This is the story of 40 year old Dickesh Tandon from Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. He told that no job was given due to disability. In 2014, he started his own business by taking a loan from the Social Welfare Department. Started the work of making coolers and cupboards. There were problems in the beginning, but now things are going well.
Two masons and one laborer are doing regular work. The number of mechanics and laborers increases during the summer season. Secretary in Para Sports Association of Chhattisgarh. Through this they help disabled players.
In my childhood, seeing others playing, I also felt like playing, but due to being disabled, I faced a lot of problems. I have played till national level in tawa, gola and javelin throw. I also got a bronze medal there.
Won bronze medal by representing the country in arm wrestling
Similarly, 40-year-old Sandeep Kumar, living in WRS Colony, has polio in both his legs, due to which he is 75 percent disabled. Sandeep is representing the country by overcoming his disability. Won bronze medal representing the country in the Asia Arm Wrestling Cup held in Kyrgyzstan.
Apart from this, he also plays wheelchair cricket. Has been selected on the Indian team of wheelchair rugby. Sandeep told that he has been participating in tawa, gola and javelin competitions for the last two years. Got one gold and one silver medal at the state level. I have won branch medal at national level also.
Was in scout guide during studies. I have received the President’s Award in Scout Guide in 2011. I donate blood to contribute to the society. Apart from this, I have also filled the pledge form to donate eyes.
I have been making my living by driving an auto for the last 10 years. Auto brakes are done by foot, but after purchasing the auto, it was modified. Got hand brake installed in the auto instead of foot. Other than this
Started donating blood to pay off society’s debt, have done so 60 times till now
38 year old Anwar Ali has donated blood 60 times so far. He told that a road accident happened in 2009. In which one of my legs had to be amputated. I needed blood during the accident. Being AB negative, there was a lot of difficulty in getting blood. I received nine units of blood transfusion. That’s when I thought that this debt to the society is on me. It has to be taken off. Thinking this, he started donating blood.
I am donating blood regularly by going voluntarily every three months. Don’t consider your disability as weakness. I am considering this as my strength. Walking with the help of artificial leg. Went to the base camp of Mount Everest with the help of artificial leg. I am working in a medical shop to earn my living.