TVHE OICEJan-June 2004

Vol XIII No.1 OF FOD A PUBLICATION BY FAMILY OF DISABLED Rs. 30.00

Elections 2004 Javed Abidi shows the way

Japan The barrier-free country

War Wounded Foundation For the disabled warriors

Onkar Nath Sharma A Powerhouse

Indo-Pak Blind Cricket Series

READ AND RELAY THE PUBLICATION The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 5 TVHE OICE CONTENTS OF FOD Editorial 7 Editor and Publisher: Rajinder Johar Fighting Election Wasn’t So Bad 8 Rajinder Johar Sub-editors : War Wounded Foundation : Succour for Disabled Soldiers 12 Preeti Johar Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Vijay Oberoi Rubina Mohan A Powerhouse 15 Members : K.B. Mahajan Gautam Haridas Mrinalini Dayal An Odyssey to Japan 17 Rina Kumar Sanjeev Sachdeva and Anjlee Agarwal R.S. Bhandari Swaran Gambhir Unbreak my Heart 19 Source : Internet State Chapter Conquer 19 Karnataka : A poem by Harshita Tripathi 418, 1st Main, 1st Block, R.T. Nagar, Bangalore-560032 Hyperactive Child it could be ADHD 20 Tel: 080-23330200, 23535787 Source : The Times of India Fax: 6615101 E-mail: [email protected] Development of Employment Opportunities Coordinator : Ali Khwaja for Persons with Disabilities 21 Dr. Papia Lahiri Editorial and FOD Registered Office: B-1/500, Janakpuri, News 25 New Delhi-110058, India Tel: 91-11-25597328, 51570140 Proud to be an Indian 37 E-mail: [email protected] George Abraham [email protected] Web: www.familyofdisabled.org Questions and Answers 38 Letter to the Editor 39 Printed by : Mayur Enterprises Dr. Rohit Jain WZ-Plot No. 3, Gujjar Market, Monotony 39 Tihar Village, New Delhi-110 018 Do not Give Up Tel: 91-11-25121512, 28121637 Poems by Manmohan Dhar

Cover Page: Javed Abidi at the hustings (Top) Book Review 41 Beneficiaries of War Wounded Foundation (Below) Dr. V.S. Bole and Shashi Katyal Sketches by Arveend Budh Singh Believe it or Not! And Health Capsules... Classifieds 42 Courtesy ‘The Times of India’ The views and opinions expressed in this issue are New Perspectives 43 of the authors themselves. Anubhav Rajput and Gaurav Singh Our sincere thanks to the members, volunteers, Team FOD supporters and well wishers of FOD for their continuing precious assistance in running its Looking Back 44 existing projects and launching the new ones. This issue of The Voice... is sponsored by Krishnan family of Surajkund, Haryana

Mr. V. Krishnan and Mrs. Parvathi Krishnan inaugurating the website of Family Of Disabled at their office in Defence Colony, New Delhi Jan-June 2004 Editorial The VOICE of FOD 7 So Much for the Disabled People!

he new government is in place following general elections to the 14th Lok Sabha. During the hustings, scores of national and regional political parties came out with their manifestoes but all of Tthem, in weird unanimity, were silent on the issue of the welfare of the disabled people who comprise around five per cent of the country's population. Simply because of they being disorganised, dependent on others and their inability to rally behind political parties, disabled people are not considered a vote bank and so they are rudely ignored. Otherwise, the organised strength of voters with different disabilities can send at least 20 MPs to the parliament. Still, disability is the odd card that no party desires to play unlike the case of caste, community, religion, etc. For over half a century the legislature has been immune to the needs of disabled people even though the former prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru suffered a stroke in the concluding phase of his tenure and ex- chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Govind Ballabh Pant had Parkinson's disease. As these VVIPs' special needs were well attended to, they could not appreciate the challenges a common man with disability faces. India has significantly progressed in various fields including medical and health but sadly lags behind in rehabilitation of the disabled people. Even their basic needs do not receive due attention from the concerned quarters and they are compelled to seek judicial intervention. In one case, even routine prosthesis and medication had to be sought via intervention of the Delhi High Court. These days the courts are being frequently petitioned by the disabled people for redressal of their essential requirements like discrimination at work, compensation, admission in teaching institutions, disabled-friendly environment, etc. It is also a harsh fact that even IAS officers had been discriminated against on account of disability and were forced to seek justice through the Supreme Court. Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of United Progressive Alliance, had been showing great concern and care for the disabled people through Rajiv Gandhi Foundation which she heads. Now that there is a Congress-led UPA government at the Centre, the expectations of disabled fraternity are bound to rise manifold, especially in the areas of education and employment, one of the main issues, on which the recent elections were contested and won. While constituting his cabinet of ministers, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would have done well to entrust the welfare of disabled people to Ajit Jogi, MP from Chhattisgarh and S. Jaipal Reddy the minister for information and broadcasting. Jogi is currently leading a wheelchair life and is recuperating from spinal injury and Reddy has a locomotor disability. A separate ministry for the purpose would not have been a bad idea either. They already have it in Canada. We need it all the more for our five crore disabled citizens.

Arpita Ghosh, Atul Jain and Ravinder Nayar extended their valued help in bringing out this issue of The Voice…

There is no security on this earth. Only opportunity. Douglas Macarthur 8 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD Fighting Election Wasn’t So Bad

JAVED ABIDI, covenor, Disabled Rights Group and executive director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for the Disabled People, fought the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Though he lost, he considers it a success in terms of being able to convince the electorate of the need for genuine efforts in mainstreaming the people with disabilities. Abidi, 39, has emerged as a staunch activist and a voice for crores of disabled people who have been hitherto denied their rightful place in the society. RAJINDER JOHAR interviews Abidi on his experiences while contesting as an independent candidate. Javed Abidi with his supporters during election campaign

What made you contest this year's We chose New Delhi because of How did your family and friends Lok Sabha Elections? And why did two considerations: (a) it is a react to your decision to contest? you choose New Delhi constituency? small constituency easier to They were convinced that I was canvass in a short time and with As soon as the general elections mad! Initially they were all quite limited resources; and (b) it is a taken aback. They worried for me. were announced, there was a big highly literate constituency But, once they realised that I was debate in the disability sector as to therefore, people should be more serious, they not only accepted my what should be our stand should aware of social issues. decision but also actively we restrict our role to advocacy You fought as an independent supported me. vis-à-vis the Election Commission candidate. Did you try for a and vis-à-vis the political parties ticket from any political party? What were the issues raised by or should we ourselves jump in you? What was your manifesto ? No. It was a decision-in-principle the fray! One thing was clear this The main issue of course was taken by the Disabled Rights time that, we should not be on the disability. But, I also focused on Group (DRG) that the disability fringes; but should be right there, clean electoral practices that sector should maintain its own in the middle of the action. 'politics' is not necessarily a bad independent identity. 70 per cent of Indians will qualify as poor and the below poverty line 26 per cent will qualify as worse than chronically poor. Abusaleh Shariff, chief economist, and head, human development programme, at the National Council of Applied Economic Research The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 9 word. I focused sharply on the support I got from all my friends, mass movement. Sometimes at a various problems faced by the colleagues and peers. People very very short notice, we have to New Delhi constituency and how really went out of their way. It organise dharnas and rallies with it has been wrongly labelled as a was a huge emotional hundreds of disabled people. If I VIP constituency. experience, one that I will really was all that 'inaccessible', remember and cherish for the What have you achieved by why would people respond so rest of my life. contesting the election? Are you willingly and so selflessly to my satisfied with the results? What In the history of parliamentary call? stood between you and the elections, has anybody ever But I do understand your point victory? fought an election from a also. I accept I have got very little wheelchair? Were you We were able to raise the profile of comfortable canvassing from a time during the course of the day disability as an issue. It was right wheelchair? Did you also and I like to use every minute there on the main political pages of address rallies or road side judiciously; secondly, I genuinely most mainstream national meetings ? want that people should not over- newspapers throughout the estimate me, that there should be a election campaign. A fairly large Honestly, I am not so sure. But I second line of leadership, people don't think that anyone from the chunk of the general population, at must trust all our other senior disability sector or for that matter least in Delhi, was made aware of officers, like say Rama Chari and disability issues and perhaps a known disability activist has Sakina. Depending of course on sensitised. And of course, the contested ever before. the nature of work, that people biggest target group were the Oh yes, I was more than meet them, it is as good as meeting politicians. I think most of them comfortable. Not just me. Then, why should everyone understood what we were trying comfortable, but enjoying it too. to do and they were quite insist that they want to meet me Trust me being netaji can be a lot appreciative. I even got a phone and only me!! of fun! call from Priyanka Gandhi! During election campaign, even We canvassed very hard and in a This was an election where the the snootiest netas turn all honey very systematic manner. I must result did not matter! I lost because and sugar! So, where is the have addressed scores of corner I was merely an independent question of my daring to be meetings in various areas of the candidate with hardly any inaccessible? I was out there, at New Delhi constituency from infrastructure to fight such a huge my best behaviour and sincerely very upmarket places like Anand battle. We should feel content that trying to woo people. Lok and Golf Links, etc.; to inspite of all the handicaps, we middle class colonies like Perhaps you were the only were able to make a dent. I knew Sarojini Nagar, Lodhi Colony, campaigner for the rights of the from the day one that I would not etc.; and right upto slum disabled people. What kind of be able to win. And I am sincerely dwellings like Yamuna Pushta or support did you receive from the happy that Ajay Maken got the Balmiki Basti. disabled fraternity? Has your elected. contesting the election boosted People accuse you of being Many people feel your stand was inaccessible. Did it show during the morale of disabled people? extremely courageous. How much the election campaign where public support did you actually I did get the feeling that my mass contact is essential? get? contesting the Lok Sabha election I don't think that is a fair charge! and that too, from the New Delhi I am deeply touched by the As you are well aware, DRG is a constituency had a significant Once you agree upon the price you and your family must pay for success, it enables you to ignore the minor hurts, the opponent's pressure, and the temporary failures. Vincent Limbardi 10 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD impact on the hearts and minds of Fighting election these days is have the urge to quit the NGO disabled people. I hope it boosted quite an expensive affair. How sector and to go back into the their morale. did you manage? world of journalism. But my association with disability will not When I started out, I set a target As far as 'support' is concerned, I end. had a mixed kind of an experience. of collecting Rs. 5 lakh. At the end of it all, we managed to get Do you think rights of the On one hand, I got heart warming Rs. 4,47,720.58!! I had made an disabled people is an issue with support from totally unexpected appeal primarily to the the voters or the politicians? quarters. And on the other, close disability sector, and on a larger Quite frankly, disability is just not allies and friends, like the Spastics level, to the entire social sector. an issue either with the voters at Society of Northern India backed We set up a separate bank large or with the politicians. Some out after publicly giving their account. All donations were of them are empathetic but that support and that too, in writing. made by cheque or a demand feeling of empathy comes from a draft. Proper receipts were I have always felt that the charity and pity prism, than a printed and issued. This was rightsbased or an issuebased disability sector is not as socio- truly a people’s movement. politically aware as it should be. approach. Earlier too there have been Perhaps, it is one of the reasons Who is your role model in parliamentarians with that we suffer so much. Unless we politics? disabilities but they hardly bury our fears, reduce our made any difference in the lives Sonia Gandhi. She has given a overdependence on government of disabled people. Would you practical lesson to the nation at funding and get over our petty I- try any thing else than politics large that politics should be about me-my disability kind of an to improve their lot? good hard work and not about attitude, we will continue to sheer lust for power! Merely being disabled is hardly remain isolated from the a qualification! Obviously, no Rajya Sabha has nominated mainstream. one becomes disabled by choice. representatives from different Would you like to fight another And if you are disabled, it is fields like film industry, election? In retrospect, do you tough luck. Some people react journalism, Anglo-Indian regret taking the plunge? rather negatively and then, they community, intellectuals, etc. get angry. Now, if one is angry Why efforts are not made to have Another election ? Let me get some with oneself for acquiring a representative from the rest first! It has only been a month disability, I don't think she or he disability sector in the Upper since the madness got over!! No, I would contribute much to the House? don't regret taking the plunge at cause. Most of us in the sector are We must make the effort. I do all. I am really glad I did even aware as to how negatively strongly feel that the voice of Jaipal Reddy reacts if anyone though, I had to pay a huge people with disabilities should be approaches him on disability personal price in more ways than heard inside the Parliament. issues. So first you have to be one. comfortable with your own You have fought many successful What is it in our politics that you disability; become friends with cases in the court of law as an would like to change? it; and then perhaps, become activist for the rights of disabled passionate about it. people, then, why this getting into The vulgar use of money power. As far as I am concerned, I do politics? Will it add to your strength?

Fish that live more than 800 meters below the ocean surface don't have eyes. www.geocities.com The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 11

That’s what I was trying to clarify Maken were a wee bit nervous united and cohesive manner, with earlier. No one route will bring us because of my candidature! a clear vision and a tangible, time assured success. We (the disability Do you think, things will change bound agenda. sector) must learn to make use of for the disabled people with If you had won the election do you all the various tools that are Congress- led government at the think you could have been equally available to us. So, if more and Centre? Why a separate ministry effective as you are now as an more disabled people get into for the disabled people not be activist ? active politics, it will definitely lobbied? add to our strength. A member of Parliament I am expecting revolutionary, obviously has huge powers. But Being a novice in politics, how did path-breaking changes in the then, not everyone can become an it feel like fighting against weeks and months to come. Most MP! I have always strongly political giants like Jagmohan and of the people are personally very believed that one should do one's Ajay Maken? well aware of disability issues level best in the role that is It was both a lot of fun and yet, a and quite committed. assigned. I feel privileged to be the very moving and humbling The challenge for the disability convenor of DRG and to be the experience. I have a feeling though sector is to get its act together and executive director of NCPEDP. that both, Jagmohan and Ajay to go to the new government in a n Self-Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM NATIONAL HANDICAPPED FINANCE AND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IS AVAILABLE For * Setting up small business in service/trading sector - Loan upto Rs. 3.0 lakh * Purchase of vehicle for commercial hiring - Loan upto Rs. 5.0 lakh * Agricultural activities - Loan upto Rs. 5.0 lakh * Self-employment amongst persons with mental retardation/cerebral palsy/autism - Loan upto Rs. 3.0 lakh * Setting up small industrial unit - Loan upto Rs. 5.0 lakh * Loan for Education/Training to Disabled Persons : Loan upto Rs. 7.50 lakh for studies within India and Rs.15.00 lakh for studies abroad. To * Any Indian citizen with 40% or more disability. * Between 18-55 years. * Annual income below Rs. 1,00,000/- p.a. for urban areas and Rs. 80,000/- p.a. for rural areas. * At 5% - 6% rate of interest with 1% rebate for disabled women * A maximum 10 year repayment period is allowed. F Financial assistance is also available to - * Non Government Organisations for further disbursement to Persons with Disabilities under Micro Financing Scheme - Loan upto Rs. 5.0 lakh for NGO, upto Rs. 25,000/- per beneficiary. * Micro Finance Scheme implemented through State Channelising Agencies. * Non Government Organisation for further disbursement to women with disabilities under Mahila Samridhi Yojana - Loan upto Rs. 5.0 lakh for NGO, upto Rs. 25,000/- per women beneficiary. * Parents Association for the Mentally Retarded Persons - Loan upto Rs. 5.0 lakh. For further details, please contact :- State Channelising Agency in States/UTs or Nearest branch of Punjab & Sind Bank or National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment) Red Cross Bhawan, Sector-12, Faridabad-121 007 (Haryana) Phone No. (0129)-2264841, Telefax : 2284371 E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.nhfdc.org

Never be afraid to do something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic. Anonymous 12 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD War Wounded Foundation Succour for Disabled Soldiers

Wars leave behind a trail of wounded soldiers and officers. Many land up with disability. Apart from acknowledging and honouring their heroics, they need to be adequately compensated or economically rehabilitated. But it has not been happening. WAR WOUNDED FOUNDATION, formed in August 2002, involving various corporates, is engaged in rehabilitation of disabled warriors in all parts of the country. LT. GEN. (RETD.) VIJAY OBEROI, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, writes about the organisation.

ars and war-like do recover, but a fairly large This largesse was confined only to operations, like number become disabled for life, the Kargil wounded and is Wcounter-insurgency or on account of losing limbs or the unfortunately not available to the counter-terrorist operations, use of other critical organs. Most casualties, which continue to occur always result in casualties. Some disabled soldiers are sent home on a daily basis. Neither were the officers and jawans are killed on after their wounds have healed disabled soldiers of earlier wars the battlefield, while others, in and they have been fitted with and other operations considered much larger numbers, are suitable prostheses for their for these grants. The situation is no wounded. Amongst the latter are disability. better today. those who become permanently disabled. Most of them go home, as Till the Kargil War of 1999, even While it is nobody's case that the it is not possible for the army to the widows of our martyrs were widows of our martyrs should not find suitable jobs for them. shabbily compensated, by way be adequately compensated; in of cash grants, jobs, or other fact they should get even more; but Since Independence in 1947, means of employment, but the we must also not forget those who approximately 17,000 army disabled warriors were left behind an arm or a leg or more, personnel have been killed and studiously ignored. They did get on some obscure battlefield, over 40,000 wounded, in various a disability pension, but it was in fighting for the nation. operations, within the country and actuality a pittance, as it did little abroad. In the last decade alone, to improve their pecuniary The disabled persons from armed the number of killed and wounded position. The Kargil War forces do get what is called a was 4,500 and 13,000 respectively. witnessed generous grants In all types of wars, the focus of forthcoming from both the disability pension, but the amount both, the public as well as the central and the state hardly makes a dent in their ability government is on those brave governments, but unfortunately to live a respected and financially soldiers who lay down their lives only for the widows of our independent life. The rates were so for the nation, and on their next of martyrs. The disabled soldiers grossly inadequate till 1996 that kin, particularly the widows of the were forgotten, as in the past. they are not worth mentioning martyrs. It is unfortunate, but true, However, after much coaxing, here. The Fifth Pay Commission that the wounded are soon comparatively small amounts enhanced this amount, but even forgotten. Some of the wounded were given as grants to them. now the rates are grossly The UN has estimated that 70 per cent of the world's poor are women. Eighty per cent of all women are anaemic. Sixty per cent of all births take place without assistance. Abusaleh Shariff, chief economist, and head, human development programme, at the National Council of Applied Economic Research The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 13 inadequate. The current rates for 100 per cent disability, to which only a few are eligible, are Rs 3,100/- for jawans, Rs. 3,800/- for JCO's, and Rs. 5,200/- for officers. For lesser percentages, the rates are proportionately reduced. The disability pension of a jawan who has lost a leg, for example, is only Rs. 1,550/- These grossly low monetary compensations for our disabled soldiers, the bulk of whom are young men in their twenties and thirties, who have their whole life ahead of them, From left to right : Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Ian Cardozo, Lt .Gen. (Retd.) Vijay Oberoi and need to be enhanced manifold. Mukesh Anand, founder members of the War Wounded Foundation with President APJ Abdul Kalam at Rashtrapati Bhavan Hopefully the government will take note of the plight of these the War Wounded Foundation. the war disabled defence gallant men, who having lost their Its aim is the long-term personnel, in their own villages or limbs in the service of the nation, rehabilitation of the war disabled in close-by locations, is made are today languishing in virtual men in vocations, as near their possible. Specifically, the penury. homes as possible. For this, the Foundation is trying to achieve While the government ponders Foundation is co-opting the this by persuading selected over this important issue at its own corporate sector, which in the corporate houses to appoint the pace, the nation collectively and past has taken a lead in many war disabled soldiers as dealers or the citizens of our nation nation-building and societal- agents for their products, on individually, need to reflect on this alleviation activities. The highly attractive terms. This will state of affairs and do what they Foundation is endeavouring to cover the aspirations of both can to help these brave young men, build a symbiotic relationship parties, with the Foundation who having become disabled, still between the corporate sector and acting as the facilitator. A number have a long life ahead of them. It the war disabled individuals, by of prestigious corporate houses needs to be ensured that their life is acting as a facilitator. The focus are already working with the made both productive and useful, of the Foundation is especially on Foundation, and many more are so that even in their disabled state rural areas, as the bulk of our eager to support it. This augurs they live with respect, and their soldiers come from a rural well for the war disabled jawans potential is fully utilised. background. At the same time, and officers. the corporate sector is already An organisation, which is The Foundation looks at its future focusing on rural areas, with a specifically dedicated to the long work as a labour of love, their view to create rural markets in term rehabilitation of the war humble contribution to 'Nation niche sectors. The Foundation is disabled, and which can reach out Building', where sixfold results, as bringing together these two to all such personnel throughout under, are likely: - the country has now been set up, as entities, so that rehabilitation of

Do not think yourself to be a slave of circumstances, you are the maker of your destiny. Anonymous 14 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD

Ø Rehabilitate the war disabled Ø Message to future soldiers that A project of this nature needs persons, with respect and dignity, the nation and its citizens care for vision, organisation, resources, business acumen, discipline, and in or close to their homes. their brave warriors. above all compassion. The Ø Open for 'Corporate India' a All the above are in consonance Foundation is providing the long-term and nearly permanent with the vision of our vision and the organisation, the social avenue, for providing Rashtrapati, which he articulated corporate sector will provide the meaningful assistance to the brave so lucidly in his speech at wherewithal and business acumen and the war wounded of officers and men of the Armed Mumbai, last year, while the army will provide the delivering the first Dhirubhai Forces. discipline and the will to succeed. Ambani Memorial Lecture. Ø Open up the rural areas, Every one associated with the especially the markets, and make The long-term vision of the War venture will, no doubt, provide an abundance of compassion. available fast-moving products to Wounded Foundation is to dot Together, we hope to transform the countryside of our nation consumers locally. rural India and place it squarely in with the joint success stories of Ø Assist in arresting, to the extent the 21st century. the war wounded on the one possible, the demographic shift hand, and selected corporate The author is former vice-chief of from rural to urban areas. houses on the other. This is Army Staff and himself a war- disabled veteran. He is the president of Ø Take wealth and technology to perhaps the best example of a War Wounded Foundation. rural areas, where the bulk of our 'win-win' situation, where E-mail: [email protected] countrymen live. everyone is a winner. n HA!HHAA!!HA! Three patients in a mental institution prepare for an examination given by the head psychiatrist. If the SABALA offers following Training Courses: patients pass the exam, they will be free to leave the Ú International Training Course on community hospital. However, if they fail, the institution will detain based rehabilitation for managers of NGOs. them for five years. Ú National Training Course on Community based rehabilitation for programme coordinators. The doctor takes the three patients to the top of a Ú Regional Training Course for Grassroot level diving board looking over an empty swimming pool, workers and asks the first patient to jump. Ú Leadership Training Course for activist in the disability sector The first patient jumps headfirst into the pool and Ú Need Based Training Programme for breaks both arms. Inclusion. • Capacity building programmes for Then the second patient jumps and breaks both legs. strengthening networks • Training of frontline staff trainers The third patients look over the side and refuses to jump. “ Congratulation! You're a free man. Just tell For further details contact: me why didn't you jump?” asked the doctor. To SABALA which the third patient answered, “ Well Doc, I can't C-75, South Extension- II, New Delhi - 110 049 swim!” Tel/Fax: 011- 51642348 - 51

50 % people who have a heart attack have never had any symptoms. The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 15 A Powerhouse ONKAR NATH SHARMA, from early teens to the eighth decade of his life has conquered one challenge after another including that of being hearing impaired. Disabled and non-disabled people emulate him alike for his indomitable spirit. K.B. MAHAJAN profiles this peerless person.

eri Ekyavan Kavitayen collection of 51 poems Mwritten and autographed by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is the proud possession of Onkar Nath Sharma, resident of Vikaspuri, a West Delhi colony. Sharma retired as an officer in the New Delhi Municipal Corporation after 34 years of service. “I originally hail from Lahore (Pakistan). We moved to Amritsar and then Pathankot after the partition. My father, a senior officer Onkar Nath Sharma receiving National Award from Krishan Kant, in Burmah Shell, was a religious former Vice-president, in December 2001 man. As a student of Arya Samaj my mother secretly gave it away. to homeopathy. I read Materia School, I was called upon to sing Her grief was bigger than mine,” Medica by Kent and Beoric and bhajans in the functions of Arya recalls Sharma remorsefully. started not only my own treatment Samaj. It was, however, my mother and that of my family members but who had encouraged me to music, Being a Capricornian- not to be also of the neighbours and friends. particularly devotional songs. I had defeated, Onkar started studying This continues even today,” he says the privilege of presenting bhajans in on his own and today he is a with a sense of pride. the coveted presence of music master of several languages, including Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, “When we moved to Delhi, I had the maestro Pt. Onkar Nath Thakur,” Assamese, Sanskrit and of course, opportunity to get a job in NDMC Sharma recalls. Hindi and English. Sufi philosophy from where I retired in 1988,” says Onkar was attacked by meningitis at through the writings of Bulle Shah Sharma, who was rated as an honest the age of 13 after which he lost his is his past time. and diligent worker regardless of hearing power for the rest of his life. “Whenever I along with another his hearing impairment. He He had to leave his school, as he hearing impaired friend would go commands unflinching affection could not hear. He was given to a doctor with an ailment, the and respect in his family. He has a training in tailoring and a shop was communication would not be very doting and hardworking wife, opened for him but it was soon complete and clear. The doctor Lalita, who is hearing impaired. The closed as it didn't work well. “From would not 'waste' time on us and couple has two daughters and a son, my piggy bank collection a we were treated as undesirable Puneet, MBA by profession and gramophone had been purchased patients. I, therefore, decided to working in an international trade but after I lost my hearing faculty, treat myself and that is how I took company. Puneet also acts as his

Accept challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory. George Patton 16 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD interpreter through sign language, Convention of Teachers for the His infirmity notwithstanding, which he learnt automatically as his Deaf in America”. But his happiest Sharma is appreciated as a jovial mother tongue. Elder daughter, moment was in Kyoto, Japan, in and cheerful person amongst his Monica, is mentally challenged. She 1986, where he addressed a pals. He believes self-confidence is very caring, loving and an conference attended by over 5000 brings happiness and contentment excellent cook. The younger deaf participants. too. He expresses his philosophy of life through Ghalib's couplet: daughter, Sonia, is M.A. B.Ed and But Sharma is not happy with the works with a foreign company. She prevailing conditions of the Bazeecha e-itfal hai yeh duniya mere aage is married, with two lovely disabled people in India. He Hota hai shab o- roz tamasha mere aage daughters. She also reads weekend laments, “The ministry of social The world is like children's news in sign language on Doordarshan. justice and empowerment has playground in front of me where Asked if he has done something for done little for us. It neither people indulge in childish games of his disabled brethren Sharma empowers nor delivers justice to winning and losing, day and night. I informed, “ I am the founder the disabled. There is apathy for have remotest interest in such member of All India Association of the disabled people in the games. It is like a never- ending the Deaf. I am still its treasurer. I corridors of power. They are drama of which I am a mere spectator. treated as burden on the taxpayer. travelled throughout India and Sharma's services have been widely Perhaps the situation can be established such associations in recognised and appreciated. He has improved if key posts of the several states. I am chairman of Art won several awards including the ministry are manned by disabled and Cultural Society for the Deaf. prestigious National Award for the people themselves. After all they My participation in various welfare of persons with disabilities conferences and workshops took me know the needs of their fraternity in December 2001. He is a to several countries including USA, more than any one else. The powerhouse in the shape and form Germany, Japan Hong Kong. I was private sector should reserve some of a human being. instrumental in setting up of Sports jobs for the physically challenged. The author is retired deputy general Council for the Deaf in 1965 as its I hope that the new government manager from India Trade Promotion founder secretary, today I am its will work for the disabled people Organisation, and an active social as per the directions of UNO.” advisor. In 1967, I had addressed a worker; e-mail: [email protected] n Believe It or Not! HA! AA!!HA! Shari Bernstiel of HH A 75-year-old man goes to see his doctor for a physical. Landsdale, Pa., uses a minimature horse The doctor runs some tests and says to the man, "Well, everything named Tonto as a seems to be in top condition physically, but what about mentally? How seeing eye guide! is your connection with God?” And the man says, "Oh God and Me? We're close. We have a real bond, he's good to me! Every night when I have to get up to go to the After being pinned by a bathroom, he turns on the light for me, and when I leave, he turns it back boulder for 5 days in off.” Utah’s remote Blue Upon hearing his patient's proclamation the doctor is astonished. John Canyon, Aron Ralston of Aspen, Colo, He called the man's wife and says, "I'd like to speak to you about your cut off his right arm husband's connection with God. He claims that every night when he with a pocketknife, needs to use the bathroom, God turns on the light for him and turns it off rappelled down a cliff, for him again when he leaves. Is this true?” then walked 6 miles to safety! And the man's wife replies... That idiot! He's been peeing in the refrigerator again!”

Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times www.geocities.com The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 17 An ODYSSEY to JAPAN

he 21st century will be new SANJEEV SACHDEVA and i.e. Metro. It was quite an amazing age of social welfare and ANJLEE AGARWAL have experience to personally see the infrastructure including facilities for PwDs there. The T recently come back after transportation. The theme of stations have proper signages at mobility and transport for elderly attending 10th TRANSED strategic locations, guiding paths and disabled people used to be in the conference in Hamamatsu, and warning strips, tactile maps special field until the middle of the Japan. During their journeys with audio buzzer system, previous century. Now it strongly within Japan, by train and air, escalators which could be modified affects the other areas and is getting they were amazed to see that by pressing a button to take a important for new social smallest need of disabled wheelchair user up and down environment, science and social passengers has been safely! The toilets have grab bars politics, crossing traditional fields, immaculately taken care of. and other accessories at right transport planning, urban planning, positions. The most amazing thing first ever in Asia, saw convergence social welfare, economy, was a flush button, which could be of experts from all the continents to rehabilitation, etc. operated by feet! develop a strategy, share best The International Conference on practices available in developed Soon after our tour we boarded Mobility and Transport for Elderly and developing countries to Shinkansen better known as Bullet and Disabled People (TRANSED) is promote 'Mobility for All' which Train. It was worth an experience held every three years under the includes families with young (though very costly). It takes about auspices of Transportation Research children, children with special two hours from Tokyo to Board (USA). The 10th TRANSED needs, senior citizens, people with Hamamatsu. The gap between the conference Universal temporary ailments, pregnant platform and the coach is merged Transportation and Road Design: women, people with heavy with a lightweight folding plastic Strategies for Success as its theme luggage and people with ramp with operating time of ten was held from May 23-26, 2004, at disabilities (PwDs). seconds. It easily takes weight of a Hamamatsu, Japan. The conference, wheelchair user with one attendant! Yours truly were also It not only has a separate specified invited to attend compartment (coach No. 11) for TRANSED. We people with locomotor disabilities, reached Narita, Japan, especially wheelchair users and on May 22 morning, mothers with babies but also has an from Delhi. After attached toilet with features one can checking out we took only dream of. Special Narita Express to characteristics of the coach are Tokyo, which takes sliding doors which can be opened almost an hour. We and closed on pressing a switch; a were joined by Dr. small washbasin embedded in wall Lalita Sen, an expert next to the seat and grab bar; from USA and Dr. sensory flush unit and emergency Ohmori from Tokyo, call buzzer. Best thing is- one can who took us all for a travel with luxury and comfort with technical tour of One of the authors being helped into a disabled- baggage locked in a small section friendly bus in Hamamatsu Tokyo subway system

I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things but usually they make the difference between winning and losing. Kareem Abdul- Jabbar 18 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD separately, next to the accessible toilet. parallel sessions. In addition, 55 beautifully designed curb cuts, The car care attendant and the railway posters were also shown through separate cycle and pedestrian tracks staff are trained to assist PwDs. poster session. The conference paved with guiding and warning concluded on May 26 evening. We tiles, audio signals at every All the other coaches, including No. presented papers on 'Delhi's intersection and perfect signages. 11, have facilities of audio Progress towards Accessible What surprised us the most was announcement and Passenger Transportation' and 'Barrier Free total absence of traffic police Information Display System, Tourism in India'. It was an honor personnel to regulate the traffic including route map. Something and opportunity to present the different from Delhi Metro is a small progress made by our country and Ultimately, the time arrived to say Braille Information Plate on the grab learn from the international Sayonara (Goodbye) to our fellow bar near the entrance door and resource persons. The conference colleagues, host TRANSED inside the coach. Though the train enriched our knowledge and secretariat and the stunning cities of moves at a speed of over 270km/hr, sharpened our skill and further Japan (Hamamtsu and Tokyo) and there is hardly any jerk reaction! motivated us to promote we left on May 27 for Delhi. The beautiful memories of Japan will We reached Hamamtsu late in the 'Transport for All’ always remain imprinted on our evening and checked into hotel The visit also provided an hearts. Okura Act. The conference started opportunity to see Hamamtsu, a on May 23, and for the next four city well planned and a live The authors are co-founders of days covered all aspects of barrier example of Universal and Samarthya- National Centre for free transportation system. Over 200 Inclusive Design. It was a Promotion of Barrier Free participants from 21 countries wonderful experience to be out on Environment, New Delhi; e-mail: participated. In all, 96 papers were road in wheelchair that zoomed off [email protected]; presented through plenary and from one pavement to other over [email protected] n OUR TOTAL PROJECTS, CONCEPTS & STRATEGIES THE CORPORATE GROUP (Established in 1986)

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Nine best actors played mentally or physically challenged characters and two played gay characters in Oscar, till date. The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 19 Conquer

The world may never know my Unbreak my Heart ache inside. I am deemed worthless but I still Unconditional love is the best sort of love: Accept people for what they are. This story, doing the have my pride. rounds on the Net, says it all Something quips inside me “Are you willing to be my A story is told what you're about a soldier asking. Someone guide?” who was finally with such a coming home handicap would A beam of light threatens to be a terrible after having pierce through fought in burden on us. Vietnam. He We have our own the curtain of my eye. called his parents lives to live, and The light's too bright, my eye from San we can't let Francisco. “Mom something like hurts, it makes me cry. and Dad, I'm this interfere Something shouts inside me coming home, but with our lives. I “In this perpetual darkness do I have a favour to think you should ask. I have a friend just come home you want to lie?” I'd like to bring and forget about home with me.” this guy. He'll “Break Free” “Break Free” cries find a way to live “Sure,” they replied, “we'd love to meet on his own.” my soul him.” The son hung up and the parents Conquer this death like darkness, “There's something you should know,” heard nothing more from him. A few move towards your goal. the son continued, “he was hurt pretty days later, however, they received a badly in the fighting. He stepped on a call from the police saying their son The light and dark are shades landmine and lost an arm and a leg. He has had committed suicide. within you. nowhere else to go, and I want him to The darkness is illusionary; drink come live with us.” The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to the life's rich light, “I'm sorry to hear that, son. Maybe we can city morgue to identify the body of help him find somewhere to live.” their son. They recognised him, but You just have to be bold! to their horror they also discovered “No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live something they didn't know: their Harshita Tripathi with us.” son had only one arm and one leg. (Inputs from Smitha Rajan) “Son,” said the father, “you don't know n

DECLARATION Statement About Ownership And Other Particulars About the Newsletter The Voice of FOD on Form IV (See Rule 8) 1. Place of Publication : New Delhi 2. Periodictiy of Publication : Six Montly (bi-annual) 3. Printer’s Name : Rajinder Johar. Whether citizen of India : Yes. Address : B-1/500 Janakpuri, New Delhi-58. 4. Publisher’s Name : Rajinder Johar. Whether citizen of India : Yes. Address : B-1/500 Janakpuri, New Delhi-58. 5. Editor’s Name : Rajinder Johar. Whether citizen of India : Yes. Address : B-1/500 Janakpuri, New Delhi-58. 6. Name and address of individuals who own the newsletter, and partners or shareholders holding more than one percent the total capital : Family of Disabled, B-1/500 Janakpuri, New Delhi-100 058. I, Rajinder Johar, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to best of my knowledge and belief. Rajinder Johar

Control your destiny or somebody else will. Jack Welsh 20 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD HYPERACTIVE CHILD IT COULD BE ADHD oes your child resist going But what causes ADHD? Fact: There is no evidence that the to bed, refuse to eat, or child develops tolerance to the Genetic or Hereditary: It is seen break toys during play? Is medication, though the dose of the D that ADHD is more common in he rash, easily distracted and tends medication will have to be adjusted families with parents who had to race from one idea or interest to from time to time. similar symptoms. another? He might well be deficit, Myth: Medication should be not in vitamins, but in attention. Brain Damage: The theory is stopped after the child reaches mainly of minimal brain damage He could be a victim of Attention adolescence. that is not diagnosed on CT scan, Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be caused either by trauma Fact: Research has shown that the (ADHD). This is characterised by during delivery or damage by toxins. medication should be continued poor attention span, or age even during adolescence if the child inappropriate features of Food Allergies: This has not been continues to meet the criteria for hyperactivity. ADHD is more proven scientifically although ADHD. common in males than in females. evidence is mounting that some children do get the disorder Myth: Taking ADD medications as Symptoms: There are certain because of food allergies. a child leads you to drugs as an factors that can help identify adult. ADHD patient. Difficulty in Environmental Factors: Factors remaining seated. Fidgets like social disadvantage, large Fact: There is no evidence of children excessively. Is easily distracted and families and over crowding may being addicted to medication. n is unable to finish tasks started. also affect the prognosis. Does not follow instruction. Prognosis: Difficulty in playing quietly. Talks Health Capsules excessively and a often doesn't Evidence indicates that ADHD is a listen to what is said. permanent condition. However, in Will getting extra iron help you ? some cases children may outgrow Diagnosis: It’s helpful for the hyperactive phase. However, if A psychiatrist, neurologist or women before it remains untreated it can cause paediatrician can diagnose the menopause, but problems. afterward it’s disorder. There are two main harmful and may ADSD documented descriptions: ADHD like other conditions is increase your risk for a heart attack and curable and the treatment is a stroke. ADHD-combined types: combination of medication and Patients suffering from this have behaviour modification. If you have a tremor in your hands, head and symptoms of both hyperactivity voice, does this mean you have Parkinson’s? and inattentiveness Common Myths About ADHD No. The tremor of ADHD - predominantly Myth: Taking medication will Parkinson’s disease inattentive type involves your hands, cause the child to build up a but not your head or ADHD - predominantly tolerance to the medication. voice. hyperactive and impulsive type.

There are just three psychiatrists per one million people in India, compared to 100 in Australia. The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 21 Development of Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

In a country of 1.2 billion people, getting employment for the best of all is difficult these days. Nurturing employment opportunities for disabled persons becomes a daunting task in such scenario. DR. PAPIA LAHIRI has proved that differently able persons (mentally challenged) can be part of main employment stream of the nation provided we develop an appreciation of their capabilities and match it with good technological support.

disabilities, science and mployment or work for employment and fail to avail the technology offers a wide range of every human being is like a opportunities even when these solutions to their problems. New good meal for body, mind exist. For example, mentally E challenged persons are generally electronic and optical devices, and soul, which is must for information and communication survival of every one. considered as non-productive technologies, new materials like 'Employment', the magic word has and burden on the family and light weight but high strength an infinite power, it can make or society at large. Whereas, our carbon fibre composites and break a person, regardless of caste, experiment and experience has titanium alloys can potentially creed, sex, income level, education shown that they could handle revolutionise the scenario. In order level or the ability. The magnitude to provide a quality life to the of the role of employment, as persons with disabilities, it is David Blunkett, (Britain's first imperative to equip them with visually impaired secretary of right kind of devices/technologies state for education and at the right time. It is said: employment) puts it - 'Technology makes things easier for 'Unemployment not only means a loss persons without disabilities. For in family income, it also means a loss Mushrooms in full bloom persons with disabilities, technology in standing in the family, in the makes things possible.’ community and in the person himself'. complicated tasks, if appropriate job analysis is done and To reinforce the salient point of the Usually the employers do not have workflow is properly organised aforementioned quotation, it may a clue as to where the person with to suit their need. It all depends be worthwhile to present a brief disability would suitably fit in the on the employer to scan the report of one of the studies range of assignments available. spectrum of job requirements Due to general lack of information and identify the specific ones in undertaken to establish the latent and awareness, people tend to which employing a challenged strength and potentials of the look at only the negative aspects of person with identified potentials mentally challenged disability ignoring the positive can sustain productivity. persons. ones. In fact persons with New technologies: Partners of Success Story - Technology disabilities, in true sense are the Transfer Experiment (TTE) differently able persons. Disabled the disabled employees people also do not know their Today technology plays a vital Recently a research study was potentials and where to look for role in our lives. For persons with taken up as TTE to locate

I am not in competition with anybody but myself. My goal is to beat my last performance. Celine Dion 22 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD appropriate 'technologies', which the processes like cultivation, Major improvement areas were: could be transferred for the packaging, marketing etc. This ØGeneral enhancement in empowerment of the mentally involved introduction of physical endurance, span of challenged persons. A sieve of a protective masks, headgear, attention, etc. host of criteria was used to identify aprons, special shoes, modified suitable ones from the vast measuring methods, dryers, etc. Ø Development of basic traits reservoir of technologies The flow of work was dissected necessary for working in a more developed by the national into a set of small, easily open environment (like laboratories, Universities, Indian implementable, hazard free, appropriate social behaviour Council for Agricultural Research repetitive task elements. The especially towards opposite sex (ICAR) and others, National MCPs were initially trained to and outsiders, social tolerance, Research Development perform the task elements self-consciousness, confidence Corporation (NRDC), Khadi and individually and thereafter, in and ambition building, conscious Village Industries Commission series. Simultaneously, efforts to communicate and hence (KVIC). Out of the eight psychological and social partial speech development and technologies short-listed, counselling, etc. were conducted independent commuting) “mushroom cultivation” was to prepare them for performing Ø General improvement in chosen for field trial. the entire task. In addition, physical control such as, use of appropriate management and In the project entitled, cramped limbs, handling of marketing system was 'Habilitation of the Intellectually menstrual period etc. introduced. The experiment thus Impaired: Field Experimentation developed a technological Ø They have developed on Choices and Technology management marketing aspirations, money-value concept, Transfer Processes', an attempt administrative financial work-culture, self-confidence, was made to transfer a state-of-art package. self-advocacy, self-esteem, technology to study whether the independence, acceptable social- mentally challenged persons could While experimental project skills etc. be empowered through under the name of 'Saksham' was Ø appropriate transfer of the conducted at Aanchal, a NDMC Some of them even technology and training on oyster School at Chanakyapuri, New demonstrated their special skill in mushroom cultivation. The Delhi, for mentally challenged articulating their knowledge base. technology was chosen in view of persons. Six girls and four boys Without any hesitation they shared their knowledge with the its good potential for income along with two boys, a spastic, visitors like, Media persons/ generation and also rapidly and a hearing and speech bureaucrats/ students from expanding market base. It goes impaired were inducted at various schools, college and without saying that this supervisory level to simulate th foreign diplomats (a regular environment sensitive technology real world conditions. The visitor and buyer of the produce). is well known but application of project period was spread into the technology by a group of three cultivation seasons 1995-96, A pleasant outcome of project mentally challenged people makes 1996-97 and 1997-98. A total of was a positive impact on the this project unique. 1258 kg of fresh oyster parents: The technology of mushroom mushroom was produced during Ø General decline in resigned-to- cultivation was modified so that the training period and the team fate attitude and helplessness and the mentally challenged persons deserves a pat on their back for acceptance of their ward with all (MCPs) could participate easily in earning Rs.1.05 lakhs. his/her shortcomings as well as

At least 3 % of the world's population has mental retardation. And at least 30 million mentally disabled are in Asia alone. WHO The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 23 capabilities. Ø The level of awareness was Municipal Council for further enhanced among the parents, continuation. PATH, a society Ø Decrease in over-protective professionals and decision- created during the experi-ment, and/or indifferent attitude. makers about the new was entrusted with the Ø The whole idea encouraged the possibilities for providing a responsibility by the NDMC to parents of the SAKSHAM workers better life to the mentally run the establishment. formed an independent society, challenged adults. The author is president, PATH and “PATH” Parents Association for The Third World Academy of senior executive of Centre for the Trainable Handicapped aimed Sciences, UNDP/TCDC Symbiosis of Technology, at habilitation of their wards. adjudged the project as one of Environment and Management; Ø the most innovative projects e-mail : [email protected] More knowledgeable in n managing the libido-related with high societal impact. problems of their wards. The field experiment These apart, demonstrated that the mentally Believe It or Not! challenged people, if properly Ø An appropriate management- trained, could perform sensitive Researchers in Japan marketing-financial- tasks as meticulously as the so- have developed the administrative package was called normal. After conclusion world’s first two-legged walking chair robot that evolved for the habilitation of the of the project, which was mentally challenged. It was a can carry a seated sponsored by the Department of person while moving modular package amenable for Science & Technology, it was forward, backward and wider replication. handed over to New Delhi sideways!

Meg, a boarder collie owned by farmer Ian McDonald of New Zealand, had two HA!HHAA!!HA! of her legs amputated, yet she still herds sheep every day! A man asked a farmer why one pig had a wooden leg. The farmer said, “ That pig is the bravest pig I ever saw,” “So why does he have a wooden leg?” the man asked “ One nght our house caught fire, and he woke us up,” “So,” the man asked again, “Why does that pig have a wooden leg?” “Well, a pig that brake you can't eat all at once, can you!”

WWW Bruce Osiowy of A blind man was describing his favorite sport, parachuting. When asked how Abernethy, Sask, this was accomplished, he said that things were all done for him, “I am placed Canada, survived in the door with my Seeing Eye dog and told when do jump. My hand is placed after accidentally on my release ring for me and out I go with the dog.” “But how do you know being trapped for 66 when you are going to land?” he was asked. “ I have a very keen sense of hours in a stone smell, and I can smell the trees and grass when I am 300 feet from the ground”, picker on his farm - he answered. but he had to cut off his left thumb and “But how do you know when to lift your legs for the final arrival on the ground?” pinky finger to free he was again asked. He quickly answered. Oh, the dog's leash goes slack.” himself!

He who finds diamonds must grapple in mud and mire because diamonds are not found in polished stones. They are made. Henry B Wilson Advt. RCI The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 25 From Here NEWS and T here

JUSTICE GRANTED AT LAST! help. The Non-Keralites Resident's Association took up her In August 2002, a 16-yr-old mentally challenged girl was raped case with US based voluntary body, the House of Charity in the presence of six passengers in a late night Mumbai local comprising mostly expatriate Pakistanis, which came to her train between Malad and Kandivili stations. 22-yr-old accused rescue. Today, after three months of treatment, she is leading a Salim Shamsher Sheikh, a drunken commuter raped the girl, normal life with an artificial limb. The House of Charity has while other passengers in the compartment did nothing. also promised to foot Akhila's future bills. It has already spent Rs. 20 lakh. In January, after less than 2 years, the accused has been convicted for 12 years in jail, The shamed co-passengers CELEBRITIES PLEDGE THEIR EYES decided to correct their indifference to the victim by appearing Celebrities from all walks of life came together to pledge their regularly before the courts as witnesses. eyes on January 23, at Siri Fort Auditorium, at an event organised by an NGO, Mahavir International. Among the RCI'S MANUAL ON BARRIER-FREE ENVIRONMENT popular faces were, sitar maestro Shujaat Khan, model Joey The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) came out with a Matthew, social worker Poonam Azad and former cricketer manual in June this year, on barrier-free environment which Saba Karim and DD newsreader Avinash Kaur Sarin. S.K. Jain, discusses the ways to create such an environment for the people IPS and chairman of Mahavir International, at the function with different disabilities. Based on this manual, RCI will said, “Many people think they will be re-born blind if they organise a 3 to 5 day training programmes for professionals to pledge their eyes. It's a myth. We are all educated people and we highlight issues of access. The manual will detail the design need more people to help us make this a mass movement.” considerations for entrances, doors, steps, etc. along with the requirements for roads, reception or parking areas, telephones, SCHEMES FOR UNDER-PRIVILEGED toilets, lifts, ramps and more. It will also provide information Delhi Government and LIC of India introduced a special on how to use a wheelchair, white cane, crutches, etc and how scheme on December 27, 2003 for the under-privileged. Under to assist people with different kinds of disabilities. the insurance scheme for those living below the poverty line, the insured will have to pay only Rs. 50/- annually and PAK BOY WITH INDIAN 'VISION' government will pay Rs. 150/- for an insurance cover. The Encouraged by 2-yr-old Noor Fatima's heart surgery in scheme also caters to the disabled people, where Rs. 50,000/- Bangalore, Khuram Shahzad and Kanwal from Pakistan, will be given to the insured in case of permanent disability brought their 15-month-old blind son Mohammad Talha to caused due to accident, and Rs.25, 000/- in case of partial Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital in Chennai for surgery on disability. To be eligible for this scheme, the applicant must December 14. Two days after the birth of their child, doctors at possess a Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration card, and should be home informed the parents that his right eye could not be set in the age group of 18 - 60 years. right, and the left eye, though sightless, was better. Delhi Government, on February 6, launched a special scheme On December 23, Dr. Amarnath Agarwal, director of the for persons with speech and hearing impairment and hospital performed the surgery on the baby's right eye that took orthopaedic disability for financing mobile STD/PCOs. The four hours. After the surgery, Khuram told the press, “My baby eligibility criteria includes: a) Applicant should be a resident of was crying when the bandage was opened on December 24. But Delhi with 40 per cent or more disability; b) He/She should be suddenly he stopped and started looking around. You cannot between 18 and 45 years; d) Annual income of the applicant imagine how happy we are.” should be less than Rs. 1,00,000/- and d) Should produce a As a goodwill gesture, the hospital bore expenses for the surgery proof of identity and signature along with a photograph. and post surgery medication. Application forms for the above mentioned schemes can be Pakistanis too, are trying to bridge the Indo-Pak relations. In obtained free of cost from head office- Delhi SC/ST/OBC February, the Pakistanis settled in the USA helped 7-yr-old Minorities & Handicapped Financial & Development Corp. Akhila from Kerala who lost her right hand in an accident 3 Ltd. 2, Battery Lane, Rajpur Road, Delhi 110054, as well as years ago. Doctors told the parents that their daughter could from branch offices at Mangol Puri and Nand Nagari, on any develop permanent problems in limb movement unless she was working day. For more details, call: 23922197, 23970219 and treated immediately. Akhila's father knocked many doors for 23978975.

Always do right- this will gratify some and astonish the rest. Mark Twain 26 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD

ONCE A TEACHER ALWAYS A TEACHER mathematics, concentration, personal organisation, Even after being at the highest position in comprehension and sequencing may also be affected. It is the country, President Abdul Kalam has estimated that 10 per cent of children in India are dyslexics. In not given up his teacher's role. Presently school, the dyslexic child faces difficulties in academics, which he is a guide to two PhD students of Anna results in isolation from the peer group, low self-esteem and University, who are doing research on confidence. Many children, who do not receive help, drop out mentally challenged children, according of school. To help in understanding the needs of children with to a report published on January 26. One dyslexia, two organisations, Akshar Foundation dedicated to of them, Father George, is currently the cause of special learning, and Orkids, the learning center studying which part of the brain needs to be tackled to make headed by Geet Oberoi, organised a 3-day workshop Read mentally challenged children 'normal'. These students 2004 from February 5-7 at Orkids, Gurgaon. The workshop sometimes come to Delhi, and the president also attended one was conducted by Arlene Sonday, an eminent special educator of their research committee meetings when he visited Chennai from the USA who has created the “Sonday System” for some time ago. teaching, reading and writing to children with special needs. MCD TEACHERS TRAINED TO HANDLE SPECIAL SOCIAL WORKER POCKETED MONEY TO BUY BMW KIDS A social worker in Teachers of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Germany pocketed primary schools now have to undergo training for handling more than 1,30,000 students with special needs. Delhi has at least 30,000 students euros (87,000 pounds) who are disabled. A large number of them have not been able to in public funds, which Euros get admission in MCD schools due to lack of sensitization and were intended for awareness. The first phase of training has been launched in homeless people and collaboration with the State Council of Research Education war refugees and and Training (SCERT) and the office of the chief commissioner bought himself a brand new BMW with the money. The 39-yr- for persons with disabilities. The training that began on old Berlin man was convicted of embezzlement and received a January 12 includes three rounds of 2-day long workshops two year suspended jail sentence. He was also told to repay the being conducted at six centers across the city. While 1800 money. The defendant told Bild newspaper on February 24, it teachers were trained by January 17, itself, MCD had plans to had been easy for him to channel funds to his own account cover its entire strength of 19,000 teachers by the end of June. because he had clearance to issue individual payments of up to TALES OF COURAGE 1,500 euros. The National Bravery Awards for 2003 were awarded on LAW STATES 3 PER CENT RESERVATION FOR DISABLED January 19 to 26 children. Among them, two became disabled CHILDREN while saving lives of others, and three of the wards were According to a law, every government-run or aided educational posthumous. 9-yr-old Riyaz of Lucknow did not think twice institution must reserve at least 3 per cent of the seats for the when he saw a seven-yr-old Shazia who was walking on the disabled children. But it was reported in February that only 5-6 track unaware of the approaching train. He jumped to save her. out of 225 government aided schools in Delhi accept kids with Though Shazia could not be saved but Riyaz lost both his hands disabilities, as a result of which parents are forced to go to elite and a leg in the accident. Though he misses playing with his schools that run special classes for disabled children and charge friends but this young brave heart has an ally in grit, he says, “I hefty fees. Teachers working with disabled children feel that want to study. I want to do well in life.” The recipient of Geeta schools reject them as they operate on myths pertaining to Chopra Award, 9-yr-old Ramseena RM of Kuttichal village in disabilities. While lack of disabled-friendly infrastructure in the Thiruvananthapuram, lost her leg while saving her 3-yr-old school discourages parents, according to disabled rights cousin from a speeding car. Today, this fearless girl has an activist, Javed Abidi, however, in a counterview, Delhi artificial limb, and can ‘play cricket and dance’ and aspires to education director Rajendra Kumar claims that they have not become a doctor. Indeed bravery is not about being fearless; it's received any complaint about a disabled student having been about acting in spite of fear. denied admission. WORKSHOP TO UNDERSTAND DYSLEXICS INVESTMENT IN PEACE AND WAR: AN ANALYSIS The report of the Strategic Foresight Group titled 'Cost of Dyslexia, a type of learning disability, is characterised by Conflict between India and Pakistan', released in the month of reading, writing and spelling difficulties. Short-term memory, February, has estimated that the stand-off between the two

Louis Braille who introduced Braille in 1832, died of tuberculosis on Jan 6, 1852 at the age of 42. The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 27 countries will cost India Rs.7,200 crore and Rs.1,800 crore to AUTISM MAKES A GOOD DETECTIVE Pakistan over the next five years. While with peace dividend The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, by Mark both the countries within a one-year span can build 14 big Haddon, which was awarded the Whitbread Novel of the year schools, 14 big hospitals and generate trade worth $13 billion. in January, is a murder mystery written by a boy with disability In contrast, a year of hostility will take lives of 1000 civilians, who lives with his dad out in Swindon. In this novel, the boy swallow up Rs 14.5 crore on Siachen alone, destroy miles of decides to be a detective and find out who killed the forest and fauna and trigger off severe psychological and cardiac neighbour's dog. He is a good detective, mostly because he problems. Every year we spend multi-billion dollar in defence suffers from Asperger's, a form of autism that helps him at purchases; with the same amount we can fulfill the demands of logical thinking and mathematical wizardry. However his people in the country for more schools, safe drinking water, disability means he is unable to understand what other people public health clinics, better roads, employment generation, etc. think or mean or feel and hence cannot make sense Though we pour more and more money into the defence kitty, immediately of the clues he uncovers. He writes the novel we are no safer than before. The real security will come only during course of his investigation as a project for the special when there is human security. Investment in people is indeed school where he is enrolled. an investment in peace. WORLD'S FIRST HINDI SCREEN READER MONKEYS HELP PEOPLE WITH QUADRIPLEGIA At the age of eight, glaucoma pitched Dinesh Kaushal into Becky Thompson has been a quadriplegia since 1981. For the darkness. He was shifted to a special school for the blind and past six years she has lived with Kristi, a capuchin monkey went on to study humanities in a normal school. He graduated trained to help her with everyday tasks she can no longer in to commerce, after which he did M.Sc. in computer science. perform. Kristi in one of more than 93 monkeys that Boston based group Helping Hands has trained and placed with people According to a report received from Lucknow on March 27, having quadriplegia since 1979. A report of May 20 says that Dinesh has helped develop the world's first 'Hindi screen capuchins are the monkeys of choice because of their high reader', a software program that picks up text on any computer intelligence, superior docterity and ability to form strong screen being accessed by a visually challenged person and then bonds in little time with their new companions. reads it out. The screen reader developed by him costs Rs. 3000/-. He is a software engineer and himself uses a screen SELF-DEFENCE TRAINING TO SPEECH AND reader while programming. HEARING IMPAIRED WOMEN Delhi has been witnessing series of crime against women and MICROWAVED EGG BLINDS GIRL safety of girls either in public or private places has been Microwave ovens should carry stickers warning users not to questionable. Working women have been facing problems of cook eggs in their shells, a group of British doctors reported in sexual assault/molestation, eve-teasing, etc. All India Women's April end, how a 9-yr-old girl was blinded by a boiled egg that conference took up the programme of training young women she had reheated with the shell intact, in the microwave for in self-defence techniques. Deaf Foundation of India about 40 seconds. approached them and inquired if they could conduct the As she was carrying it to the table, it exploded, driving eggshell training for a group of shrapnel into her right eye and face. Her eye was badly speech and hearing damaged, but her vision has now been restored after a series of impaired women. Ms. Nasoozi Kiyaga, a Nigerian tricky operations and the insertion of a plastic lens in her resident, not conversant in cornea. Hindi acted as the inter- 3 PER CENT IAS SEATS TO BE RESERVED FOR preter. AIWC translated the DISABLED Hindi instructions into The Central government on May 5, informed the Delhi High English for her. The Court that it would implement 3% reservation for the disabled participants could read in the IAS from this year. their lip movements and the whole exercise became a Additional solicitor general L Nageshwar Rao said that the lot easier. The 15-day government is in the process of identifying the services where training concluded on disabled persons could be employed. Rao admitted there was a March 5 and the parti- “gross error” on the government's part in not appointing the cipants demonstrated two candidates, Rigzian Samphel and Lokesh Kumar, as IAS even though they had cleared the interview in 2003, securing superbly to a packed audience Girls getting practical training in of nearly 150 people. self-defence techniques. 120th and 132nd rank among the 286 candidates.

Better do a good deed near at home than go far away to burn incense. Chinese Proverb

The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 29

SUPREME COURT'S INSTRUCTIONS FLOUTED dyslexic students in board exams. The principal has to The Supreme Court had directed the chief electoral officers of recommend the students. He will need a medical certificate the states and union territories on April 19 to provide wooden from doctor. With certificates, a dyslexic is allowed concessions ramps in all polling stations, in cities and urban areas, to make like an extra hour, a writer, and exemption from appearing for separate queues for the disabled voters and to allow them a the third language exam. companion so that disabled people can exercise their franchise smoothly for the last three phases of general elections on April NGO SEEKS AID FOR MENTALLY DISABLED 26, May 5 and May 10. A leading Indian NGO has asked the developing world to put its money where its mouth is. In an initiative supported by However, Hon'ble Court's instructions were seen flouted prominent British Asians, the Tamana Association has started openly, in Delhi. The ramps were missing completely at some with the UK in its quest to raise a whopping Rs 1 crore to build places while at other polling booths they were shoddily a sheltered workshop for mentally challenged young people. constructed. There were no separate queues either as promised. The fund-raising initiative is led by Tanya Madhavani, the Apart from ramps in NDMC areas, they appeared to be Britain-based daughter of yesteryears actress Mumtaz. hurriedly constructed without any thought to specifications for making them user-friendly. They were either too steep or “In India we have no sheltered workshops for the mentally too slippery to be used. retarded, which simply means they can never be independent, earn their own money and have real lives. Funds are required to On the other hand, three polling booths for leprosy patients in meet this need,” says Dr. Shyama Chona, head of Tamana Gauripur, Kalyanpur and Navjeevanpur area were set up in Special School in Delhi. Bankura region of Kolkata exclusively for leprosy patients and those associated with them. This clearly states the inhumane BLIND STUDENT GETS MBBS DEGREE behaviour towards them. The number of leprosy patients in the Anka Toppo became the first blind person to get a medical region is significantly high. The disease has been quite degree from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) widespread due to certain natural climatic and geographical when the premier medical institute awarded him his MBBS factors. degree on March 13. Toppo had been admitted to the course in 1989 and was due to HEATHER IN 'NO LEG' ADVERTS take his final examination in 1993 when he developed problem Heather Mills, wife of the former Beatle Sir Paul-McCartney, in his eye and became blind. said she would appear in public service adverts without her prosthetic leg to draw attention to the1.2 million traffic deaths After a prolonged “procedural delay”, Toppo passed the final that occur worldwide each year. examination in May 2002. National Human Rights Commission fought Toppo's case with the authorities of Her left leg was severed below the knee when she was hit by a AIIMS and Medical Council of India, who were not too willing police motorcycle in 1993. Nearly 20 year earlier, her mother to let Toppo appear for his exams after he developed visual had lost a leg in a traffic accident. problems. At the launch of the World Health Organisation's year long focus on traffic safety on April 9, she said many traffic deaths RAILWAY STATION , DOMESTIC AIRPORT IN DELHI and injuries could be prevented if nations would focus on NOT DISABLED FRIENDLY improving safety. “You really can fix this. It's just about more Access audit conducted in March- April by chief commissioner awareness.” The televised public services announcements for persons with disabilities, and physically challenged featuring Mills will be broadcast worldwide this year. professionals found many facilities inaccessible to the disabled According to the World Health Oranisation, traffic crashes will people at Delhi’s railway stations and airport. kill 2.3 million people annually by 2020. Nizamuddin railway station, one of the busiest and important in New Delhi, does not have drop-zone for the disabled CONCESSION FOR DYSLEXIC STUDENTS NEEDED persons' vehicle to be parked. The signages are not clear. Even Many schools still do not perceive dyslexia- a language-based the universally accepted logo for disability is unidentifiable. disorder that triggers difficulties in reading and All the counters including enquiry, ticket, refreshment, etc, are comprehension in an otherwise normal child -as a problem. higher than the specified height of 800 mm. Wheelchairs are The Maharashtra Higher Secondary Education Board is the not well maintained, guiding blocks, beepers at entrance and only board in country, which has laid down rules of concession exit for the visually impaired are missing. Condition at other to children with learning disabilities. railways is no better. Director (Academics), CBSE, G. Balasubramanian, informed Same is the condition at Delhi's domestic airport. Parking in Delhi in April end that the Board gives concession to a space for the disabled persons is lost in the officials' parking, Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy. Lao Tzu 30 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD toilets for the disabled users are not according to the Punjab. The little ones many of them facing such a vast specifications; eatable stalls, drinking water counters are audience for the first time in their lives brought a refreshing inaccessible. Even check-in counters are not at specified height charm and gaiety to the dances by their spontaneous and no private airline provides ambulifts for transporting a movements and expressions. The Bhangra finale made it a disabled or ailing person. memorable evening on the whole. THE GREAT DONOR There were on display at the entrance hall, paintings, crochet, Master Aditya Kaushik, 10, the only child of railway employee embroidery and handicrafts by Vipul Mittal, Poonam, Rishu, Dinesh Kumar and his wife Sita Mahalaxmi had a fall from his Vasu, Kartik, Sarthak, Rajat and other Suniye's children. There terrace on May 7 in Miyapur area, Hydrabad. On reaching the was also an array of electronic items such as remotecontrolled CARE hospital he was declared brain dead. On being toys, rechargeable torches and cordless telephones repaired by counselled by a team of organ donation campaigners, the Saurabh Mohan. child's family decided to donate his liver to 7yr-old girl Nilam INJURED 7- YR-OLD IS HAILED AS A HERO AFTER Narula from Gujarat, twin kidneys to 18yrold Madhu SAVING DAD Srivastava from Gorakhpur and boy's heart was transplanted in 7-yr-old Tyler Moon was hailed as a hero on May 3, after he 22yrold Rama Rao, a poor heart patient. ignored broken ribs, a punctured lung and other serious MUSIC HEALS injuries to walk two kilometres through bushland to get help Doctors in Andhra Pradesh are increasingly recommending for his badly hurt father. music therapy for treating ailments for which medical science Tyler and his father David were both seriously injured when has no cure or in cases where the cure is worse than the disease. they flipped over on a quad bike while riding near their home in Music therapy promotes relaxation, encourages socialization southern New Wales State in Australia on May 1. and self-impression, stimulates language and speech skills, and David Moon, 39, was trapped under the bike with chest can be excellent therapy for autism. injuries while Tyler suffering broken ribs, abdominal, arm and The Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada; the Superspeciality internal injuries when he was thrown from the vehicle. Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, Tirupati and Despite his injuries, Tyler stumbled two kilometres to the the Gandhi Medical College, Hydrabad have introduced music family home to raise the alarm If Tyler hadn't walked out to therapy in different forms for their patients. raise the alert, it was likely both would have perished, said Dr SUNIYE'S FOUNDER'S DAY Ian Badham, director of a local emergency rescue service. th The 9 Founder's Day of SUNIYE, a voluntary organization of Tyler collapsed seconds after telling his mother, Gail, to call an parents of hearing impaired children, was celebrated with ambulance. much fun and frolic on May 23 at the Tamil Sangam Auditorium, New Delhi. The chief guest at the function was He has been nominated for Royal Humane Society Award for Mr. S. Satyam, Member Secretary, National Commission for his courage. Persons with Disabilities. POLIO MAY GO BY END OF 2004 The audience enjoyed the colourful and joyous cultural and Polio, which used to kill and disable many thousands of dance programme choreographed by Lalit Kumar and folk children every year, could be eradicated by the end of 2004 in dances from Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and one final last ambitious push to immunise 250 million children several times each, the head of the World Health Organisation's campaign said on January 15. Efforts to wipe out polio have resulted in a 15-year investment, amounting to more than $ 3000,000,000 (Rs 13,800 crore) made by more than 200 countries and 20 million volunteers worldwide. Year 2004 brings an opportunity to halt the dreaded disease. From 265 cases in 2001 to 1600 cases in 2002 and 218 cases in 2003… this is possibly the best time ever to stop further transmission. There was, unfortunately, a resurgence of polio cases in some southern states last year but polio has shrunk in western UP (one of the polio hotspots worldwide). For polio-eradication programmes, there sure is reason to rejoice. Rotary contributed $ 52,600,000 (Rs 242 crore) to the polio-eradication programme in India alone and Suniye's children presenting a cultural programme on Founder's Day more than $5,10,000,000 (Rs 2,346 crore) worldwide.

Every five seconds a computer gets infected with a virus www.geocities.com The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 31 The WHO said there were 667 paralytic cases in 2003, about where she is putting up, in front one per cent of the number in 1988. But the spread of polio to of 30 people. She was asked to Benin and Cameroon, is a discouraging setback in its $4.6 name the days on which 18 billion effort. WHO officials are placing the blame on Nigeria, randomly selected dates Africa's most populous nation and the home of 300 of the new ranging from April 4, 1917 to polio cases in 2003, nearly half the world total. Outside West May 30, 2085 fell. Africa, the five countries affected by polio and the numbers of A computer was at hand to cases are: India (214); Pakistan (96); Afghanistan (8); Egypt check the answers. She got all (1); Lebanon (1). 18 correct. Her average 12th ROTARY INDIA AWARD PRESENTED response time was 12.5 The Vice President of India, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, on seconds. Alka Nangia April 19,2004, presented the Twelveth Rotary India Award MYOPIC PERSON CAN'T BE DENIED JOB, RULES HC 2003, to Manovikas Kendra Rehabilitation and Research The Delhi High Court on April 15 ruled that a person suffering Institute, Kolkata for its services to the mentally challenged from myopia (shortsightedness) cannot be denied a job with the persons. Action for Autism, received Special Commendation Indian Administrative Services (IAS) if he or she qualifies on for its services to autistic children. Rotary India Awards have merit. The order came on a 2-year-old petition filed by Ravi been instituted since 1992 by the Rotary Awards for Service to Kumar Arora who was not allowed to join the IAS in 2002 on Humanity (India) Trust and are given every year for excellence in humanitarian service. The main award comprises a chegue of account of poor vision. Rs. two lakh, a citation and a shawl and Special Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul was critical of the second reason that Commendation recipient gets Rs. one lakh cheque, a citation the government had given for not appointing Arora. While and a shawl. rejecting his application that he be considered under the disabled category, the government had said that such posts had not been identified till then. Kaul said: “The process of the government to 'once again identify' the posts, which it failed to do despite eight years having elapsed cannot be awaited for the petitioner to be appointed to the post.” After the order, Arora has to be appointed in category A of the services. The government will also have to give him the seniority, which his batchmates enjoy. DELHI'S WAIT FOR HIGH CAPACITY BUS IS NOT OVER YET Delhi government's much hyped, disabled friendly high capacity bus is yet to prove its utility for the people Vice-president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat with Dr. Sharda with locomotor Fatehpuria, the founder-director of Manovikas Kendra and disabilities. Two such Merry Barua, director of Action for Autism buses manufactured by Telco and Leyland accomplished their trail run. The buses suppose to have a ramp that spreads out Past R.I. director Sudarshan Agarwal, Governor of Uttaranchal horizontally and allow a wheelchair-user to easily roll on the was the guest of honour at the function held at Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. bus. But for this, the bus stops also need to be at the same level as that of the bus chassis and should also have a ramp, so that the ALKA SET TO ENTER GUINESS BOOK disabled commuters can access it without any help and shelters Alka Nangia, a FOD member with quadriplegia is all set to should be built to enable the driver to park close to the enter the Guinness Book of World Records for performing platform. Currently stops are constructed on pavements. The calculation of the almanac. She can tell you the day of the week Delhi Transport Department says this will be possible only once for any day in the 20th and 21st centuries. Her the dedicated lane come up. It will take more than one year to accomplishment was acknowledged by the Limca Book of have the first 17 km long dedicated lane from Ambedkar Nagar Records 2002. A workshop was held to demonstrate her to Inter State Bus Terminal. The trail of these buses have been exceptional ability on January 19 at the Cheshire Home, Delhi, quite bumpy. The low chassis buses developed problems while

He who carries out one good deed acquires for himself one advocate in his own behalf, and he who commits one transgression acquires one accuser against himself. Repentance and good works are like a shield against calamity. Mishnah, Abot 4.13

The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 33 negotiating speed breakers and U-turns pothole. Developing be deposited and used for the welfare of the disabled people. technically sound buses, and their shelters will need plenty of This money has accumulated as excess interest from their funds and time. Till then, wait is the word. borrowers by rounding up figures. The court also directed the banks to contribute Rs 50 lakh each to the fund. In Brief... Ø Chinese police have broken up a gang of deaf teenaged Ø Police in Argentine city of Cordoba foiled a predawn street robbers who carried out a string of thefts on the orders of a hold up on February 5 and were staggered to find one of the brutal leader, Yang Song. 11 gang members were sent to prison assailants was blind. “When the police car arrived at the scene, for term ranging from 11 months to 13 years, Xinhua news the pair took off running holding hands, which caught the agency said on April 19. Yang, 34, formed the gang in 2001 in attention of the police officer. On apprehending them, the Shaoxing with scores of jobless and homeless hearing impaired officer found one of them was blind,” reported police people. commissioner, Luis Ceballos. Ø A woman paralysed when her Ford Explorer rolled over won Ø President APJ Abdul Kalam inaugurated a stem cell a $369 million verdict from Ford Motor Co in one of the biology laboratory at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, biggest personal-injury awards ever against an automaker. A Hyderabad the only institute engaged in this frontline area of San Diego County jury on June 3 ordered Ford to pay $246 research to restore vision, on January 19. Impressed with the million in punitive damages to Benetta Buell Wilson, after institute's work in cutting-edge technology for reconstruction awarding her and her husband compensatory damages of more of the damaged outer surface of the eye, Kalam expressed his than $122.6 million two days earlier. keen desire to join the institute after completing the term as Powered Wheelchair for a Common Man president in 2007. Komal Gupta, 32, with cerebral palsy, graduated from St. Ø In a departure from tradition, President Kalam Stephen's College, Delhi in 1993. Since his childhood, he had administered a 10-point oath to 100 youth on January 25, at been using manual wheelchair, manoeuvered by a carer. He the time of recording of the President's address to the nation. manages his PCO / STD and petrol pump businesses located Among the ten-point oath, one was, 'I will always be a friend of far apart. the mentally and physically challenged and will make them feel normal.' Ø Last December, a great horned owl, named Minerva, was found in emaciated condition because it had Komal Gupta gone blind. It was released in early February in his after having new eye lenses implanted. A 2- newly acquired r

hour eye surgery was performed by Dr. Chris a k

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Wisconsin Madison School of Veterinary h Medicine. P To increase his efficiency at work with comfort he acquired Ø Mata Kaushalaya Devi Charitable Trust has been serving powered wheelchair manufactured by Callidai Motor Works, the less privileged section of the society for over 27 years now. Chennai, in March. The new acquisition has changed his Their passion to serve the target group has grown stronger with working style significantly. Once seated in the wheelchair, he every passing year. At a special function on March 14, masters its speed and direction from left to right, front to back MKDCT donated work tables and chairs for mentally deficient using the joy stick and gear box fitted to the right arm of his children, corrective/assistive devices, sewing machines to chair, which he easily operates with his left hand which is more physically disabled persons, medicines to children afflicted functional. Earlier he had to depend on others to move his with bronchial asthma and blood cancer, at Inspiration Centre, chair even an inch. Tilak Nagar, New Delhi. People in need of aids/ appliances and The manufacturer has custom-made the wheelchair for Komal medicines may seek help from R.N. Dhingra, secretary, Gupta. It enables him to work effortlessly. He had gone to MKDCT, 2/46, Ramesh Nagar, New Delhi- 110015, Tel: Chennai in January, stayed there for a week during which 25455393 Callidai designed the chair as per his needs. Ø The Supreme Court issued a directive on April 20 to the Komal's wheelchair has cost him reasonable Rs. 35, 000/- far Comptroller and Auditor General to recover from the less than the other powered wheelchairs available in the market. nationalised banks an “illegally collected” sum of Rs. 723.79 Contributed by Pradeep Lal crore per year and create a special fund where the money would Also see classifieds on Page 42

He who controls others may be powerful but he who has mastered himself is mightier still. Tao Te Ching 34 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD NEWS Research

DON'T TALK WHILE YOU WALK “neural prosthetic” devices are to be conducted by According to a study published in Sydney in the early Cyberkinetics, an American biomedical firm. They are the first February, though walking is great for health, talking at the government-approved tests of such systems and will be same time of walking may bring harmful effects on the body. It watched by doctors seeking relief for spinal injury victims. seems that talking while walking results in conflicting demands on abdominal muscles and threatens spinal stability. MOTOR-DRIVEN ARTIFICIAL LEG ASSISTS IN 'NATURAL' WALK TAKE CARE OF YOUR EAR A new artificial leg, fitted with microprocessors, enables Noise-induced hearing loss, which was earlier regarded as a amputees to walk naturally and react to the terrain below better predominantly industrial hazard, is fast making inroads into reported Washington Post in mid April. The most striking the life of young Delhiites. According to doctors, the main feature of the new artificial leg, developed in Canada by culprit is the increase in recreational noise, which includes Victhom Human Bionics, is that amputees can flex and bend discotheques, headphones, blaring music from hi-fidelity their knees when climbing or traversing rocky terrain, without music system and even the earphones of mobile phones. having to twist the leg to raise it. The sensors transmit Associate professor, Dr. Shelly Chaddha, ENT department, information to the micro-processor data about the terrain120 LNJP Hospital Delhi, says, “Studies have shown that an times a second. The processor leafs through its almanac to pick out a suitable walking pattern before sending instructions to individual who spends a few hours at a discotheque, suffers a the knee's electric motor. The motor, in concert with the temporary increase in hearing threshold till the next morning. sensors and micro-processor, then help move the leg in a Even excessive use of mobile phones can affect hearing because “natural” way. The next major challenge for Stephane Bedard, a any noise, which is so close to the ear, is not good, especially for student in mechanical engineering at Laval University in long periods.” Apart from hearing loss noise is also known to Quebec who founded Victhom, is to fully integrate the produce irritability, hypertension, cardiac stress and in artificial knee with the amputees' body. For this, he is working extreme cases insomnia. with Mohamad Sawan, a professor of electrical engineering at the Montreal Polytechnical Institute, who understands the SMOKERS SUFFER RISK OF GOING BLIND esoteric language of nerve cells and who has worked extensively Smokers should be told they are up to four times more likely to on implantable medical devices. go blind or suffer visual impairment later in life than non- smokers, researchers said on March 5. An editorial in the THERAPEUTIC CLONING OF HUMAN EMBRYO British Medical Journal also suggests that, to inform the public According to a report in February, scientists from Seoul of one of the least known health risks, smokers attending eye National University, South Korea have become the first to clinics should be invited to attend smoking cessation clinics. successfully clone a human embryo and then cull from it Age related muscular degeneration is the most common cause master stem cells that many doctors consider key to one day of adult visual impairment; nearly one in five cases may be creating customised cures for diabetes, Parkinson's, etc. attributable to smoking, equating to about 53,900 people Earlier, scientists have used this 'therapeutic cloning' to aged 70 or over. partially cure laboratory mice with an immune system disease. However, years of additional research are required before TURN ON THE LIGHT JUST BY THINKING embryonic stem cell transplants could be considered in people. Volunteers are to have microchips implanted on the surface of But it is sure to revive international controversy over whether their brains in the first human trials of a technology that will to ban all human cloning as the Bush administration wants or enable people to control machines using the power of thought to allow this 'therapeutic cloning' that might eventually let alone. The chips will enable the volunteers to do tasks such as patients grow their own replacement tissue. turning on lights or drawing curtains just by thinking about them. MOVING, THINKING WHEELCHAIR SOON Electrical signals from the brain will be transmitted to the The International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), computer and a remote control unit. The technology has been Hyderabad, will soon come up with a moving, thinking tested on monkeys, which were able to move a cursor on a wheelchair which will be as sophisticated as the one Stephen computer screen. The chips are expected to benefit disabled Hawking uses. The intelligent contraption is capable of people first by making everyday tasks easier. The trials of the deciding which route to take and which obstacle to avoid, thus

The human brain uses 15-20 per cent of the body's oxygen supply. Report in Hindustan Times The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 35 enabling a wheelchair user to travel short distances without IT IS SAFE USING MOBILE PHONES: WHO assistance. IIIT's robotics department is designing a basic robot The WHO's Interphone study has concluded in February that platform to be fitted to a wheelchair with the assistance of mobile phones do not lead to brain tumour even after 10 years Carnegie Mellon University at Pittsburgh, USA. The robot will of use. The extensive study on effects of mobile phones on use video cameras to communicate with the host by capturing health was conducted in thirteen countries including, and transferring visuals. It will use sonar and laser modules to Australia, Finland, France, Germany and Japan. According to assess the travel path while moving. “A team of 25 students of Dr. N.K. Mishra, head of the department of neuro-radiology, the institute is working on the project under the guidance of AIIMS, “the microwaves emitted by mobiles are mostly two researchers from CMU,” reported IIIT robotic centre absorbed by the superficial layers of the body and do not coordinator P.J. Narayanan. penetrate the brain. So, unless one is using mobile for hours on end, its weak microwaves cannot cause tumours.” “While some DEVICE TO RELIEVE CARPAL TUNNEL PAIN studies have noted mild and temporary behavioral changes but It was reported in February, that a team led by Ronald Repice of they are not harmful at all,” says Dr. Uma Nambiar, a the Delaware Valley Pain and Rehabilitation Center in Chester, neurosurgeon at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute. The only Pennsylvania has developed a device that temporarily places the way mobiles can hurt you is by distracting you while driving. wrist in 'traction' holds to relieve pressure on the median nerve by acting on the joints and soft tissues in the wrist. Carpal PROTEIN FOR ADDICTION tunnel syndrome occurs when one of the nerves that pass It was reported in Guardian News Service in February that the through the wrist becomes compressed, which includes scientists are paving the way for medicines that could help symptoms like numbness, weakness, tingling and pain in the remove cravings in drug addicts and improve the education fingers and hand. There are several non-surgical treatments for prospects of people with learning difficulties. They believe that carpal tunnel syndrome, including wrist splints and steroid similar molecular changes in the brain help cause cocaine injections. addiction and impair learning and memory processes. Experiments in mice over the past six years suggest that the LIMB CONTROL BY BRAIN absence of a protein called PSD-95 is responsible for both Researchers in Jerusalem's Hebrew University have managed to conditions. decipher the nervous system's signals, which commands some limb movements. The breakthrough which can help paraplegic In Brief... people to recover prosthetics assisted mobility, was achieved after following a series of experiments on chimpanzees, the daily Ø Often, few people recover from damaged spines, as it is Yediot Aharonot reported in early January. difficult for damaged nerves to grow in a severed spinal cord. It was reported in January, in Nature, that researchers in The findings were presented in a conference held in Florida and Washington, have devised a tiny self-assembling structure that chaired by Christopher Reeve, who has been wheelchair-bound they hope will help repair damaged spinal cords. The since 1995 following a horse-riding accident. He has since been researchers have tried to build bridges across these gaps, so that spearheading a campaign to further neurological research. nerves can grow. TOOTH AND GUM DECAY CAN LEAD TO STROKE Ø There are some interesting researches going on at various IITs Tooth and gum decay are not just social handicaps, but also risk in the country. Among others, IIT-Bombay and Christian factors for stroke. A study in Stroke: Journal of the American Medical College, Vellore, developed a low-cost motorised Heart Association reported in the month of January that tooth artificial hand (priced at Rs. 10,000 as against Rs. 3 Lakh for loss caused by gum disease is a marker for vascular diseases even imported hands), an LPG stove for the blind and a wheelchair before the symptoms appear. “Tooth or gum decay can be a that can manoeuvre steps, says a report published on January source of inflammation, which has been linked with heart 25. disease and stroke,” says Dr. Nancy Rothwell, researcher- professor at the University of Manchester, UK. Gum disease damages the blood vessels running through the gums and allows HA!HHAA!!HA! bacteria to enter the blood stream, leading to the formation of I've just had the most awful time,” said a boy to his friends. blood clots. These blood clots can block arteries of the heart or “First I got angina pectoris, then arteriosclerosis. Just as I brain, causing attacks. High blood levels of C-reactive protein, was recovering, I got psoriasis. They gave me hypodermics, an inflammation related molecule, is an established risk factor and to top it all, tonsillitis was followed by appendectomy.” for heart disease and stroke. Till a surefire cure for stroke is “ Wow! How did you pull through?” sympathised his friends. found, play safe and eat healthy food, exercise and take care of “I don't know,” the boy replied. oral hygiene. “Toughest spelling test I ever had.”

Faith in oneself… is the best and safest course. Michelangelo 36 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD NEWS Sports SWIMMING POOL FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED BOLLYWOOD BECKONS Delhi will get its first swimming pool for the physically disabled Puran Singh, 28, black belt in Taekwondo, who lost his right in around July- August at Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The pool has leg at the age of five, hopes to make it to Bollywood someday. been designed by the Delhi Development Authority, and the He has worked in a film on martial arts produced by National structural designs have been taken from Ahmedabad, where Geographic Channel, which was released in May. In the film similar pools have been constructed. The pool will remain open he plays Akshay Kumar's (the action hero of Hindi films) all round the year except for the months of December and teacher. After shooting for the film in Manali, Akshay Kumar January. The maximum five feet depth has been kept in the pool recommended Singh for a role in Anil Sharma's film Ab from safety point of view, this is less than the usual seven feet. Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyon. Now he has started getting Solar energy will be used to keep the pool water warm, for which offers from Bollywood. Singh has been training Delhi cops special arrangements have been made. free of cost. To provide accessibility to wheelchair users, ramps will be made BOXER HOLYFIELD ENTHUSES UNDER- on the sides so that a wheelchair can be lowered for the person to PRIVILEGED CHILDREN enter the pool. There will be special physiotherapy rooms where Heavy weight boxing latest legend, Evander Holyfield, landed those with special needs will be able to undergo sessions under in Hydrabad on January 9, to spend time with orphaned and professional guidance. Apart from this, the complex will also street children at the Global Peace Initiative's Charity City, have sauna, jacuzzi and steam showers. which also houses widows and trains the poorest of the poor. Holyfield has contributed millions of dollars and thousands of RAWALPINDI EXPRESS CHUCKS INTO MUMBAI hours helping the underprivileged through his work with The players of All India Cricket Holyfield Foundation. He has been inspiring people of all Association for the Disabled, whose ages, nationalities and beliefs the world over, emphasising that president is Ajit Wadekar got Shoaib everything can be achieved through faith, hard work and a Akhtar, better known as Rawalpindi refusal to give up in the face of adversity. Express, to rub shoulders with, on April 23. Wadekar announced that Akhtar SPECIAL OLYMPICS was made patron of the association like Special Olympics Delhi State Games were organised from Sachin Tendulkar before him. He February 23-27, at Nehru Stadium and Vasant Valley School. hoped to start his contacts to enable a 2000 athletes from 46 institutions in and around Delhi took Pakistani team of the disabled active part in 1100 events including bocce, floor hockey, cricketers come and play here as England side did two years ago. basketball, etc. Three Delhi athletes have been short listed for When asked to give some tips to the players, Shoaib told a further training for international competition to be held in questioner at the press conference, “What tips can I give them? I Nagano, Japan. Zafar Iqbal, the former captain of Indian came here to learn from their courage. Their fight is against the odds.”

UNIQUE OLYMPIC TORCH-BEARERS Arja, 24, was the only mentally challenged person among the 105-odd people chosen as a torch-bearer for the Olympic Torch that arrived in Delhi on June 10. He has already won a gold medal and a silver medal in the 2003 Special Olympics at Dublin and is an idol of sorts to the 580-odd inmates at Asha Kiran, where he stays. Aslam Amin, 24-yr-old software engineer, who lost his leg in a train accident and Ravindra Singh Nagar (partially blind), 26, a third year student of Shyam Lal College at Delhi University were also among the selected torch-bearers. Athletes participating in an event at Special Olympics Bharat

As many as 2 billion people do not have ready access to clean water. 2.4 to 2.9 billion people have no sanitation facilities. The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 37 hockey team lighted the torch and Sheila Dixit, chief minister In Brief... of Delhi hoisted the flag at opening ceremony. Bands Silk Route, Parikrama, Mrigaya, Taan Trikz and Vasant Valley Ray Paprotta, a race driver paralysed below waist has School Band, singers- Anaamika and her troupe, Shubha confessed his role in a fatal accident that killed a safety worker Mudgal and Shibani Kashyap all performed free of cost during at Daytona International Speedway, says a report released on the Games. Gomes brothers, who were among the first special February 12. Roy Weaver died on the spot when Paprotta's Olympians, demonstrated their athleticism. The fastest among customized car smashed into him at more than a speed of them ran 100 metres in 13.1 seconds. Also, the Air Devils of the 100 mph during a POWERacing Dash Series event. Indian Air Force exhibited their skydiving skills. * * * Proud to be an Indian - GEORGE ABRAHAM n the 18th of February, as the Indian blind cricketers Chacha Cricket, the tall “Pathan” with the flowing beard who disembarked on the Pakistan side of the Wagah border travels throughout the world to all games where Pakistan plays Ofrom the Delhi - Lahore bus, they were greeted with was present at all the venues. I was told that Chacha Cricket is rose garlands, beating of the sponsored by the Pakistan Dholak, Bhangra and Cricket Board, he has been to multitudes of photographers, over 400 matches till date. TV crews and journalists. The Former and present cricketers message was loud and clear, like Zaheer Abbas, Mohsin “We Indians were welcome.” Khan, Hanif Mohammed, On our arrival at Lahore, Shoaib Akhtar, Abdul Razzak, Ramiz Raja, chief executive of Azhar Mahmood, Imran Nazir the Pakistan Cricket Board and visited the grounds to watch his team were waiting at the the action. Infact Shoab recently established world class Akhtar invited a few of us out National Cricket for dinner at Lahore. Saclain Academy(NCA) to receive us . Mushtaq spent an entire morning at Lahore playing and The Indians played 5 matches helping the Indian team during on the tour beginning with the practice. Lahore, then moving onto Karachi, Shekhopura and We found people watching the finally at the capital Islamabad. matches on television at All the games were played at The author with Chacka Cricket airports, shopping complexes, Test venues, well supported by the Pakistan Cricket Board. markets, and hotels. Rajendra Varma was the outstanding player from India. He is a totally blind left handed batsman All the matches were covered live on Pakistan TV. Former who scored 72, 138 not out, 200 not out, 16 and 146 not out. cricketing personalities like Sarfraz Nawaz, Munir Hussain and He was declared the player of the series. The Pakistani media Azhar Khan were part of the commentary team. Media hailed him as the blind Tendulkar. travelled along with the teams right across the country covering the tour extensively. Television news bulletins constantly It was really encouraging to see the patronage and support that updated the proceedings in the games special interviews and the series received from the PCB. Further, it was extremely photographs of outstanding performers appeared in all the heartening to see the media in Pakistan treat this series as a leading publications. serious happening and not brush it aside as a soft issue or as a human interest activity to be featured in some insignificant People came in large numbers to watch the matches. At the corner of their development section. Last but not the least, the Shekhopura game, there were over 12000 spectators. Such natives of Pakistan came through as very warm, affectionate huge crowds at cricket matches for the blind was definitely a and passionate people. new experience for all of us. The crowds had come to back the The author is chairperson, Association for Cricket for the Blind in India Pakistani team and to enjoy the cricket. and CEO of Score Foundation; E-mail: [email protected]

It's no longer a question of staying healthy. It's a question of finding a sickness you like. Jackie Mason 38 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD Questions and Answers

How are palm lines formed? is no mixing of blood because of barriers between foetal and When a baby is in embryonic stage, its palm maternal blood endothelium of foetal blood vessel, remains closed or in a folded position. As it chorionic epithelium and foetal connective tissue. Only the remains in this position for long, the skin of blood of the foetus in capillaries comes in close contact with palm folds, forming lines. Such lines are also the mother's blood in the tissues between the villi but they believed to be the 'lines of fate'. are always separated by a membrane, through which useful substances for growth and development of foetus are In Alzheimer's disease, how is the long-term memory transported. retained while short-term memory lost? Alzheimer's is a progressive neurological disease in which Why does pure water have no taste or color? many areas of the brain shrink and decline in function causing Physical properties of a compound, such as colour, taste, loss of memory and other cognitive skills, affecting persons touch etc. depend on its pH factor. The pH further depends aged 65 and above. First, an experience is perceived. It is upon the concentration of H+ and OH- ions in that then placed in a short-time memory store and retained for a compound. For example, compounds having higher brief time. If the experience recurs or is likely to be important, concentration of H+ ions are sour, acids and compounds it goes into a long-term memory store. People with dementia having higher OH- ion concentrations like bases are bitter. gradually lose the ability to enter new information into their Water has equal concentration of H+ and OH- ions. Thus, it memory store. They also have difficulty in recalling previously has neither sour nor a bitter taste, and hence is tasteless. stored memories. Memory for recent events is affected first. Similarly, it is colourless and doesn't have an odour. People with dementia tend to be better at recalling memories How does a pacemaker work? from long ago. A pacemaker is an electronic implant, which regulates the heart beat rate. Most pacemakers are used to produce a How many units of blood can a healthy person donate at normal heart rate in patients with abnormally slow pulse a time? How long does it take to replenish the lost blood? rates (heart block), but are also used to regulate abnormally Every adult human being (male or female) has 5 to 6 litres of fast rates (tachycardia). A pacemaker is powered by a blood. Any person between 18 and 60 years, weighting 45 lithium-iodine battery with a life of up to ten years. The device kgs or more can safely donate one unit of blood, that is, 350 is implanted under the skin of the chest, and an insulated ml once every three months. After donation, the blood volume multi-way lead from the device is inserted into a large vein can be recovered within 24 hours and the haemoglobin count that runs into the right side of the heart. Each electrical pulse returns to normal within two weeks. No special diet or rest is passes along this lead to the heart muscle. required after donating a unit of blood. What's the difference between X-ray, CT scan and MRI? No two humans have similar fingerprints. Why? X-rays are high frequency beams of the electromagnetic Fingerprints are divided into five basic types: plain arch, spectrum that can pass more easily through material with tented arch, ulnar loops (which slopes towards the little low density (atomic number) than through those with higher finger), radial loops (which slopes towards the thumb) and density (higher atomic numbers). Hence, solids in the body whorls. As every human being has uniquely different DNA, (bones, kidney stones, etc. show up easily in an X-ray the fingerprints also differ. A combination of genetic and image). A Computerised Tomography (CT) scan is environmental factors, the position of the foetus in the womb effectively a more developed version of using X-ray: it uses a and the density of the amniotic fluid decide how the fingerprint highly sensitive X-ray beam focused on specific parts of the is formed. Even identical twins don't have the same body and a detector picks up the beam as it passes through fingerprints. They were first used to solve crime in 1892 by the body. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a rapidly Inspector Alvarez in Argentina. oscillating magnetic field perpendicular to a very strong principal magnetic field (about 30,000 times the earth's How can babies survive in their mother's wombs with magnetic field) along which the organ to be scanned is kept. different blood groups? The oscillating field causes hydrogen atoms within the organ In the womb, there is no mixing of maternal and foetal blood. (usually from water in the tissue and blood) to get So no agglutination, or antibody antigen reaction, in blood magnetized in a direction perpendicular to that of the occurs and the baby is safe inside the mother's womb. There principal magnetic field.

India has one-third of all TB patients in the world. 40 per cent of Indian population is infected with TB bacillus. Central TB Division, DGHS to the Editor The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 39 Monotony Sir, Till last year I used to avoid travelling out of Delhi because When life becomes a passage of days, that would involve lugging my full size crutches in a Crippled by routine and monotonous ways, special bag, which would be heavy and cumbersome to It is the time to ponder if one must change, carry. Get out of shackles and break the cage. Then, I set about finding someone who could make a pair of crutches that could Seek fresh pastures in distant lands, be folded and fit into a small bag. India Amidst forests dense or desert sands, Medico Instruments, Yamuna Bazaar, Delhi, agreed to do the job. They Amongst unknown people and faces strange, designed crutches made out of a single Face tempests, storms or human rage. pipe (not two, as in ordinary crutches) to which the grip bar is welded. At the The challenges of elements and trials of time, upper end of the pipe axillary piece is Devil may care temper and never give a dime, inserted and held in place by a button. Better be lost in a roaring stream, Similarly the lower end accommodates the last piece containing the rubber tip. Than be caught in an empty dream. The end product, surprisingly met my requirements. Now Face open seas or climb mountain peaks, instead of a 4-feet long bag the crutches can easily be That stir the brave who adventure seeks, carried in a 2- feet long bag. They can be easily accommodated in a normal suitcase along with other To conquer elements, we should dare, items. Hold our head high and live without fear. I have recently come back from a trip to Tamil Nadu, which has a surfeit of temples, and everywhere I used these crutches comfortably. Do Not Give Up Dr. Rohit Jain; e-mail: [email protected] Do not give up, fight it out, Health Capsules If you're right, you must shout. Fear not failure, play your part, Since ulcers are due to infection, does Success may elude, don't lose heart. your diet make any difference ?

Yes, if you eat lots of fiber, especially Righteous action sure will assert, from beans, you’re less likely to get an Like torrential rain cleanses dirt. ulcer even with an infection. The power of truth stands supreme, Whether you smile or you scream. It is it safe to let my baby sleep in my bed ? Keep your calm and face your life,

Putting babies to sleep in adult beds Success will be yours in spite of strife. exposes them to the risk of Suffocation and falls on average, 60 babies die each The above compositions are taken from Love Faith & Me, year after being placed in adult beds. a collections of poems by Manmohan Dhar

Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake. Napoleon Bonaparte

The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 41 Book Review

Nutrition and Development Disorders Frequently used Words in Disability Author: Dr. A. Mervyn Fox and Rehabilitation and Prof. Indira Chakravarty Pages: 86 Pages: 166 Price: Rs. 50/- Price: Rs. 150/- Publisher : The National Trust, Publisher: The National Trust, 4, Vishnu Digamber Marg, 4, Vishnu Digamber Marg, IPH compex, New Delhi- 110 002 IPH Complex, New Delhi- 110 002 This book contains commonly used words and phrases in disability. It is a Dr. A. Mervyn Fox, good attempt at giving simple internationally renowned definitions for terminologies developmental pediatrician from commonly used. The book can be of great use to the families of Canada has written this book for the disabled people, the parents, teachers in special schools the National Trust totally free of cost. Actually this is a and also to social workers in the field of rehabilitation. combination of two books. The other book is “National and Disability in India” which has been written by Prof. Indira Dr. V. S. Bole Chakravarty, the director of All India Institute of Public Health, Ex HOD, Dept. Of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation, Kolkata. The whole book provides indepth knowledge and information on the importance of nutrition. Dr. Fox lays Kalawati Saran Children’s Hospital, New Delhi emphasis on the very fact that malnutrition is entirely e-mail: [email protected] preventable. Both, Dr. Fox and Prof. Chakravarty recommend that large number of childhood disabilities can be prevented Man ki Jeet with a proper and balanced nutritional diet and environmental Author: Vinod Kumar Mishra modification. Pages: 120 Price: Rs. 125/- The book provides an excellent reading and reference material for the both, pediatricians and therapists alike, and also people Publisher: Rachnakar Prakashan, working in the field of rehabilitation. Prof. Chakravarty has 1586/1E, Navin Shahadra, written that in India and other developing countries, PEM Delhi-110032 (protein energy malnutrition) and maternal malnutrition can lead to IUGR (intra-utrine growth retardation) in the foetus Man ki Jeet is a collection of seven short stories in Hindi written by Vinod which can cause death and/or a high risk baby. The book Kumar Mishra who has already authored a number of books on contains plenty of charts and recommendations of accepted disability related issues. The protagonist in each story is a norms and balanced nutritional requirements of infants, disabled individual. His stories are true depiction of suffering, children and adults, especially women. Prof Chakravarty has agony and trauma an individual goes through if s/he is struck taken many references from the works of Dr. C Gopalan who has by any form of disability. Pressure from family and society, been a WHO expert and adviser on nutrition for South East Asia financial insecurity and rebuke from the peer group are some of Regional Organisations for a long time. The book recommends the problems that the characters in these stories face. The and also researches have proved that the socio economic cost of author's main characters portray courage, mental strength, prevention is much less than the cost of rehabilitation. hope, conviction and 'never say die' attitude. The author, who himself has polio, has highlighted the importance of support The National Trust has truly done a great service to the people and love of family, which plays a very crucial role in the life of a working in the field of rehabilitation by bringing out this book. disabled person overcoming his disability and emerge Dr. V.S. Bole victorious in his battle against odds. Shashi Katyal e-mail: [email protected]

In this world everything changes except good deeds and bad deeds; these follow you as the shadow follows the body. Anonymous 42 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD Classifieds SERVICES AVAILABLE THE REPAIRMAN v Deenbandhu Shantikunj Charitable and Social Action Group For rechargeable torches, remotes and lamps; toys and games like runs residential homes for the disabled children in Shakarpur and robots and remote controlled cars, contact: Saurabh, at 28, Mehrauli in Delhi. Apart from boarding and lodging, the children Anandlok, Ground Floor, Bell No. 2, New Delhi; Tel: 26258198, are imparted healthy education and recreation facilities. All their 26256841; e-mail: [email protected] needs are properly looked after by a team of experts. In addition the organisation helps the neglected children, old persons, fights FOR SALE corruption and creates awareness about human rights. For further v details contact: Raj Balam Sharma, DSCSA Group, S-312, School 'Koshish', an audio cassette, is a collection of prarthna and Block, Shakarpur, Delhi-110092; Tel: 55259903 bhajans by Benzy Kumar, a 10 ½ -yr-old mentally challenged girl. Priced nominally at Rs.35/- the cassette is being marketed by v Manovikas Comprehensive Rehabilitation & Research Centre Nupur Marketing Inc. For more information visit: has opened a Living Centre with comfortable rooms, kitchen www.benzymusic.com or contact: Kavita Kumar; Tel: 26923362, complete with all the amenities, TV, fridge, etc. for disabled people. 35923362 A full time warden, cook, attendants, security guards are already v Kinetic Honda scooter for disabled people, model 1991. Contact serving the Centre. Part time special educators, vocational B. Desai; Tel: 23994025, 27781660(O) instructors, therapists are also available. The Centre provides boarding, lodging and respite care services for 24 hours. Contact: v Maruti 800, 1987 model, original engine, automatic transmission, Alok Kumar, A-50/A, Vivek Vihar-II, Delhi- 110095; Tel: 22144886, new torque converter. In good shape, new tyres and battery. 35239869 (M); e-mail: [email protected] Contact: Dr. N. S. Arora; Tel: 26689304 (Clinic), 9810106117(M) v Dharmik Evam Samajik Mahasangh, a voluntary organisation WHEELCHAIRS AND MOBILITY AIDS provides a number of services to less privileged section of the Wheelchairs and mobility aids made in India, available at Indian society free of cost including aids and appliances for the needy prices. The wheelchairs that suit your requirements, powered disabled people; sewing machines, etc, to helpless women; helps in (motorised/ joystick operated) and tailor-made (motorised/ non- marrying off poor women and widows; clothes, books, etc. to motorised)- tall and short, broad and slim, long and short, big and students in need; surgery of cataract, reading glasses and dental care small, commode, bed type, etc. we make them all. Dealer enquiries to those who cannot afford. Contact: President, DESM, Shri also solicited (preferably from NGOs). No investment required. Sanatan Dharam Mandir, Shri Ram Mandir Marg, C-3 Bus Stop, Service mechanics also wanted (physically challenged and hearing Janakpuri, New Delhi- 110058; Tel: 25525152 impaired preferred). For detailed information, contact: Bhargav Sundaram, Callidai Motor Works, 28, Desika Road, Mylapore, v Free dental consultation for the disabled people. Contact: Chennai- 600004; Tel: 24991609, 24995185, 9884049007/ Dr. N. S. Arora; Tel: 26689304 (Clinic), 9810106117(M) 56127516 (M); e-mail: [email protected] OPENING SHORTLY Recreational centre cum SITUATION WANTED resort in 1 acre/ disabled 24-yr-old, physically challenged girl, diploma in engineering from friendly single room / Aryabhatt Polytechnic, Delhi seeks suitable job. Exposure in dormitory space available inverter manufacturing. Contact: Nimisha Saxena, C/o Satvir situated in calm and Singh, 465/7, Bhooton Wali Gali, Nangloi, New Delhi- 110041; pollution free surroundings Tel: 255195257 on Aravalli Hills, with wheelchair walks, short DONATIONS INVITED drive from Gurgoan, close Vastradaan is a nation wide movement for channelising vital to Pathways World School. resources lying in excess in urban middle-class households to far Catering arrangements can be made. For further details contact: flung rural areas in India, thus addressing the very basic needs of Poorna Samadhan, president- Pradeep Lal: 9810016729(M); millions of poor people. gen. secretary- Muninder Nanda: 9212123471(M); 55296226 (R) You can donate old clothes, woollens, foot wear, bed sheets, blankets, utensils, school items, old/ new- school bags, copies, ADMISSION OPEN pencils, pens, water bottles, lunch boxes, old uniforms, socks, shoes, toys, children story books, dry ration, newspapers, one side For children with mental retardation, cerebral palsy and multiple used paper, magazines and cash donations. Contact: Anshu K. disabilities, contact: Prateek Institute for the Disabled, Jaat Gupta , director GOONJ; J-93, Sarita Vihar, New Delhi-44; Tel: 98681- Chaupal, Opposite Gali No. 7, Bhooton Wali Gali, Nangloi, New 46978(M), 26972351(O); e-mail: [email protected]; Delhi- 110041; Tel: 255195257 [email protected]; website: www.goonj.org

The illegal wildlife trade is estimated at between $10-20 billion annually second only to drugs and arms. -Asian Conservation Awareness Programme The VOICE of FOD Jan-June 2004 43 New Perspectives How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a only the mental battle that has to be won. We learnt single moment before starting to improve the world. life's lesson in a short time and at a place where it was least expected. It was a truly wonderful experience. -Anne Frank Anubhav Rajput and Gaurav Singh; e-mail: hen we [email protected], [email protected] joined WS.P. Jain Institute of amily Of Disabled has interacted with many Management & individuals over the years, from a cross-section Research, Fof society. However, this was certainly our first Mumbai, we experience with management trainees who joined knew we would FOD for their six-week 'Development of Corporate Anubhav Rajput Gaurav Singh undergo a Citizenship' project. different kind of training than what people in most We were initially apprehensive. One, because we had other B-Schools do. After having experienced the no prior experience in such a venture and two, we flavour of such training, and that too with Family Of didn't know whether we could relate to management Disabled, we feel we got the opportunity to be trainees. After all, FOD is a grass root organisation, awakened to a different perspective to life. We feel and has little knowledge of management practices. proud to share with you that the report, which we submitted after the completion of the training has Not surprisingly, Anubhav and Gaurav, the trainees earned us a good "A" grade in the project and has been from S.P. Jain Institute of Management & Research, preserved in the library for the coming batches. themselves were unsure after seeing the set-up of our office. However, they took just a week to settle down. Working with FOD was an experience that we feel we And once the style of functioning became clearer, they may not get to repeat once our MBA education is over. became absorbed in the work and contributed a lively Vivid memories and experience are etched in our presence in the office. minds of the strength that FOD team has shown in In the last four weeks they did active fund-raising and running the organisation, and their unique and also co-organised three workshops conducted by FOD sustainable models for serving the disabled people. for its ARS entrepreneurs in different parts of Delhi. Many new lessons were learnt while working with the They also demonstrated the art of cultivating disabled fraternity and many old paradigms were relationship with different corporates in the interest of broken. The disabled people have a zest for life and the less privileged. They prepared the material for they want to enjoy it and create a better future for FOD's website, which was launched during their themselves and their near and dear ones. tenure with us. Their selfless training (read service) is Though initially the work and environment did not evident when they refused to accept the stipulated look very exciting, towards the end of the training we stipend from FOD. They formed a very cordial realised the value and importance it has for the staff of relationship with the staff of FOD. We look forward to the organisation and for whom they work. more such programmes in the future. We liked the enthusiastic and enterprising boys and their One thing that the human mind cannot forget is what it suggestions on the functioning of FOD, which have experiences, and we had many experiences during our given us new insights. It was truly a pleasure working training with FOD. Forgetting experiences is and interacting with them. They re-emphasised the impossible and learning comes when one does not famous proverb - forget the important things in life. The mind is an amazing entity and can do wonders, far If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well. beyond what we expect it to deliver. Clearly, we are not Our thanks and blessings go out to the youngsters and our weaknesses but our strengths. We are all unique we wish them a very bright and successful future. and each one is competent in some way or the other, it is Team FOD Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of education derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. Calvin Coolidge 44 Jan-June 2004 The VOICE of FOD L king Back at the main events and activities in the past six months at Family Of Disabled

ØPainting exhibition based on ten which he is the managing director. Now FOD can be incarnations of Lord Vishnu done by visited at www.familyofdisabled.org artist Shreekant Dubey was organised from April 24-May 4 at Krishna's Ø Mr. Simarprit Singh is also a trustee of Pyar te Rosa, a Collection Art Gallery. The exhibition voluntary organisation, through which they encourage was aptly named Baayen Haath ka and help in education of girl child coming from Kamaal, as Dubey lost his right hand economically weaker section. PtR has assured FOD that when he was in his teens and had to they will help the girl child of disabled parents in her train his left hand for his daily chores. education. They have helped two such girls, identified Dubey has several group and solo and endorsed by FOD and wish to do many more. exhibitions to his credit. Ø Ø SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, Yashpal Chandrakar attended 30th anniversary Mumbai, posted two of their trainees Anubhav Rajput function of International VSA Art Festival held at John F and Guarav Singh with FOD, for six weeks as a part of Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, Washington, from their DOCC project. During their stay with FOD from June 9-12, as one of its twelve fellows from world over. March 8 to April 17, they helped the organisation Yashpal's paintings were a part of the exhibition organised develop its relationship with different corporates and by the Centre at Terraice Gallery from May 19- June 20. added a new dimension to FOD's functioning. They also Ø Under the project See Our Ability (SOA), sponsored by generated funds for FOD and helped in launch of its Rites Exports, 20 artists earned Rs. 21,120/-, in the first website. half of the year. 6” x 4” paintings are invited from trained Ø and amateur artists. Artists interested in SOA may contact Aids and appliances of different nature were arranged FOD office . for 12 needy disabled people free of cost. Ø Manoj Dawar has been counselling and motivating indoor patients with spinal injury at Safderjung Hospital once a week and preparing them for their future life. Dawar, who runs a men's salon, himself is a wheelchair user. Ø Magic show and art-craft demonstration was organised by FOD for the benefit of over 125 disabled children attending a 11-day integrated awareness camp from May 13 - 23 at Prerna Niketan Sangh, an NGO in Dwarka. Both, magician Devendra Pawar and craft instructor Arveend Singh are physically challenged. Ø Mr. V. Krishnan who has been sponsoring The Voice… Ø Soli Surabjee, former Attorney General of India, conferred for over a decade launched FOD's website on April 13. Mr. FOD with the prestigious Red & White Bravery Silver Award Simarprit Singh, full of concern for the disabled fraternity instituted by Godfrey Phillips India Ltd, for its exceptional act of and as thoughtful gesture towards FOD prepared the site social courage on March 30, at an impressive function at Hotel Grand Hyatt. Preeti Johar, senior executive, receiving the award free of cost at his office, Compare Infobase Pvt. Ltd, of on behalf of FOD.

Pakistan's nuclear programme has resulted in the economic and social murder of its poor people, who were more, empowered when the country was non-nuclear. -Mohammed Shehzad, an independent Pakistani journalist