CONTENTS voiceTHE CONTENTS OF FOD Editorial 5 Editor and Publisher Rajinder Johar The Inclusive School 6 Amit Kaushik Sub-editors Preeti Johar R.K. Laxman: The Self-drawn Man 10 Rubina Mohan Preeti Johar Members You 12 Mrinalini Dayal A poem contributed by Sheila Chaman Rachna Yadav R.S. Bhandari In Search of the Female Viagra 15 Swaran Gambhir Prof. Stanley Ducharme

Karnataka Chapter Livelihood Options... 17 418, Ist Main, Ist Block, Raman Bhatia R.T. Nagar, Bangalore-560032 Tel: 080-23330200, 23535787 The Palm Lines 19 Fax : 6615101 A poem by Harshita Tripathi E-mail: [email protected] Coordinator : Ali Khwaja Medical Tourism: Their Health, Our Wealth 20 Rajinder Johar Editorial and FOD Registered Offce B-1/500, Janakpuri, The True Bodyguard 22 New Delhi-110058, India Harshita Tripathi Tel: 91-11-25597328, 51570140 E-mail: [email protected] A Story of Dedication and Success 23 [email protected] Dr. S.R. Mittal Web: www.familyofdisabled.org Accepting Yourself 25 Printed by Reema Bansal Graphic Syndicate Questions and Answers 27 A-31, Naraina Industrial Area New Delhi-110 027 Helpline 28 Tel: 011-30968355 News 29 Cover Page : R.K. Laxman receiving Padma Vibhushan from President A.P.J. How fish tame kids and convicts? 39 Abdul Kalam and Common Man, the legendary protagonist of Laxman’s Books and Films 42 cartoons Classifieds 44 Believe it or Not! and Health Capsules… courtesy ‘The Times of India’ Looking Back 45 The views and opinions expressed in this issue are of authors themselves.

Our sincere thanks to the members, volunteers, supporters and well wishers of FOD for their continuing precious assistance in running its existing projects and launching the new ones.

5 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 OD

ven though cure for spinal cord injury and Parkinson’s disease through stem cell therapy is in experi- mental stage the world over, many stem cell clinics assuring quick relief, have cropped up in Delhi. ESince there is no law regulating stem cell therapy, there is no check on them. These clinics charge exorbitant sum of around Rs 2 lakh for two to four shots of stem cells. Risk involved is entirely of the patients’ and one is made to sign a heap of papers including the consent form. Not only the results are uncertain, whether the injections being given contain required stem cells is also doubtful.

Indian Council of Medical Research submitted its guidelines for stem cell research and regulation with the government in 2003, which have not yet been notified or made mandatory. These clinics get big success stories inserted in major national dailies which only further their cause in pocketing fat fee from the vulnerable and desperate patients, who, in quest to recover from their malady go to any extent––even selling their land, property and valuables, some go to money lenders.

Such treatment shops never fail to take advantage of Indian public’s weakness of rushing to any sort of new therapy introduced, without bothering to know the basics leave alone the intricate details. Remember, how three decades ago, patients flocked to clinics offering treatment through acupuncture when it first came to India. Same thing is now happening in the case of stem cell therapy. The patients care least about knowing the credentials of the treating doctors.

The much publicised so called successful case has been that of a 39-yr-old woman who supposedly started walking after sixteen years as a result of stem cell therapy given by a private clinic in Gautam Nagar, South Delhi. On March 23, a full front-page success story, continuing to inner pages, was splashed prominently in one of the major newspapers. However, the patient died after a few weeks due to some unknown cause. The clinic claims that it has around 24 patients registered, waiting for stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy has to be administered by a specialist in the field. It can result into serious consequences if done by technically incompetent person.

It would be doing a great service to the patients and their carers, if media, especially the print, refrain from publishing such charlatanic stories- singing paeans about the work done at the mushrooming stem cell therapy centres, whose sole objective is to lure the gullible patients and make quick moolah. It is quite quixotic that on one hand we are offering world – class treatment to patients from developed countries, and on the other hand we are exploiting our own poor and ignorant patients. The government need not remain a silent spectator but must act swiftly.

Surely, Hippocrates must be turning in his grave seeing his oath being thrown out of the window by his descendants.

Arpita Ghosh extended her valued help in bringing out this issue of The Voice...

Excellence is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well. Jose Ortega Y Gasset 6 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 OD

Sarva Shikha Abhiyan, launched in 2001, promises to ensure that every child with special needs, irrespective of kind, category and degree of disability is provided education in an appropriate environment. A number of international studies have shown that children with disabilities do better when included in general schools instead of special ones. Amit Kaushik, director (Elementary Education) in the ministry of HRD, government of India, stressing the need of inclusive schools, emphasises to work out the logistics in Indian perspective.

“Disability is natural. We must stop believing that disabilities keep a person from doing something. Because that’s not true… Having a disability doesn’t stop me from doing anything.” Benjamin Snow, Grade 8, Woodland Park, Colorado, USA, in an essay entitled “Attitudes About People with Disabilities”

He drew a circle that shut me out — Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle that took him in. Edwin Markham nclusive education became the magic mantra for the world after the 1992 World Conference on ISpecial Needs Education in Salamanca, where 92 countries adopted the now famous Salamanca Statement. However, in India, the concept of inclusion was articulated as far back as in 1944, when the Central Advisory Board of Education published the Sergeant Report, which stated that ‘handicapped’ children should be sent to special schools only when the nature and extent of their problems made it necessary. This was followed by the Kothari Commission Report of 1964- 66, which recommended that integrated programmes of education should be taken up in order to bring as many children as possible into schools. integrating them with society at large. IEDC, which Notwithstanding these policy pronouncements though, continues even today, provides a variety of interventions the general policy till the 1970s remained one of including preschool training, allowances for textbooks segregation, with most educators believing that children and stationery, uniforms, transport, counselling, special with special needs could not participate in regular activities teachers and the like. of the school. The attitude was largely one of charity rather than human rights, with many Christian missionaries Similar initiatives were taken up by others, such as the and others starting special schools for the disabled people NCERT-UNICEF Project Integrated Education for from the late nineteenth century onwards, mostly out of Disabled (PIED), started in 1987, or the inclusive compassion and sympathy. In the 1970s however, education interventions under the District Primary government of India launched a centrally sponsored Education Programme (DPEP). At the peak of the latter scheme called Integrated Education for Disabled Children programme, almost 70% of the more than eight lakh (IEDC), which aimed to provide opportunities for identified children with special needs had been enrolled learning to children with disabilities in regular schools, in various schools.

20 million children are yet out of school, in spite of government’s project of primary education for all. 7 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 OD

This focus on inclusion has been carried forward under on the basis of the number of children with special needs Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) also, the government in that district, actual application of these funds would of India’s comprehensive programme for achieving depend upon the specific needs of each child. Thus, universal elementary education, which was launched in while the expenditure on some children may only be a 2001. Since then, the Constitution (86th Amendment) few rupees to take care of simple requirements such as Act 2002 has also been passed by Parliament, making spectacles, on others it may be in thousands for such free and compulsory education for all children in the age needs as home based education or caregivers. group of 6-14 years a fundamental right under Article 21-A of the Constitution. A committee of the Central It is important however, to bear in mind that even today, Advisory Board of Education (CABE) is currently after so many years of implementing programmes of the engaged in drafting the enforcing legislation for this sort described above, and with far greater public constitutional amendment, and it is expected that suitable awareness about the issue, there is still a tendency to provisions for the education of children with special needs plan on the basis of what might be called the medical would find an appropriate place in the final draft. Clearly, model. While physical disabilities tend to be addressed this fundamental right cannot be operationalised in its by educational planners, administrators and teachers intended spirit unless ALL children, including children relatively quickly, more difficult problems such as learning with special needs are assured opportunities to complete disabilities, autism and severe mental illnesses are often elementary education. overlooked, except in a very small number of cases. And To this end, SSA promises to “…ensure that every child though the concept of inclusion has been accepted as with special needs, irrespective of the kind, category and policy in India, there is a strong school of thought degree of disability, is provided education in an internationally which holds that there may be greater appropriate environment”, and adopts a “zero rejection” advantages in initially enrolling children with special needs in special schools that can address their particular requirements, before gradually enrolling them in mainstream schools.

So what exactly is this “inclusive school” to which everyone refers? What should be the characteristics of such a school? And can a school in the Indian context ever really be inclusive? These are some questions that need to be addressed by policy makers, administrators, educationists, parents and teachers in order to make sure that all children with special needs are afforded adequate opportunities for their development and learning. policy to make sure that no child is left out of the system. Simply put, an inclusive school should be one that can The first approach under SSA is to mainstream children accommodate and enrich all the children, regardless of with special needs in general schools, while simultaneously their abilities or backgrounds. Although the term is supporting a wide variety of approaches such as open generally used to denote a school educating children in learning, non-formal education, home-based tuition, the mainstream, and including children with physical or itinerant teachers, and so on. The programme provides learning disabilities, the concept can be expanded to funds to the State implementing agencies @ Rs. 1200 indicate a school that includes all, without discriminating per annum per child, applying this ceiling at the district on the basis of social, economic or gender based criteria. level. This implies that while the norm is used to calculate This expanded concept is not however, in common use, the total funds available to a district for inclusive education and the definition of an inclusive school is generally taken

By nature men are pretty much alike; it is learning and practice that sets them apart. Confucius 8 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 OD to be limited to one that included in regular schools includes children with special instead of special ones. The needs. assumption here is however, that interaction in the so- Although all inclusive schools called mainstream class- may not be exactly the same, rooms would be meaningful ideally they are liable to share and inclusive of children with some common character- special needs. If this is not istics, including a sense of so, the special child may be belonging to a community left more to his/her own despite diversity, need-based devices, ignored, or worse, support and inter- even ridiculed by classmates dependence. Diversity is and others. valued, as it is believed to strengthen the group and Clearly “inclusion” of this allow its members greater sort would damage the opportunities for learning. psychological, emotional While children with special and social growth of the needs learn to socialise and child, which may not be the integrate with others in the case if she had been placed group, the non-disabled child in a special school; this is is provided an opportunity to why another school of learn about individual thought strongly advocates differences and how to deal with them. Overall, an enrolment of children with special needs in special schools effective inclusive school can teach both the non-disabled initially, followed by gradual mainstreaming. The debate and children with special needs how to accept and relate has yet to be resolved one way or the other, but given to each other, not just in the classroom, but also in society. the reality of Indian classrooms, there is a strong case for taking graduated steps based on careful case-to-case There is however, a need to view matters in practical analysis. terms. Of the roughly 210 million children in the age group of 6-14 years in India, only 10-15% are enrolled The average pupil-teacher ratio in India is approximately in private, fee-charging schools. The rest—except for 40:1, but this varies widely across the country. In those out of school—are enrolled in government schools. some states this may often be as high as 90:1 or more. As of now, States have identified approximately 1.8 Further, many schools are single teacher or two teacher million of these as children with special needs, which schools, with each teacher managing more than one represents just over 0.9 percent of the total children in grade at a time. Such high pupil-teacher ratios, added this age group. This is clearly not an accurate figure, to multi-grade situations, can significantly compromise and the number of children with special needs is actually the ability of the teacher to deal with the requirements likely to be higher. of children with special needs. Where the teacher is also responsible for such activities as the mid-day meal, There is a school of thought that believes that while the time available to her for classroom activities is inclusion allows children to build social networks and further reduced. When all these factors are mutual relationships, special schools perpetuate the compounded by lack of training—or at times, even segregation of persons with disabilities from mainstream sensitivity—the advantages of inclusion may become society. A number of international studies have shown rather uncertain. that children with disabilities generally do better when

Out of every 100 children born in India, 15 will never go to school. And of every 100 who begin first class, only 52 will reach the fifth class. UNICEF 9 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 OD

Inclusive education of good quality comes at a cost— needs, in addition to building partnerships with their there is a need to train teachers, develop teaching-learning parents and families. materials, adapt curriculum, modify physical surroundings to make them barrier free, provide care givers, transport Schools and classrooms can be truly inclusive facilities, and so on, all of which costs significantly more communities that encourage and enable all children to than the investment required for non-disabled children. grow as persons in their own right, and as productive It goes without saying that such investments need to be members of the society, maximising their individual and made carefully and in a manner that maximises returns. collective potential. However for this to happen Clearly there are no easy solutions for these problems— successfully, we need to understand the dynamics of such advocacy of a “one size fits all” strategy in the Indian classrooms, plan, and provide sufficient resources and context would probably be an unsatisfactory approach support to meet the requirements of children with special to follow. While the objective should be inclusive needs. The philosophy has to be one of drawing a circle education, the decision to include children with special that takes everyone in, and doesn’t leave anyone out— needs in the mainstream classroom should take into anything less would be a betrayal of our responsibilities. account the availability of resources and skills to meet their needs. At the same time, we need to take measures Views expressed here are personal and do not reflect to develop and strengthen the competencies of teachers the views of government. and professionals to deal with children having special e-mail : [email protected] q

JA man goes to his doctor JA man walks into a doctor’s office. He has a cucumber up and says, “I don’t think my his nose, a carrot in his left ear and a banana in his right ear. wife’s hearing is as good “What’s the matter with me?” he asks. as it used to be, what Doctor replies: “You’re not eating properly.” should I do?” The doctor replies, “Try this test to find out JA woman rushes to see her doctor, looking very much for sure. When your wife is in the kitchen doing dishes, worried and all strung out. She rattles off, “Doctor, take a stand fifteen feet behind her and ask her a look at me. When I woke up this morning, I looked at myself question, if she doesn’t respond keep moving in the mirror and saw my hair all wiry and frazzled up, My closer asking the question until she hears you.” skin was all wrinkled and pasty, my eyes were blood-shot The man goes home and sees his wife preparing and bulging out, and I had this corpse-like look on my face! dinner. What’s wrong with me, Doctor?” He stands fifteen feet behind her and says, The doctor looks at her over for a couple of minutes, then “What’s for dinner, honey?” calmly says, “Well, I can tell you one thing there ain’t nothing He gets no response, so he moves to ten feet wrong with your eyesight.” behind her and asks again. Still no response, so he moves to five feet. Again, no answer Finally he stands directly behind her and says, “Honey, what’s for supper?” She replies, “For the fourth time, I SAID MUSHROOMS, you deaf!

J“Doc,” said the young man lying down on the couch, “you’ve got to help me! Every night I have the same horrible dream. I’m lying in bed when all of a sudden five women rush in and start tearing off my clothes.” The psychiatrist nodded, “And what do you do?” ”I push them away.” ”I see. What do you want me to do?” The patient implored, “Break my arms.”

Some have been thought brave because they were afraid to run away. Thomas Fulter 10 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

asipuram Krishnaswamy Laxman, better known His cartoons, ranging from political commentary as R.K. Laxman, was born and educated in through the social satire of manners to humour at RMysore. He started his career with the Free the expense of bumbling babus, continue to entertain Press Journal, a Mumbai newspaper and after six months, us. The creator of the Common Man who has kept he joined The Times Of India as staff cartoonist, the at least three generations of readers of The Times of newspaper he has been with for good 57 years. India company at breakfast, is no friend of power and wealth, no respecter of the narcissism that can Laxman, an alumnus of the then famous Maharaja afflict the directors of the nation’s destinies.Preeti College, Mysore, graduated with philosophy, economics Johar maps the life journey of the cartoonist par and politics, which perhaps gave him the right mixture of excellence. understanding, estimating and enlarging the peculiarities of human nature with his tongue in his cheek.

Attributing the origin of cartoon drawing as an art to “Frankly, our politics is so sad that if I had not been a Britain, Laxman says, “We acquired this art from the cartoonist, I would have committed suicide. In the name British during the Raj.” On his own evolution as a of Ram Mandir you do anything. In the name of caste, cartoonist, he says, “As a child, I had a penchant for religion, community you do anything. You kill anyone, drawing and over the years perfected this skill. As a murder anyone but nobody minds because we have so student in middle school I used to draw cartoons for a many people around. Our asset is our population. Kannada magazine called Koravanji and later for My Whatever you do, however many you kill, murder, injure India, an English periodical of those days. I’ve had no — the numbers never diminish. So nobody cares,” he masters, no guidance, no training schools. I am a self- further adds. taught, self-made and shall I say a self-drawn man?” “Throughout the fifties, sixties, seventies newspapers from On the future of cartoons, Laxman is candid. “Cartoon all over the world would come and ask me to join them. as an art is dying. There is no originality in the cartoons Baltimore Sun, San Francisco Chronicle, imagine me of today. They boil down to being rubber stamps with a there! Where would I find characters like the ones out caption. It doesn’t tickle your sense of humour (if you here? Today, the politics is all about going Blah-blah- have one) nor does it provide food for thought. It is the blah. The day that stops and the quality of our leaders political events that dictate the punch in a cartoon. What improve, I will have to retire and go away,” he says with passes off, as politics today is nothing but criminal activity. his trademark wit. All that you get to read in newspapers is politically motivated murders, brutality and criminalisation of Laxman is no mean cartoonist who is out to etch funny governance. Reporting is thriving on sensationalism and figures for a living! The legendary protagonist of crime. Newspapers have lost their relevance devoid of Laxman’s cartoons in The Times of India, the silent but punch in editorials and main articles. Cartoons have turned observant ‘Common Man’, has been a daily companion into mockery without sense,” he comments having been to generations of readers. He has represented their crises in the field for ages now and a witness to the changing and predicaments, their struggle with poverty, inflation, political scenario. corruption, poor infrastructure and bad governance.

The population of Delhi is expected to touch 230 Lakh by 2021, a rise of almost 40% in just two decades. Census Report 11 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

Except for a brief interval during the Emergency (1975- He has received 1977), Laxman has been at work continuously for the Padma Shri, Padma last 58 years, recording the errors and foibles of India’s Bhushan and now political leaders, business barons and self-appointed gurus president A P J Abdul from an unsparing, fiercely independent viewpoint. Kalam conferred Padma Vibhushan on Laxman, a name to reckon with in the realm of Indian Laxman, on March cartoons, is also one of the country’s most entertaining 28, 2005. Media shy writers. Eight volumes of his pocket cartoons have been Laxman, who putting brought out. A book, The Eloquent Brush, containing aside all his physical a selection of his political cartoons from Nehru era to frailty flew to Delhi to Rajiv Gandhi was published during their celebration of receive the award, 150th year of TOI. A book of his sketches, with over said he was delighted 200 drawings of his travel in Madhya Pradesh and similar to receive the award kind of book on the city of Kolkata have been brought from President out. He has written and published numerous short stories, Kalam. essays and travelogue, some of which were published in a book, Idle Hours. Penguin has also published several On seven occasions collections of Laxman’s cartoons in the series The Best the President came of Laxman and Laugh with Laxman. He has also to down the podium to his credit two novels, The Hotel Riviera and The honour awardees Messenger, both published by Penguin Books. The who were old or Tunnel of Time, Laxman’s autobiography, is also disabled and could available from Penguin Books, as is Collected Writings, not walk all the way an omnibus of his prose. to the podium.

He has also conceived and directed a TV Series Wagle Talking about Ki Duniya based on the life of the Common Man for Laxman’s work, Doordarshan. Kalam said, “His cartoons bring out the He has many feathers in his cap. The University of true colours of life. Marathwada conferred the honorary degree of Doctor Laxman is a great of literature on him. He has received numerous awards- cartoonist who Sanskriti Vaibhav Puraskar, the prestigious Magasaysay manages to bring out Award in 1984 which is considered to be Asian Nobel human emotions in a prize, followed by B.G.Goenka Award, Rana of Mewar beautiful manner…In Foundation Award, the Sharad Joshi Award for his cartoons the life excellence in his field and many more. stands out as it is. It is an honour to know “There are would-be geniuses in the field of Indian a cartoonist like him. journalism, and there are individuals aspiring to be He has the unique geniuses, but I have long been clear that there is only ability to evoke joy one unambiguous genius among Indian journalists, and and sorrow with the that is R.K. Laxman,” said N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief of same stroke.” The Hindu, speaking as chief guest on the occasion of the conferment of the Yashwantrao Chavan National The only time when Award for 2003 on the celebrated cartoonist. common man took

Laughter is an instant vacation. Milton Berle 12 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D leave of absence was when Laxman suffered a paralytic stroke on September 1, 2003 and was admitted to Poona Hospital. He resumed his work in a couple of days, when he was relieved after his blood report and You other medical parameters tested as normal. Since then his left-side is paralysed and he is leading a wheelchair- Your presence is a gift to the world, bound life, yet follows the same meticulous routine even You’re unique and one of a kind. from home. He begins his work at 8:30 in the morning and sends his pocket cartoons to TOI office by 4. Your life can be what you want it to be - Take it one day a time. Perhaps it was the irresistible foibles of political species that lured Laxman back to his drawing board. He has Count your blessings, not your troubles, shown an act of exemplary courage. On being asked if it was difficult for him to overcome his physical disability? And you’ll make it through what comes along. He replies, ‘‘No, this is a talent I was born with so it Within you are so many answers, wasn’t difficult for me. I may be depressed but I will Understand, have courage, be strong. never let it interfere with my work.”

Laxman sketches crows even from his home. “I love the Don’t put limits on yourself, crows, its intelligence, its movement. It is not a stupid Your dreams are waiting to be realized. bird like the parrot,” he says. In each sketch one can Don’t leave your important decisions to chance - make out an almost human expression. In the sketches Reach for your peak, your goal, and your prize. of crows, the mood or the expression is captured merely by the dot that forms the eye of the crow! One crow is angry; one inquisitively looking at the ground, and one is Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - irately speaking. The longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Laxman is still at his creative best only because he is sensitive to his surroundings, sharp with his wit and sound Don’t take things too seriously - in his judgement. Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets.

The author is sub-editor of The Voice… q Remember that a little love goes a long way -

Jacob age 92, and Rebecca, age Remember that a lot goes forever. 89, are all excited about their Remember that friendship is a wise investment, decision to get married. While discussing the wedding they Life’s treasures are people…together. stroll pass a drugstore. Jacob suggests they go in. Jacob addresses the man behind the counter, “We’re about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?” Have health and hope and happiness, Pharmacist: “Yes we do.” Jacob: “How about medicine Take the time to wish on a star, for circulation, rheumatism, scoliosis, memory problems, arthritis, vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, And don’t ever forget for even a day… antidotes for Parkinson’s disease?” How very special YOU are! Pharmacist: “Yes, yes. Of course.” Jacob: “What about wheelchairs and walkers?” Pharmacist: “Absolutely.” -Contributed by Sheila Chaman Jacob: “We’d like to register here for our wedding gifts, please.”

The existing night shelters in Delhi accommodate less than 5% or 3000 people of the city’s 1,00,000 homeless . Census Estimate Report

15 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

While chalking out rehabilitation programme for a disabled individual, the focus of rehabilitation team is mainly confined to mental, physical and socio-economic restoration. Reproductive system, if affected is not paid any attention, sexual dysfunction is ignored. Prof. Stanley Ducharme, an authority on ‘sexuality and disability’, stresses the need to include disabled women in the study currently being conducted on Intrinsa, a pharmaceutical product for treatment of female sexual dysfunction.

any people thought that December 2, 2004 Typically, a woman’s lack of sexual interest causes her a might be a historic day! On this date, the great deal of distress and anguish. Often, her marriage MUnited States Food and Drug Administration or relationship is under severe stress because of the lack (FDA) considered approval of the first pharmaceutical of intimacy. Partners often feel rejected and unwanted. treatment for women’s sexual health. Some studies done in the late 1990s have estimated that Within a few hours of their deliberations however, the up to 43% of women suffer from various forms of sexual FDA rejected the application for the testosterone patch, dysfunction. Of all sexual difficulties, low sexual desire Intrinsa. Citing the need for additional testing and is the most common for women of all ages. concerns about long-term safety, the FDA requested at least a year of additional studies. Even then, Intrinsa’s OPINIONS DIFFER fate is uncertain. In reality, few scientists can agree as to the exact number of women who have sexual difficulties. Early studies of Intrinsa, a testosterone patch that is placed on the this issue have been criticised because of the involvement woman’s abdomen is currently under development by of pharmaceutical companies in the studies. Some the U.S. company Procter and Gamble for the treatment researchers in these studies have been accused of having of female low sexual desire. This is the first of about 10 a conflict of interest. Researchers who work for drug new pharmaceutical products currently being studied for companies obviously have a bias and an investment in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, (FSD). Similar the outcome of these epidemiological studies. to what Viagra did for men, this medication may ultimately have the potential to revolutionise the treatment Many social scientists, especially women who are of women’s sexual difficulties. The development of involved in sociological and feminist studies, believe that Intrinsa and its future arrival however does not go without the actual number of women with low sexual desire is controversy. relatively low. They would argue that female sexual difficulties are normal at different times in the life cycle. Low sexual desire is defined as “a decreased interest in sexual activities and lack of sexual fantasies.” As a result, Furthermore, some people believe that the drug women with low sexual desire often have difficulties with companies tend to create medical problems so that they sexual arousal and may find intercourse to be can market and sell cures! In the case of the sexually uncomfortable or even painful. These women either stop related medications, many critics believe that drug all sexual contact with their partner or are sexually active companies are defining middle age as a medical condition because of a sense of obligation or guilt. that needs to be treated with medication.

A life spent making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing. George Bernard Shaw 16 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

injury (SCI) and other disabilities? To date, no studies, to my knowledge, have tried to determine the extent of low sexual desire for women with disabilities. Furthermore; none of the tests done so far with Intrinsa have included women with physical disabilities such as spinal cord injury. As is often the case, such studies with specific populations tend to be conducted after the Phase 2 clinical trials have been completed. For example, when Levitra and Cialis were being tested with men, no men with disabilities were included in the initial testing phases In addition, according to many people, it is a mistake to of the drugs. compare a woman’s sexual response to a man’s sexual Typically, women with neurological disabilities such as performance. They argue that a man’s functioning is spinal cord injury often experience lack of sensation, determined by physical functioning but a woman’s difficulty with orgasm and poor arousal and lubrication. response is determined by multiple factors - emotions, Lack of desire is also not uncommon for women with relationships, trust, comfort, religion, stress, culture, age SCI. It is often associated with various medications given and safety are critical issues. Therefore, hormones, to many women with SCI. These may include medications medications or a pill cannot produce a satisfying and for depression, spasticity or birth control pills. In addition, gratifying sexual experience. depression and changes in body image can have a To the contrary, medical researchers believe that negative effect on a woman’s interest in resuming sexual hormones or androgens such as testosterone are the activity after an injury. critical factors behind a woman’s sexual interest. They THE QUEST CONTINUES argue that certain medications such as birth control pills As I have mentioned, at this time there are no effective, or anti-depressant medications interfere with the approved medications to improve sexual desire for development of normal testosterone and that women with women. Although some doctors may be using “off label” low interest have lower testosterone levels. In addition, medications to improve libido, many women are rightly hysterectomy, breast cancer, childbirth and menopause concerned about side effects such as facial hair, acne, all contribute to the depletion of a woman’s testosterone possible liver damage and the potential for breast cancer. level. To treat low sexual desire, physicians currently give Long-term outcomes have also not been studied since women low levels of testosterone. Since this is an “off these treatments have only been in use over the last label” use of these medications, they are not covered by several years. insurance. As Procter and Gamble continue to seek FDA approval Initially, Procter and Gamble are seeking approval for for Intrinsa, we should be learning more as to the safety the use of testosterone patches on only a small number of testosterone treatment for women. of women - those who have had their ovaries removed and are taking estrogen. However, many people are Dr. Ducharme is a clinical psychologist and concerned that this will simply be the first step in a much consultant specializing in the areas of sexual wider use of the patch. dysfunction, gender, physical disability, addictions, relationship issues and concerns of daily living, with Potential “off label” uses of the patch might include women over 25 years of experience. Apart from his private of all ages who are experiencing low sexual desire practice in the south end of Boston, Dr. Ducharme is because of other medical and psychiatric conditions. affiliated with Boston Medical Centre and Boston Noting how the male pill Viagra is often used for University School of Medicine. “recreational purposes,” the FDA is taking no chances that Intrinsa will also be misused. Readers may send questions anonymously to him via his web site at www.stanleyducharme.com, e-mail : DISABILITY DATA MISSING [email protected] What does all of this mean for women with spinal cord q

6.4 million Indians under the age of 18 are already married. Census 2001 17 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

To some, rehabilitation just means providing a disabled person with wheelchair, caliper or prosthesis. Raman Bhatia, past district governor, Rotary International, New Delhi, feels it is pointless bringing him up to this level and leaving him like that. In urban areas, there still are umpteen schemes to provide some kind of succour; being a witness of their pathetic condition in rural areas, he advises that we must find employment opportunities for them in the villages they live.

have a decade’s experience of travelling to rural this financial year, if we are able to do it, our government areas in India and that too because I have been would be able to save Rs.1,100 crore per year, leaving Iconsistently pursuing the polio eradication initiative, that money to be used for addressing other health as it is now focused on polio endemic rural areas, of initiatives and concerns. One of them perhaps being trying some states earlier referred to as BIMARU (Bihar, to rehabilitate and re-employ or deploy those who have Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) states. been affected not only by this disease but also for other I therefore do not know what the situation is today all reasons and find out why they have become physically over India as most of my travels have been to these five disabled and to provide them job opportunities, or six states. particularly in the rural areas. In the urban areas, I have seen lots of activities and many NGOs working in this Rotary is not an NGO, it is about 100-yr-old service field. Even the government is aware of the needs. There organisation. We are celebrating 100 years of the are a number of schemes whereby they are able to get foundation of Rotary in 2005. When most of us joined some employment in the urban areas. Rotary, we were hoping to do some work for the We have to focus on the rural areas because I have seen community but not being able to do it on an individual the situation there. I have travelled to some rural areas in basis we were looking for a platform through which we western UP where a physically challenged person in the could perhaps make an impact on the community. rural area does not live with any dignity. Please pardon my mentioning this, but a physically challenged person in PUBLIC – PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP the small backward dusty villages of our country is virtually I do not think that we can achieve success in any like an ‘animal’. Indeed a very pathetic condition, we programme if you just leave it to the government. The have seen it and it pains us that in these times when our government is doing what it is supposed to do. In many country is perhaps developing faster than other countries, places, it has achieved success; somewhere, it has not we are still not able to provide employment to these less- been successful. One shining example of public-private fortunate, under-served people of the community. partnership is the polio eradication initiative in which Rotary globally has spent $600 million (Rs. 2,700 crore) Some years ago we started an organisation called but it has cost the world nearly $ 3 billion. By the end of FORTH – Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the

What we really are matters more than what other people think of us. Jawahar Lal Nehru 18 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

Handicapped. Rehabilitation does not mean just is for profit making, it does not matter as long as those providing him a wheelchair, caliper or prosthesis. This is helpless people are getting a job and are able to earn a important but there are many organisations doing it. After livelihood. I could give you a very recent example of a bringing him to stand on his own feet, what does he do? company called Vam Organics (Jubliant Organasys), in If he is a young child, should he not be going to school? the district of Amroha, now Jai Prakash Nagar. They Earlier perhaps he has never been able to go to school. did a survey along with the local chief medical officer His parents would have never taken him to school as and decided that each and every physically challenged they have to work in the fields trying to eke out a living person in the district who does not have a job would be for themselves and also for the disabled child. One child rehabilitated by this company. This means each person with a disability in the family and the whole family is could make an income of at least Rs.3,000 to Rs.4,000, affected. We feel it is pointless bringing him up to this which would I hope give him a decent living. He can level and leaving him like that. We must find employment have a roof over his head, two square meals a day and opportunities in those villages, where they live, if they even send his children to a government school and get are 18 years and above. basic health facilities. So, these companies, along with the local administration, service organisations like Rotary The government already has a lot of schemes whereby and NGOs like Development Alternatives, could come they are in position to help them by giving them a small together. teashop, a tailoring shop or may be a PCO. There are many things we could do provided we have a partnership Networking and approaching the issue together, in a more with other like-minded people. Most of the schemes focused and concerted way is very important. It should which the government has formulated are workable but be our endeavour to try and bring such a group together, the management skills are missing at the grass-root level. sit and deliberate separately and evolve a viable plan. The money flows from Delhi to Lucknow, the state This would be more or less akin to the partnership that capital. From there, it goes to the district headquarters was forged by the government of India, with Rotary also though it might take a little longer. At that place it International in 1986. An agreement was then signed to gets ‘blocked’ before it goes to the Block level or the jointly work for the eradication of polio from India, and Panchayat level because the district-magistrate has many Rotary, as a private international service organisation, other priorities. In ten years, I must have met over a was designated as a partner in this humanitarian hundred district magistrates all over India. There may endeavour. This is one reason why the polio eradication be just one out of hundred whose priority is health or programme is reaching its logical end. We forged a providing employment to the physically challenged. Law partnership between the corporate world, the and order is his first priority, revenue generation is government, the UN agencies and the NGOs, worked perhaps the second. He is taught that way. Then there on it and were able to focus on this single programme. are other priorities. So, here, is an organisation like It is, likewise, necessary that we should forge a similar Rotary that could come in at that level and go to the partnership to focus on providing employment to rural district. We could say that here is this scheme, you have youth, particularly the underserved and the the money and we are prepared to give the managerial underprivileged. Today, youth are at the center of the inputs. Rotarians are from various professional fields. It unemployment problem. Even if we are able to take up is only at that point that not only public-private the challenged in backward rural areas of western Uttar partnership but also partnership from the corporate Pradesh, north Bihar or some parts of Orissa and Madhya world would come in, adding value to the actual Pradesh by starting pilot projects for creating implementation of programmes. employment avenues for the physically challenged youth there, we can succeed in weaning them away from anti- Corporate world too has a social responsibility to social and criminal tendencies or being ostracised to the discharge. If the district magistrate and the state rural physically disablement. This project of providing government were to partner with local corporates, as employment to the rural physically challenged must, they have certain social objectives to achieve, even if it therefore, be taken up by all the concerned NGOs, in

Every minute one Indian gets infected with HIV. National Aids Control Organization, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India 19 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D right earnest after successfully forging the partnership as envisaged earlier and to serve the community to the best of our abilities. T he Palm Lines Courtesy: Rotary India Award 2004 Souvenir, I look into the lines of my palm and see the published by Rotary Awards for Service to Humanity thread connecting. (Trust) New Delhi Just like the web of a spider e-mail : [email protected] q These lines form the web of destiny. Destiny! Pray, what is destiny? Is it designed by God or does an oracle speaks Health Capsules Health Capsules and dictates the life’s journey? WHAT CAN I TAKE TO CAN EATING MORE FRUITS TREAT MY GLAUCOMA? AND VEGETABLES PROTECT ME Do I have no part in it? FROM HEART DISEASE? WOW! I GOT MY Am I just to tread the path and not digress? SIDE VISION BACK!

GINKGO BILOBA’S ABILITY I look into the lines of my palm and see the ripple TO IMPROVE NORMAL TENSION GLAUCOMA WAS A STUDY INVOLVING 125,000 spread. DEMONSTRATED IN A PARTICIPANTS SHOWED RECENT STUDY. SUBJECTS THAT HEART DISEASE RISK Just like the ripples in the pond WHO TOOK 40 MG OF GINKGO DROPPED BY 4% BY ADDING BILOBA 3 TIMES DAILY FOR JUST ONE SERVING OF A These lines form the circles of life. 4 WEEKS EXPERIENCED A 24% FRUIT OR A VEGETABLE TO IMPROVEMENT IN FIELD THE DAILY DIET. ADD MORE Life! Pray, what is life? OF VISION WITH VEGETABLES AND GET EVEN NO SIDE EFFECTS. BETTER RESULTS. Is it written by God or does an Oracle speaks and dictates the chapters of a life? WHAT DISEASES HAVE BEEN AT WHAT DECIBEL NOISE LINKED TO ENVIRONMENTAL LEVEL DOES EAR Do I have no part in it? FACTORS? DAMAGE BEGIN? Am I just to flip the pages and not read the hidden meaning?

I look into the lines of my palm and see the roads ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPER- ACTVITY DISORDER (AHD), meet. CHILDHOOD AUTISM, ASTHMA, ABOUT 85 DECIBELS, THE CANCERS OF THE BREAST, LEVEL OF A VACUUM CLEANER, Just like the map of a city PROSTATE, LUNG AND BRAIN, COFFEE GRINDER, TRUCK PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND TRAFFIC OR A LAWN MOWER. These lines form a map of chances. AMYOTROPHIC LATERAL ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR EARS SCLEROSIS (ALS) TO FROM CONTINUOUSLY Chance! Pray, what is chance? NAME A FEW. EXCESSIVE NOISE. It is not sprinkled by God and the Oracle speaks An armless man walked into a bar but only to mislead! that is empty except for the bartender. What then is the point in taking it? He ordered a drink and when he was served, asked the bartender if he would get the Chance, gives you the opportunity to change the money from his wallet in his pocket, since he has no current of your life! It is the key to the labyrinth, arms. The bartender obliged him. He then asked if which makes the pieces of the puzzle fall in place. the bartender would tip the glass to his lips. The bartender did this until the man finished his drink. He then asked if the bartender would get a hanky You can either take the chance and shape the from his pocket and wipe the foam from his lips. The lines of your palm or you can sit and gaze bartender did it and commented it must be very longingly at your palm lines. difficult not to have arms and have to ask someone to do nearly everything for him. Harshita Tripathi The man said, “Yes, it is a bit embarrassing at times. By the way, where is your restroom?” [email protected] The bartender quickly replies: “The closest one is in the gas station three blocks down the street.”

No one’s head aches when he is comforting another. Indian proverb 20 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

India is fast emerging as one of the most sought after destinations for overseas patients seeking quick, world–class and comparatively economic treatment viz. bypass surgery, liver transplant, hip and knee replacements, bone marrow transplant, radiotherapy, etc. Patients have found that the care and services offered by the private hospitals in India treating these conditions compete with the best in the world. Rajinder Johar informs how medical tourism––the recent phenomenon is a boon to foreign patients and the country.

ncredible India is fast turning into a major medical doctors are among the best in the world, I have faith in tourism destination for patients from the west. Indian them,” opines Naipaul. Similarly, Nicolas Pothecary of Ihospitals are in the news because they offer same Sweden got his back operated in Delhi. “Although my facilities that those in the US or Europe do, but at a wife had undergone similar operations in Italy and fraction of the cost. The private healthcare industry in Sweden, I chose India because doctors here are very India –are quietly facilitating a revolution. Only seven qualified and post-operation care is comparable with the years from now, the most optimistic industry forecast best in the world,” says Pothecary. assume medical tourists hosted by India can pump Rs. 10,000 crore into our economy. An estimated 1,50,000 Kidney and liver specialist Dr. MR Rajasekar’s patients such visitors a year already spend about Rs. 1,500 crore include those from neighbouring countries and the UAE. in India for treatment. India has the cost advantage, the “Last year, 20% of my patients were from abroad. If a technology and clinical expertise and manpower to be liver-transplant operation costs between Rs 20 lakh and an international health destination. 25 lakh in India, the corresponding cost in Singapore is Rs 90 lakh, and in the west, Rs 1.5 crore,’’ says Dr. In the last two years, international news coverage of Rajaseka. India’s major private hospitals– Apollo, Asian Heart Institute, Escorts, Fortis, Hinduja, Max Healthcare, Dr. K.M. Cherian of Chennai’s Frontier Lifeline Hospital Wockhardt and Woodlands among them, has been has treated more than 200 patients since March 2004, upbeat and confidence-inspiring. Private healthcare is from Fiji, Iraq, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritius, Palestine, indeed, expanding rapidly to fill the need for services. Tanzania and Uganda. He says that India needs to According to a World Bank study released in January improve its infrastructure to cater to European and U.S. 2004, nearly 82 percent of all health spending in India is requirements, “Our roads are dirty, water is bad, even private. internet connectivity, which people from the west consider a must is not upto their standards, despite all our claims The reputation of Indian doctors, rise of super–speciality of IT proficiency.” hospitals in India and the lower cost of treatment here make India an attractive option, says a tourism ministry Heart patient George Marshall is another medical tourist. source. Confederation of Indian Industries says India He came to India from the UK after he was told he can earn $5 billion from health tourism. could either wait up to six months for a bypass on the National Health Service (NHS) or pay £19,000 to get Nobel laureate VS Naipaul got treatment for his spine the surgery done privately. Marshall went to Wockhardt from orthopedic surgeon Yash Gulati in Delhi. The doctor Hospital in Bangalore and paid £4,800 for the whole treats around 5 patients from abroad every week. “Indian trip.

Singapore has a population of 4.24 million but attracts over 2,00,000 overseas patients each year. 21 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

Packages to promote ayurveda and spa tourism are also Besides the cost, the fact that on the anvil. many hospitals extend more than Once the accreditation of hospitals is complete, ministry routine medical care for foreign officials hope that foreign insurance companies will pick patients–insurance, travel up the tab for medical treatment, given that procedures assistance, visas and even special food, in India are far cheaper than what they would cost works to India’s advantage. David abroad. The difference in cost is enormous. Lockwood, a freelance journalist who makes films for BBC World and Channel Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has become the first 4 says, “The waiting list for the state-run NHS can be Indian hospital to be cleared for accreditation by the long and private treatment is expensive, so the option to Joint Commission International (JCI), which is the gold come abroad is appealing as you save thousands of standard for US and European hospital. The pounds and also experience a new culture.” announcement was made on June 17, after JCI surveyors inspected the hospital against set benchmarks The government is aware of this and there are plans to in patient care, clinical research protocols and health promote health tourism as part of the Discover India care delivery systems. The team surveyed the hospital package. Union minister of state of tourism Renuka on healthcare delivery, infection control and patient Choudhury and health minister Anbunami Ramadass met safety. in third week of March to identity ways to promote Hospitals in India are now seeking international medical tourism. What needs to be done is accrediting accreditation because it assures patients that best hospitals to ensure uniform price banding, special practices and standards are followed in a safe immigration facilities to foreign patients at airports. environment. Apart from reassuring patients about the Comparative Treatment Tariff standard of treatment, international certification such as TREATMENT US INDIA this one, will help hospitals in India attract more foreign Bypass surgery Rs 13,50,000 Rs. 2,25,000 patients. Bone-marrow transplant Rs. 1,12,50,000 Rs. 11,70,000 With 50 million Americans without health insurance and Hip replacement Rs. 9,00,000 Rs. 1,35,000 the waiting lists for state-run facilities often endless in the Radiotherapy Rs. 4,50,000 Rs. 90,000 UK, Canada and Europe, foreigners are increasingly Spine surgery Rs. 3,50,000 Rs 70,000 flocking to India because it offers quality treatment at a Knee surgery Rs 7,50,000 Rs. 1,50,000 fifth of the cost abroad. Kidney surgery Rs. 16,00,000 Rs. 2,60,000 Despite these numbers, regional competition for medical

The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease. Voltaire 22 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D tourists is fierce. Thailand is currently the Asian leader Anupam Verma, honorary secretary of the Medical both in number of foreign patients and revenue. Malaysia Tourism Council of Maharashtra and a director of and Singapore too have set in motion aggressive plans, Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital explains, “Look at the with ambitious targets, for the years 2010-12, which is possibility of public hospitals being technologically also seen as a defining period by CII and the Indian upgraded to world-class standards with this source of Health Care Federation (IHCF), an association of about income. Also, with exposure to the paid medical service 60 hospitals. market, the spirit of competition will germinate in public hospitals to enhance their efficiency and service delivery But what does medical tourism promise to deliver and levels. Revenue earned from foreign patients can be why is the public sector not convinced? With rising utilised to improve the health service in public hospitals.” charges, will not the speciality services healthcare move q beyond the reach of a common man? The True Bodyguard aj and Rahul were great buddies. They were out. He was frozen, rooted to the ground. He heard said to be Siamese twins. There was one footsteps approaching him. He wanted to warn Rahul Rdifference though. Raj was athletic, blessed with but it seemed as if the lethal snake had cast a spell on an Adonis’ body, whereas Rahul was lanky and his only him. support, were his crutches. Rahul came swinging behind the bush ‘Dhappa !’. The Both belonged to the same age-group but Raj proclaimed sight that met his eyes shocked him; especially the himself to be Rahul’s bodyguard. He reasoned that since frightened expression on Raj’s face. The Cobra in its he was the stronger of the two, he should be the ‘care serpentine beauty refused to let go off his subject and taker.’ started slithering towards him. One day both of them were playing ‘Hide and Seek’ in Raj fell back in the bush, this time his shriek loud and Raj’s grandpas Guava orchard. Rahul was the den. While clear. The Cobra rose like an Egyptian Queen ready to he counted up to ten, Raj hid, squatting behind a bush. sting when suddenly came Rahul’s crutch crashing down The counting done Rahul started searching, slowly on him. The snake was instantly killed. Rahul, heaving a moving from tree to tree. sigh of relief, swept the beads of perspiration from his Raj squinted from behind the leaves of the bush. He forehead, from the back of his hand. could see his friend moving at a snail’s pace; looking at Raj’s eyes were transfixed at the lump at his feet. He all plausible hiding places. “He’ll be soon near” thought finally tore his gaze from it and looked at his heroic friend Raj and turned to change his hide-out but as soon as he with a newfound aura. Rahul stooped and pulled Raj to did that, he came face to face with a Cobra leisurely his feet. Together they walked back; only this time the hissing his forked tongue at him. role of the bodyguard had changed. Raj screamed a shriek, which could not be heard as it Harshita Tripathi [email protected] died in his throat. His mouth opened but no sound came q 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. Periodicity of Publication : Six Monthly (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 of 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

Thailand got over 1.1 million overseas patients last year because of its world-class hospitals with top-notch professionals and 5-star facilities. 23 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

Lal Advani, considered the pioneer in rehabilitation of persons with disabilities in India, especially the visually impaired, passed away at the age of 82, on March 1, this year. Dr. S.R. Mittal pays homage to the stalwart, who continues to live through his contributions he made to the disability sector.

he last few years have been witnessing the end This early and pleasant experience of integration into the of an era in Indian history as many legendaries regular system of education paved the way for an Twho were born in the pre-independence time and adolescent Lal Advani to educate himself in the USA who gave a new direction to the country in the second and the UK and contribute to the lives of hundreds of half of the last century and made everlasting impact in thousands of sightless people like him. various spheres of the society through their contribution in the growth of the country in its formative phase of In 1942, Advani had a brief stint as physiotherapist, development, have been parting with the current which somehow did not interest him and he quit. He generation by leaving this world. One such figure is Lal joined the St. Dunstan’s Hostel for war blinded soldiers Advani, the pioneer and the father of modern as Braille instructor at Dehradun, in 1943. He worked rehabilitation services for the disabled people in India, in this institution with great dedication and devotion. who passed away on March 1, 2005. He served this Here, he came in contact with a gentleman, Mortimer segment of the society for over sixty years. and Sir Clutha Mcanzie, who was the superintendent of the institution. Sir Mcanzie was so impressed by his Born on April 26, 1923 with skills, abilities and devotion that he involved him in the partial blindness, efforts to preparation of first official document on disability restore Advani’s vision went (report on blindness) which became the basis of futile. By the age of 12, it was development of rehabilitation services for disabled people clear that he will remain blind in India. for the rest of his life. But his A senior officer in ministry of education became fond of father, who was the Advani’s efficiency, as a result of which he was offered headmaster of a school in a job in the ministry, in 1947, as in-charge of the unit for Karachi, never stopped the disabled people. Soon he started climbing the steps believing in his son’s abilities. of success and reached the peak in 1979, when he took Lal Advani Through his position he was over the responsibility of setting up the National Institute able to arrange for his son’s education in a school with for the Visually Handicapped (NIVH). As its first director, other non-disabled children. he gave it a shape of an apex institution in the field of visual disability. He retired in April 1982. Pandit Nehru, He also attended Karachi School for the Blind (which assigned him the task of liaison officer to coordinate the still exists), where he learnt Braille and other skills. He 1955 visit of world-renowned deaf-blind writer and was always interested in increasing the repertoire of skills. philosopher, Helen Keller, during her trip to India as a This was evident from his learning and practicing type state guest. He accompanied her to show her the Taj writing in his father’s office in spare time. Mahal in Pandit Nehru’s personal plane.

Every achievement is servitude. It drives us to a higher achievement. Albert Camus 24 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

Helen Keller, who altered our perception of the disabled Special Employment Exchanges to employ the disabled people and remapped the boundaries of sight and sense, people, formulation of policy regarding inclusive stated in her letter of April 26, 1955 to the Government education for the disabled children, legislative programs, of India, “Only the blind know the big, black realities of policies, measures in the disability area including the sightlessness, and I am sure that Lal Advani has proved provision for 3% reservation for the disabled people in himself a skillful captain of the ship bearing untold lives jobs, in 1977, the latest landmark- comprehensive over waters partly unchartered.” In the same year, new Disability Act of 1995, etc. He advocated for the rights responsibilities were allocated to him like looking after of persons with disabilities to education, employment and the central social welfare board, grants to schools of full participation in all social, economic and cultural social work, adult education as well as establishment of activities and above all for living a dignified life. Bal Bhawan and the doll museum, etc. This made him workaholic and at times, he worked for sixteen hours a Several national and international awards were conferred day. on him both by government and voluntary organisations including National Award for outstanding social worker, In 1964, he married Nalini Khandekar and went to lifetime membership of the World Blind Union, RL Boston in United States with her to pursue his studies Alpaiwala Award of the National Association for the further. He was offered a teaching position in Boston Blind and the Alumni Award of the Boston University. University but he declined the offer and decided to return and dedicate his life to initiate and promote rehabilitation He was a karma yogi in true sense, who dedicated his services for the disabled people in India. entire life to promote the interests and rights of disabled people. With passing away of Advani, it is end of an era There is hardly any major development in the disability in the field of rehabilitation services for the disabled area initiated in the second half of the last century which people in the country, but his work and teachings will cannot be attributed to his efforts of lobbying. Besides continue to serve as beacon light for the people setting up NIVH, he played a pivotal role in the committed to work for the less-privileged for many establishment of other national institutions on various generations to come. disabilities. He wrote hundreds of articles and presented papers in a number of conferences within the country The author teaches at Jamia Milia Islamia Institute and abroad. of Advanced Studies in Education, Faculty of Education. He is in the field of special education for Advani was closely associated, with a number of national the last 26 years; his association with Lal Advani voluntary organisations till his last breath and was the was almost equally old. chairman of Asian Blind Union for more than 15 years. e-mail : [email protected] He directed and conducted numerous researches on q education and rehabilitation of the disabled people and acted as a co-advisor for many students formally for J Two golden agers were discussing their husbands over tea. their PhD dissertations. For over 20 years, he edited an “I do wish that my Elmer would stop international magazine Braille International published biting his nails. He makes me terribly nervous.” by Asian Blind Union which covered the advocacy “My Billy used to do the same thing,” the older woman related issues in the area of visual impairment at the replied. “But I broke him of the habit.” international level. Advani was actively involved in setting “How?” up of the training centers for visually impaired for mobility “I hid his teeth.” and orientation, first government model school for the JA patient goes into the optometrist’s office. He blind, training centers for the teachers of special schools opens the door and says to the receptionist, “I think catering to the visually impaired children, the formalisation I need my eyes checked.” of uniform Braille code called ‘Bharati Braille’ for whole She says, “You’re not kidding. This is the Ladies of India, establishment of first national Braille press, Room.”

Only 9% of Indians brush twice a day. National Oral Health Survey 25 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

Disabled or not, everyone has his/her own set of limitations. I often face questions about my disability. How best one copes with them depends on the individual’s ability. Frankly speaking, it never upsets me. Reema Bansal, pursuing psychology (Hons) from Lady Shriram Rather, I love talking about it. It assures me College, Delhi University, knows very well how to handle her that the person I am talking with, is not disability as naturally as possible. affected in any way by my disability and can think of it in a casual manner. S/He can question me about my challenge in the same way, as s/he would discuss politics.

In fact, is not each human challenged in one way or the other? My best friend is too conscious of her looks, my uncle is too scared of public-speaking, my teacher wears spectacles…these people, too, are disadvantaged in certain ways, but it doesn’t affect their daily routines. We all have our own set of ‘positives’ and ‘negatives’, and when we show irritation for one of these, we show unacceptability of our own-self.

I once read somewhere – “You can never hate a person; unless you see in him, a tiny reflection of yourself.” What it means, is that every negative feeling arises out of your own insecurity… not because the circumstances justify it.

One day, my father said to me. “Except your handicap, I am proud of you, Reema.” Reema, with her family Immediately I said, “Dad, my disability and myself are available in a package deal. So, please, either you like me WITH it, or just don’t like me.”

Earlier, I used to get very annoyed when somebody showed ‘sympathy’. The word itself would produce a scowl on my face. Slowly, I learnt that this is how people are ecently, one of my very well known people, who is physically taught to react; when they see someone, challenged, said, “I hate the word ‘handicap’! I really do”. who, according to them is less happy than RThe vehemence of the words got me thinking… themselves. It’s not their fault. Or maybe they just don’t know what to say; and to avoid What exactly made him say that? As far as I know, the person in sounding rude, they start sympathising. Now, consideration is managing his affairs well, living life with a positive whenever I meet such a person, I use his/ note in his head and can anytime boast of a cheerful disposition. But, her ‘sympathy’ to motivate me to reach that the above mentioned line showed his frustration more than his level where the same person would draw acceptance of himself. inspiration from me.

We all have ability. The difference is how we use it. Stevie Wonder 26 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

This New Year eve, my friend was staying with me for the night; and, as usual, we started chatting. She is a Believe it or Not ! wonderful person. We talk of everything under the sun, TREY LANHAM IS FOLLOWING IN THE but, somehow, never about my disability. That day, we FOOTSTEPS OF HIS FATHER, MOSES LANHAM. HE CAN decided to tell what we feel about each other. About STAND WITH HIS FEET POINTED STARIGHT BEHIND me, she said, “You are a perfect person, with a lot of HIM! CARL qualities. But destiny has given you one drawback.” In a CELELLA of fraction of a second, all my drawbacks, like ‘short height’, North Greenbrush ‘laziness’, ‘day-dreaming’, etc came to my mind. She NY. CAN EASILY sighed, and further added, “But, it is not your fault, and FIND ANY OF THE 70,000 you can’t help it. And then, no one really is perfect.” ITEMS IN THE PLUMBING DEPART- Then, I realised she was talking about my disability. For MENT HE MANAGES FOR HOME DEPOT— sometime, I was quite amazed that she thought of it as a DESPITE BEING ‘drawback’, as an ‘imperfection’. It had, to be frank, COMPLETELY BLIND! hurt me… because I used to think that my friends respect me for the way I handle my challenge. It never occurred to me that they think of it as something lacking in me.

Slowly, I realised, people have their own set of problems. CONTORTIONIST They won’t waste time sitting and thinking how well you HUGO ZAMORATTE, KNOWN AS ‘‘THE BOTTLE MAN,’’ manage yours. Every challenge in life is YOUR own HAS THE ABILITY TO DISLOCATE NEARLY EVERY BONE IN HIS BODY SO THAT HE CAN SQUEEZE INTO challenge. It’s a general tendency to think of disability as A GLASS BOTTLE! a big ‘curse’, as something that makes people less happy. This, too, is ‘their’ problem, not ours.

Humans, by default, adapt themselves to everything in the best possible way. The facts that I typed this, that it got published in The VOICE... that we have such a magazine for the disabled people, that right now you are reading it … don’t they themselves prove it?

People have their problems to solve, you have your own and I have my own…. so yeah, I am challenged, yeah I am disabled. I agree it does pinch a little when my friend is pulled off to dance floor in a party while I am left sitting on a chair to dance mentally…but when he comes back dazed and says ‘I think everyone there was making fun of me’, I can’t help laughing to myself. And when he doesn’t say that, well, it’s always fun watching a good dance…especially when you realise how fortunate you are to be a part of the party.

Just surround yourself with optimistic people and keep yourself productively occupied.You are as happy as you decide to be. [email protected] q

Some 6000 workers, a day, or one every 15 seconds, die from occupational accidents and diseases. Report in the latest issue of World of work 27 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

How do some people walk in their sleep? Why do scientists use mice for experiments? Sleepwalking (somnambulism) is a series of complex Mice are used as a strong model system to conduct behaviour that is initiated during slow wave sleep and biological experiments. Many DNA elements (genes) in results in during sleep. During the dream stage of sleep, human and mice are highly similar in their structure and a chemical is released that paralyses the body. However, function. By deleting specific genes from mice, scientists those who sleepwalk do not have this chemical trigger get an idea of their functions not only in mice but also in and hence results in this behaviour. Sleepwalking is a humans because of the shared homology in genomic rapid eye movement (REM) behaviour disorder. architecture. This is particularly helpful in identifying homologous genes in humans whose malfunctioning What is Williams Syndrome? causes diseases like cancer, diabetes, etc. Willams Syndrome (Williams-Beuren Syndrome) is a rare Pharmacological experiments on mice are the most genetic disorder, occcuring in fewer than one in every necessary preliminary steps towards discoveries of new 20,000 live births. It is characterised by a distinctive, and effective drugs. “elfin” facial appearance, an unusually cheerful demeanour, ease with strangers, mental retardation Why do our fingernails grow faster than our coupled with an unusual facility with language, a love for toenails? music and cardiovascular problems. In children with Fingernails grow two to three times faster than toenails. Williams Syndrome, there are about 21 genes missing A fingernail replaces itself in about six months while a on chromosome 7, including the gene for the production toenail takes a year. Feet are farthest afield in the of elastin. Inability to produce this protein is most likely circulatory scheme of things. A better blood supply to the root of cardiovascular problems in this Syndrome, the fingers keeps them chugging along at a faster clip. and may be responsible for differences in brain Nails are basically protective and since our fingers are development as well. busier than our toes, they are more likely to need replacing. Also, constant exposure to sun and air may aid their growth. Feet are locked up in shoes most of the What causes ‘motion sickness’ in human beings? time. The ears of human beings are responsible for maintaining balance. Inside the ear, there are three fluid-filled canals What is Hansen’s Disease? laid out in three dimensions and the position of fluid in Hansen’s Disease, commonly known as leprosy, is these canals is sensed by sensors in the canals. The named after the Norwegian Dr. Armadeus Hansen, who composite signal given by these canals provide the brain established the cause of leprosy as mycobacterium with a person’s motion’s information. This is leprae. Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases known to corroborated by the brain with the signal of motion mankind and although it is much less frequent today, it coming from the visual signal from the eyes. In case of still remains a problem in the developing world. Contrary any disease or disorder, where the canal system is to popular belief, leprosy is not very contagious, and is affected, conflicting signals are received by the brain from spread mainly by nasal droplets in early stages. Only eyes and ears, causing a mismatch and resultant difficulty prolonged skin-to-skin contact will cause the disease. It in adjusting to anticipated motion. This causes motion is completely treatable but treatment is prolonged and sickness. cure is slow. q

Adversity reveals genius. Prosperity conceals it. Horace 28 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D Helpline

Query: Three visually impaired persons qualified the warrants for giving zero marks. Malafice could be written exam conducted by Oriental Bank of attributed with reference to the intention of the board in Commerce. They were called for the interview along purposefully giving zero marks in the interview particularly with the other selected candidates. However, none when the records of the interview board cannot be brought of them were appointed after the interview. forth in the court. Upon seeking information it was communicated that they scored zero marks in the interview and are Secondly, in order to qualify for selection, the total marks therefore not eligible for appointment. It is in written and interview are considered and not of interview apprehended that denial was malicious and an attempt alone. Thirdly, there is relaxation for S.C, S.T. and O.B.C. to indirectly exclude persons with disabilities from It is different for these three categories respectively. If at seeking equal opportunity in matters of employment all relaxation for disabled candidates in the same sense inspite of Disability Act. would be incorporated, it would be lower than the relaxation provided for OBCs. As of now there is no office a) Can a candidate be given zero marks in the memorandum on this subject. interview and consequentially denied appointment totally ignoring the marks obtained in the written In instant case, the same indicates malafice. In court of examination? law, malafice is difficult to prove but it can always be b) How much marks should a candidate secure in contested in the totality of facts under which the decision the interview to be eligible? was taken and the intention behind it. In order to allege c) Is there any relaxation which could similarly be malafice, it would be important to point out whether the given to visually impaired and other disabled reserved seat was filled in the same year or successive people on equal footing with S.C, S.T. and O.B.C.? years with other disabilities or was finally made open for general candidates. It is indeed unfortunate to take note of such tendency on the part of prospective employer and government Anjali, Honorary Legal Advisor, FOD; Tel: 26149057 organisation in matters of employment of persons with Disclaimer: disabilities. Disclaimer: This column is not intended to provoke or encourage the The facts as narrated above are complicated for the reason readers to contest litigations in the court of law. It is that the records in the interview conducted by the interview a honorary service rendered to the persons with disabilities, board cannot be called in court for inspection. This makes for the purpose of clarifying the nature of grievance and the matter controversial and is a unique instance of its the position in law on the limited facts and information kind. There is no precedence to follow particularly with provided. It is suggested not to act only on the advice/ reference to the reservations for the disabled persons. views given above and seek specific and detailed views The matter, therefore, has to be examined from various perspectives and applicable laws/ rulings of courts on each of some legal experts before proceeding to resolve any of the issues raised above. of your specific grievance. A woman talks to a psychiatrist and First of all, it is self contradictory that candidates who says, “You’ve got to help me doctor, have qualified the written exam scored zero marks in the my husband thinks he’s a racehorse! interview. Conceptually the subject knowledge is to be He neighs, sleeps on straw, and even assessed by the written examination at the preliminary eats grain!” “No problem,” says the doctor. “I can heal him, but stage. The interview stage is only for personality it’s gonna be costly!” assessment and even the most basic questions asked “Oh, money isn’t an issue,” says the disgruntled wife. cannot by any stretch of imagination be of a level, which “He’s already won two races!”

There are 20 cities of more than 10 million people, which constitute 4% of world’s population. By 2015, there will be 22 such mega cities with 5% of world’s population. World Population Report 29 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D 20 per cent disabled women raped by relatives ver 20 per cent of Over 12.6 per cent O mentally and physi- physically challenged cally challenged women in women said they had been Orissa are raped by their raped and 15 per cent family members. This complained of being sexually alarming piece of statistics harassed. The incidence is part of a study reported was higher among the India shining in mid February, on mentally challenged, where ‘Domestic violence against 25 percent said they had his year 1447 finalists rolled into one. disabled women in Orissa been raped and 19 percent Tfrom 45 countries Another project entered and India’. complained of other forms (13-20 years of age) by India was from a team The study was carried out of sexual harassment. qualified for 56th edition - Mihir Tandon and by Swabhiman, an “Nearly 20 per cent of Intel International Riddhiman Yadava, both organisation working for the physically challenged and 22 Science and Engineering students of Modern welfare of ‘people with per cent mentally challenged Fair (ISEF) 2005 which School, Vasant Vihar, differential abilities,’ in women are forced into sex was held in Phoenix, New Delhi. The duo has association with Oxfam in their own families,” Arizona, USA. Indians devised an artificial limb, (India) Trust. Over 729 Mohapatra said. Over six impressed the organisers which they claim is not disabled women and girls percent of these women with their projects. just functionally an along with their family were also forcibly sterilised Malavika Vinod Tiwari improvement over the members were interviewed by their families. (16) from St. Mary’s famous Jaipur leg (in in 12 districts of Orissa. Over 50 per cent of them Convent High School, term of the various Principal investigator Dr. are also beaten and isolated Kanpur, bagged the third angles at which it can Sruti Mohapatra said though at home- only 40 per cent award of US $1000 in the bend) but is also lighter women, in general were get to dine with the family Engineering Category for and more cost-effective abused, disabled women and less than 60 per cent get devising a foot-operated (merely Rs. 595 as were at much greater risk. three meals a day. vehicle, which when against Rs 2000 for the fitted on a scooter will Jaipur leg). Developed Government must compensate enable a person with no over a 3-year trial and hands (i.e. physically error period and tested on bomb blast victims: HC challenged) to drive it 11 volunteers, this device he Delhi High Court to compensate for loss of with his/her feet just as is made from mild steel. Tgave a verdict in life and property in incidents you would a car. The duo spent long hours January that a person who of violence— whether it Malavika is one of the at the welders before the was afflicted with disability was terrorist-related or five Indians who made it project reached the final after suffering severe otherwise. to the Intel ISEF 2005. stage and is still injuries due to a bomb blast Justice S. K. Paul directed Daughter of an ortho- developing. had to be compensated by the Centre to pay Rs.4.23 paedically disabled Making it this far is by no the Central government as lakh (compensation of Rs. person, who also happens means easy for any Intel it had failed to discharge its 2,60,000 and an interest of to be the winner of the ISEF 2005 finalist. It duty to provide a safe and 9%) to the victim, a 19-yr- 1983 National Award for means clearing many secure environment. old youth who lost his right the Welfare of the layers of regional and The Delhi High Court order leg below knee, all but two Handicapped, Tiwari said national level compe- will have significant fingers on both hands and that her father was her titions and grilling implications as the Centre or also suffered injury to his mentor, tutor and interview rounds. State governments may eyes due to a blast on inspirational factor all now find themselves liable October 1, 1997.

When one’s expectations are reduced to zero, one really appreciates everything one does have. Stephan Hawking 30 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

Zen … for disabled drivers between Terri Schiavo’s sides of the right – to –die husband and parents has issue and ignited new aruti introduced galvanized activists on all debate about state powers. M automatic 800s in 1987, for disabled people NGO funds under scanner but its production was NGOs in the country attract should be constituted to stopped in 1993. Since as much as Rs. 5000 crore frame a national policy on there was no other from foreign donors every NGOs, followed by a disabled-friendly car in year but though the comprehensive legislation. the market Maruti government knows the However, till the mechanism addressed this issue by which is also available, as an money is coming in, it is was put in place, all bringing in Zen variants, option, takes some getting clueless about where it goes. ministries dealing with these which are available in nine used to, but once mastered Union home minister Shivraj organisations were asked to different combinations makes driving fun. Patil chaired a high–level closely monitor their depending on disability. This What is good about the meeting in this regard on functioning. The entire car is similar to the Zen AX whole project is that the March 17. The basic idea of debate on making NGOs as far as engine and government has allowed a this exercise was to ensure more accountable started automatic gearbox is special concession in the that the money is utilised for after funds for tsunami relief concerned. excise duty at 16% the purpose for which it is started pouring in. All One can choose between a compared to the normal received from foreign. Till contributions to NGOs are left accelerator pedal, a 32%. This makes the car now there is no regulatory made under the Foreign steering grip or a full hand slightly more affordable for mechanism for this. Contribution Regulation Act control device for the throttle the real customers. It was decided at the (FCRA) for which as well as steering. The However the disadvantage meeting that there should be permission has to be taken performance of the car is not here is that a lot of a national database on from the Home Minister. hampered anyway and even paperwork is involved in NGOs. An expert group those with specific problems getting the excise reduction, in any limb or combination though a saving of 16% New vaccine for polio thereof can enjoy the makes all the effort he war against polio The disease has become freedom of mobility. The worthwhile. The Zen AX Thas received a shot in stubborn in some parts of steering grip makes handling for the physically challenged the arm with an advanced the country. Inter- a clinch even in the most is available for Rs.3.25 lakh and more affective nationally, polio remains a crowded of areas, enabling to Rs.3.45 lakh, ex-factory, vaccine put to use in the major cause of concern in effective one arm steering. depending on the option polio eradication camp- an arc that spans The left accelerator pedal, availed. aign which got under way continents from Nigeria in the city on May 15. Till to Indonesia. “Since P1 Florida woman wins right to die now, it was a “trivalent is the prevalent strain octors removed the has been fed through a vaccine” which was being Union government has Dfeeding tube that had stomach tube since a heart used under the National decided to use a vaccine kept a brain–damaged attack starved her brain of Polio Eradication Prog- against that,” said Florida women alive for 15 oxygen in 1990, leaving her ramme. This attacked all principal secretary years, on March 18, after in what the courts declared the three strains of the (health) S P Aggarwal. US lawmakers tried to was a permanent vegetative polio virus – P1, P2, P3. Delhi Medical Asso- prolong her life by sate. Now, a monovalent ciation president K K subpoenaing her to appear Her husband and legal vaccine, effective against Aggarwal says, “The before Congress. guardian, Michael Schiavo, only P1, will be used. This triple vaccine was seen to The feeding tube was said she would not have is because it was found have an efficacy of only removed from Terri wanted to live in that that strain P2 has not 27% with the first dose Schiavo, the woman at the condition and won been detected since 1999 while this vaccine has an heart of a long right–to–die permission to remove the while strain P3 is on its efficacy of 100% with the battle, at 1:45 p.m. and she feeding tube. The highly way out. It was P1 that third dose.’’ died on March 31. Schiavo public 7-year dispute was doing all the damage.

Even today, pregnancy and childbirth complications remain leading causes of death and illness among women. Each year 5,29,000 of them die because of these complications. World Population Report 31 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

Lease of life for war wounded Education ajor Amit Mitra, who mentor to such soldiers. Om Prakash turned plan for Mlost both eyes during Helping them overcome entrepreneur and has sold counter-terrorist operations disability and get a life is the products worth Rs 1.2 crore special kids in J&K was selected to War Wounded Foundation since. he government has an attend a post-graduate (WWF). It is raising Rs 14 The WWF is now ambitious plan to programme at the London lakh required to enable interfacing with corporates T make all schools disabled School of Economics Major Mitra attend the LSE to take livelihood friendly by 2020. Union (LSE). He also topped a as part of its activity in opportunities to the villages human resource and course at Tata Institute of facilitating rehabilitation of of disabled soldiers. Army development minister Social Sciences in Mumbai. disabled soldiers. chief General J.J. Singh Arjun Singh announced in Sepoy Jigme Orgyn Soldiers like Om Prakash, associated himself with this Rajya Sabha on March 21, (Ladakh Scouts), whose whose right leg blew off Foundation by taking over as “Besides having barrier– arms were blown off and his during the Kargil operation, its patron-in-chief on free access, all educational vision snuffed out in a mine have been the focus of the Monday. “These are institutions will have blast in Ladakh in November Foundation’s efforts. Then, soldiers we as a nation are Braille books, talking 2002, after two years of a chance meeting with the morally bound to look after,” textbooks, reading machine struggle, is barely able to WWF changed his life. The he said. and computers with speech move the artificial limbs Foundation arranged for a In the last decade alone, software. Every school fitted on his shoulders. Mitra motor vehicles lubricants 4,500 troops have been will also have sign language will be a role model and dealership for him at Pali. killed and 13, 000 wounded. interpreters and trans- New byelaws to make public places cription services.” “The main objective of the disabled-friendly plan is to ensure that no nce the new building place, which is visited, by a byelaws. “We are now set child is denied mainstream Obyelaws for Delhi large number of people will to work on the performance education and no child is come into being, negotiating have to be completely byelaws that will spell out turned away on grounds of public places may become accessible. This is one of the fire and structural safety disability. A group has less of a hurdle race for the reasons MCD is also norms and imbibe the tenets already been set up under physically challenged. The considering allowing of the Disability Act to the NCERT to examine byelaws will incorporate elevators in smaller induce a more inclusive what is required to educate provisions of the Disability buildings. Only individuals atmosphere. This work will children with special needs. Act. The norms will be owned private properties be completed in two A MoU has been signed to mandatory for not just public will be exempt. months,” said MCD strengthen the disability structure, but also group – An expert committee, on commissioner Rakesh elements in the syllabus of housing societies. Any March 7, approved the base Mehta. teachers’ training courses too. Selected schools will Mother’s suicide for blind sons goes in vain be converted into model n March 18, whoever of them died executive in-charge of inclusive school to O Tamilselvi (36) first would pass on their the Eye Bank, Sankara demonstrate what is hanged herself to death in eyes to the sons. But it Nethralaya. First, necessary and more Chennai because she was Tamilselvi who took medical ethics demanded importantly, what is wanted her sons, Kumara a conscious plunge, that the identity of the possible. Special schools in (17) and Mohan leaving behind a note that donor and the donee the non-governmental Kumar(15), to have the her eyes be given to her should not be revealed. sector would be gift of vision. She and her sons. Second, both the sons encouraged to become husband earlier tried their There were two aspects suffered from congenital resource to assist teachers best to get their blindness to the issue of eye cataract, where corneal and prepare teaching treated but in vain. So the donation, said A P transplant would not material,” Singh said. couple discussed that Irungovel, special help.

Success is the maximum utilization of ability that you have. Zig Zigler 32 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

Disability Rights Group stalls Commission, constituted in undertakings. However, 1993, appointed a special none of the available reports appointments rappoteur (disability) eight of the office of the chief ppointments to three years later, in 2001, to commissioner for persons Akey posts in the identify human rights issues with disabilities (CCPD) disability sector – that of concerning the disabled and the ministry of social chief commissioner for people. The report could not justice and empowerment persons with disabilities ascertain the latest progress provide information on the (CCPD), chairperson of made by the commission status of its implementation Dr. H.C. Goel Maj Gen. Ian National Trust and Carduzo since the annual reports of in the past four years in Rehabilitation Council of 70 million disabled people,” 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 terms of the percentage of India (RCI) were put on hold the letter said. were not available. disabled persons employed following protests by the The DRG had earlier The employment sector also in government services. In Disability Rights Group demanded that a disabled shows a similar absence of contrast, various ministries (DRG) in second week of person be made CCPD data. The Disability Act, have detailed data on the March. while a parent of a disabled 1995, provides for 3% recruitment of people under The decision to appoint person be made chairperson reservation in jobs in the Schedule Castes and Manoj Kumar as CCPD, of National Trust. government establishments Schedule Tribes categories. Aloka Guha as National Following this, the Cabinet and public sector Trust chairperson for a Committee on Appoint- Civil Services for disabled people second time and former ments (CCA) intervened. ranklin D Roosevelt CCPD Dr. Uma Tuli as RCI Instead of Kumar, Dr. H.C. total 26 civil services have guided the US through chaiperson was cleared by Goel, head of rehabilitation F been opened to the people the Great Depression and the ministry of social justice department at Safdarjung with disabilities. These most of the World War II and empowerment. Hospital, was chosen include IAS, IFS, DANICS from a wheelchair, but the But DRG shot off a protest CCPD. Maj Gen. Ian (Delhi Andaman and bureaucracy bosses in our letter on February 24 to Carduzo, head of advocacy Nicobar Services) and country don’t seem to be prime minister Manmohan at Action for Ability Indian Civil Accounts very impressed by the fact. Singh and UPA chairperson Development and Inclusion Service, IIS, Armed Forces Even with 3% of all the Sonia Gandhi. “To select a has been appointed a new headquarters Civil Service, government jobs reserved non–disabled professional chairperson of RCI. Both Group A, and Indian for PWDs, the dis- or even a parent (as Dr. Goel and Gen. Carduzo Defence Accounts Service, crimination against disabled CCPD) would indirectly are disabled. However, Group A. Prominent among people in employment mean there is no one good Guha has been denied a the services which do not continues. After the or competent among India’s second term. induct the physically prestigious Indian Admin- disabled people are Indian Disabled people: the most neglected istrative Service (IAS) was Revenue Service, Indian thrown open to the disabled Postal Service, Indian he report, prepared by Abhiyan (SSA) scheme. people last year, another top Police Service and Indian the National Centre for SSA, started in 2001 as an T service, the Indian Foreign Railway Traffic Service. Promotion of Employment attempt to universalise Service (IFS) is now open PM Manmohan Singh for Disabled People elementary education for all to disabled candidates. IFS cleared the appointment of (NCPEDP) in early children between the ages takes in about 20 candidates polio-affected M. Satish in February, found that out of of six and fourteen, has every year. The reservation January this year, to the all the minority groups in the special provisions for on this amounts to one seat Indian Revenue Service country, the disabled are the disabled children and has for the disabled person. It (IRS). Satish came 249th in most neglected. allocated Rs 1,200 per child has been decided that this the 2002 CSE but had been The annual report of the in a year. The annual report seat will be reserved for one denied the appointment. So HRD ministry (2003-2004), makes no mention of the kind of disability every year he wrote to PM, pointing to for instance, does not number of disabled children by rotation. what he felt as a case of mention disabled children enrolled under the scheme. With this, about 12 of the discrimination. Till now they under the Sarva Shiksha The National Human Rights

The number of disabled people in Delhi is 2.3 lakh, of these 26,000 suffer from mental disabilities. Census Report 2001 33 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D could be appointed to only 7 in CSE 2000 but was denied Kalam launches speech applet of the 26 civil services. IRS, a job is also contemplating to which the PM appointed to petition the PM. Sumit resident APJ Kalam Satish, is not one of them. Kaur (orthopaedically Plaunched a speech PM’s move has brought disabled), who ranked 384 applet ‘Virtual Vision’ for hope to many disabled in CSE 2003 and was not visually challenged students candidates. Manoj given job, has already on January 26. Kalam was Sadasivan (hearing written to the PM. inspired to develop the applet impaired), who came 222nd when two visually challenged persons- Photo exhibition on visually impaired Deependra Manocha and isually impaired people Sipra spent lots of time with Asif Iqbal met him at Vwere the subject visually impaired people to Rashtrapati Bhavan and told matter of Delhi-based capture all their moods. She him about the costly sat before their computer photographer Sipra Das’ went to many places in software that was beyond screens as the President first solo exhibition, called India – Darjeeling, Dongri, the reach of an ordinary brushed aside protocol and ‘Third Eye’. Held at the Patnitop, villages in Bihar, person. The software, interacted with each of Lalit Kala Akademi from Gujrat, Bengal and Delhi – developed at Rashtrapati them. The queries on the May 7 to 13, the exhibition and virtually lived with them. Bhavan, has a voice enabled heavy syllabus, the needs of had 50 pictures depicting “Every one discouraged me interface and can be visually-impaired persons various aspects of the life of from putting up an configured on any web and the need to do away persons with visual exhibition…”, she revealed, server and is accessible with the use of ‘mouse’ impairment. “but I went ahead.” She has through the web. The applet appeared to have touched The show was inaugurated now dedicated herself to ‘Virtual Vision’ can be an emotional chord. Kalam by 9-yr-old visually impaired highlighting social causes in accessed through the said he wanted them to twins. Sipra was also keen her pictures, besides the President’s website at come out of the Braille that the subjects of her usual work of news www.presidentofindia.nic.in system but agreed to photographs be able to ‘see’ photography. Nine special students from replace the ‘mouse’ with her work. So she had a book ‘Third Eye’ will travel to Delhi Public School, Tagore keyboards that will be of the photographs prepared Mumbai, Hyderabad and International and St. Mary’s visually-impaired friendly. in Braille. Kolkata by this year-end. DRG protests yield result Cordes: Opening eyes of the world ccording to a report DRG protested against offer to employ the brain. Cordes has opened published in April, Tim the summary dismissal by disabled employees who A the eyes of the world to the Cordes, a 28-yr-old medical the Gas Authority of had been terminated by fact that the loss of sight is student at the University of India Ltd. (GAIL) GAIL, at Indraprastha easily compensated by other Wisconsin Hospital and management of four of its Gas Limited (IGL). He senses- he has mastered Clinics has shown how disabled employees (3 assured them that their jujitsu, taekwondo, perseverance, hard work visually impaired and 1 seniority will be biochemistry and water and lots of faith can triumph hearing impaired) on protected at IGL and they skiing. India is a home to over adversity. Cordes, a January 30, 2004. The will start on the same around 12 million visually person with visual disability activists held scale. He also assured impaired people. Govern- impairment has received an dharna outside GAIL that they would not lose ment’s responsibility doesn’t MD degree and goes to headquarters on May 4 out on any perks or end with few sundry work like any other doctor. and its convenor Javed benefits. It was also reservations. With a little bit He actually ranked among Abidi went on a fast- clarified that the job at of assistance from the state the best in medical school, unto-death. IGL would be permanent and society, they too can learning how to study The minister for in nature. The disabled lead normal lives and X-rays and ECGs, apply petroleum, Mani Shankar people hence accepted become productive citizens anaesthesia and examine Aiyar, held a meeting at the offer and joined IGL. of the country. his office and gave an slides showing slices of the

That, which we persist in doing, becomes easier not that the nature of task has changed but our ability to do has increased. R.W.Emerson 34 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

IIT: Indifferent towards the NGOs blacklisted yet again disabled fraternity he Council for schemes ranging from T Advancement of water conservation, bio- r. S.K. Jain who stayed the termination. “In People Action and Rural mass utilisation, small-scale D contracted polio as an December 2002, we sealed Technology (CAPART), the industries, health and infant, leaving him with a his lab and office and nodal agency coordinating sanitation, education, rural deformed body and speech banned his entry,” said partnership between NGOs energy, housing and and hearing disabilities director IIT, Prof. R.S. and the government for environment protection and completed his PhD from Sirohi despite the fact that sustainable development in economic activities for IIT, Delhi and was selected the court had reinstated him rural area, blacklisted 295 disabled people. An NGO by UGC to work as a by January 2002. NGOs who took funds from gets a maximum grant of Rs research scientist in IIT in “Jain’s dismissal was the government and failed to 1.5 crore for a scheme to November 1990. According despite the fact that the IIT deliver on the projects be implemented within a to a press report of March in its annual report had proposed by them. Funds specified period. Three 18, when Jain asserted his repeatedly praised his work were also stopped to projects at a time can be rights- his lab to be shifted on removal of heavy metal another 263 NGOs. done. Many NGOs failed to from the first floor to the contamination in waste Majority of these NGOs submit details of fund ground floor, it went water as “very good” right were from U.P, Haryana, utilisation. Many also exist unheeded and he had to file from 1995 till 2000,” said West Bengal, Bihar and only on paper. a case against IIT for Daksh Lohia, president Andhra Pradesh. CAPART CAPART is formulating implementation of all URSA. He further added gets Rs. 65 crore annually new guidelines for effective provisions of the Disability that IIT’s attitude was from the rural development implementation of the Act, resulting in termination reflected in the response of ministry for facilitating these projects like strict of his services in November Prof. MGK Menon, projects. verification and making 2000. chairman, government body These include some 1,000 photographs of the projects UGC Research Scientists of IIT who allegedly said, integrated and innovative undertaken mandatory. Association filed a case “IIT is a premier institute of against the termination of his intelligence and not a home Doc asked to pay for medical services and the court for the disabled.” negligence Was da Vinci paralysed? doctor has been understood by him.” A asked in April, to Commission’s president lessandro Vezzosi, an pay Rs 1.5 lakh for Justice J.D. Kapoor AItalian academic botching up an 11-year- observed, “Signature on a claimed in May that old’s operation in October stereotyped form does paralysis prevented Leo- 2002. Mahesh Kumar not absolve any doctor nardo da Vinci from had been operated upon from liability of fully completing the Mona Lisa. for an infection in his right explaining nature of risk He says the condition would ear, but ended up with an operation may involve have prevented the great “facial paralysis” since a in common language Renaissance master from nerve was damaged in understood by common holding a palette and the operation. man”. standing up to paint. Vezzosi, The State Consumer Kumar’s father had director of the Leonardo Commission has directed sought damages for museum in the painter’s Dr. A.K. Mittal, who mental agony his child home town of Vinci, says a performed the operation, in went through after the previously unseen painting in 1503 but never finished it. a private nursing home to ‘facial paralysis” shows da Vinci with his right His inactivity during the last pay the compensation for claiming he was expelled arm in folds of clothing that five years of his life left “not making his ward fully from his school because ‘look like a bandage’. Da several of his paintings in an aware about risks and after- of facial defect and loss Vinci began the Mona Lisa incomplete state. effects in the language of hearing.

India has the largest population of blind in the world. It is home to about 12 million blind people. National Association for the Blind (NAB) 35 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

NDMC loos to get disabled-friendly Post Offices as he stinking open urinal challenged people. This It will be turning over community information Tmay soon be a thing will include a 1.5 m wide maintenance of all toilets of the past with the door to allow wheelchairs to private parties. centres NDMC deciding to come in easily, special According to NDMC A two-day workshop refurbish all of these, and low commodes and grab sources, the process has entitled “Enabling the build swanky new ones rails to assist the been set in motion after Disabled” was jointly that have running water physically challenged a letter from the Union organised by the 24×7, and are cleaned up person in shifting from the ministry of urban Department of Posts, regularly. wheelchair to the toilet development, asking it to North Bengal and Sikkim All such public facilities in seat,” said NDMC make sure that all its and Brotherhood, New its jurisdiction will be medical officer of health, public conveniences are Delhi, in collaboration with modified to make them Lt Col S K Garg. accessible. The civic the Rehabilitation Council wheelchair-friendly. And At present, NDMC runs agency is also looking at of India (RCI), in February, this entails more than just 52 toilet-blocks on a conducting third party in Darjeeling. The theme adding ramps to the (build-operate-transfer) inspections to ensure that of the workshop was “Role existing structures. BOT basis. But its new facilities are built as of Post offices and “At least one toilet in each officials say soon all the per international Community”. Major H P S block will be specially 190 toilet blocks and specifications for Ahluwalia, former chair- designed to suit the needs urinals in its area will be disability. man of RCI inaugurated of the physically- upgraded on a BOT basis. the work-shop. A special cover to mark the new HC rules in favour of heart patient partnership between the postal department, the RCI he Delhi High Court has hoped that the legislature Singh had suffered a heart and Brotherhood was also ruled that a person who would consider modifying attack while working as a T released. ‘‘The main has suffered a heart attack the Act to include problems co-pilot with the Airports objective of the workshop and consequently a of such nature. Authority of India. He was was to explore the role of downgrade in his However, the court said that re-employed as an post offices as comm-unity designation cannot be denied a person who has suffered aerodrome officer, which information centres and benefits of commensurate a heart attack and faces was a lower post. establishing help line salary and position just removal from service would The AAI had contended through post offices,’’ because this medical not be in a position to refuse that Singh had accepted the informs Satish Kapoor, condition is not included in whatever job is offered to appointment hence he could general secretary, the Disability Act. him. It also said there was not demand a higher scale Brotherhood. While ordering the no reason for denying now. It had also contended Since the idea of helping rehabilitation of the benefits to persons who that heart ailments were not disabled people through petitioner, K.B. Narain have suffered heart ailments included in the Disability post offices is new in Singh, in third week of May, the benefits under the Act. Justice Vikramajit Sen Disability Act. India, periodic assess-ment of the progress of the Beware of Quacks project is very essential by aking treatment from Medicine (Allopathy). displayed in the clinic. keeping tab on increasing Ta quack one can lose DBCP registers the If anyone comes across number of participating his life. The registration qualifications appearing a doctor who is not post offices and on people with Delhi Bharatiya in the ll, lll, lV schedule registered with DBCP, seeking these facilities. Chikitsa Parishad of CCIM. Therefore, should intimate it to Depending on the findings (DBCP) is mandatory for patients are requested to Dr.Yuvraj Kumar Tyagi, the project can be taken persons engaged in the make it clear that the president, Tel: 22059032 forward to other states practice of Ayurved/ doctor is registered with or Dr. Nand Kishor, with the help from Unani along with Modern DBCP. The registration registrar, Tel: 22059046. government. Scientific System of certificate should be Do not ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. Daisaku Ikeda

37 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

retardation (cretinism), stunting, congenital defects and neuromotor defects. India is the third largest salt producing country in the world after the US and China. Film star Abhishek Bachchan has been appointed as the brand ambassador to spread awareness about dyslexia, a neurological condition in children with a high intelligence quotient Brain chip reads man’s thoughts but having special educational needs. He atthew Nagle, 25, operation by fitting a metal will be promoting national awareness about dyslexia M was left paralysed socket to Nagle’s head so through a combination of mass media messages and on- neck down after a vicious he could be hooked up to a ground outreach programmes for doing in collaboration with knife attack in 2001. A computer. The scientists, Prerna, a public trust based in Ahmedabad involved with wheelchair user, he is lead by Prof. John the education of dyslexic children. unable to breathe without a Donoghue, a world expert respirator, and doctors say in neurotechnology at A 21-year-old blind student of Hansraj College was he has no chance of Brown University in Rhode killed in a road accident in the North campus area, New regaining the use of his Island, used a computer to Delhi, on January 11. Police said Ashish Verma, the victim, limbs. But following an decipher the brain waves was on a cycle rickshaw along with his friend, Rajiv, also operation at New England picked up by the implant. In a DU student, when a speeding vehicle hit them near the Sinai Hospital in early trials, Nagle learned to Braille library. Rajiv, accompanying Ashish, is visually Massachusetts, Nagle has move a cursor around a impaired too and was unable to describe the number and become the first patient in a computer screen simply by make of the vehicle that killed his friend. controversial trial of brain imagining moving his arm. Bruce Willis has revealed that he had a speech implants called BrainGate, By using software linked to impediment. However, Willis says he is thankful that the which could help disabled devices around the room, impediment never interfered with his acting career. “I was people to be more Nagle has also been able to one of the people who grew out of it. Everybody has some independent by tapping into think his TV on and off, kind of vocal flaw. It’s what makes us unique. I was lucky their brain waves. change channel and alter the enough in college to work with a speech therapist for a During the three-hour volume. In the most recent very brief amount of time. The key to it was the fact that operation, electrodes were tests, performed earlier this when I got onstage and when I was an actor, I didn’t stutter. attached to the surface of year, Nagle was able to use That was a miracle in itself,” the actor said. Nagle’s brain, just above the thought to open and close an sensory motor cortex, artificial prosthetic hand and Aatam-swastha, an NGO, was inaugurated on where the neural signals for move a robotic arm to grab February 5, in New Delhi by Dr. Naresh Trahan, executive controlling arm and hand sweets from one person’s director of Escorts Heart Institute and Research Centre. movements are produced. hand and drop them in Aatam-swastha is a society registered for “prevention of Surgeons completed the another. disability from peripheral vascular diseases,” and is the only initiative of its kind in the northern part of the country. Simple blood test may spot MS The president of the society is Dr. Sandip Mukerjee, an study by researchers from healthy people to see eminent and senior surgeon of the city. The vice-president Aat the Wake Forest if there is a distinct pattern is Manjit Singh, ex-commissioner of Municipal Corporation University Baptist Medical of proteins and peptides in of Delhi, who has been working with NGOs for a long Center, reported in March, people with MS. time. has revealed that doctors “In this preliminary may be able to spot multiple investigation, we found a Health minister Anbumani Ramadoss announced on sclerosis (MS) through distinct pattern in a MS June 15, a national ban on the production and sale of non- simple blood test. The group that revealed the iodised salt. Fortifying salt with iodine is the cheapest researchers compared existence of three markers and most effective way of increasing the intake of this blood samples from 25 for the disease,” said essential mineral. Iodine deficiency disorders, which affect patients with MS and next Avasarala, a lead author of 70 million Indians, include goitre, hypo-thyroidism, mental 25 samples were obtained the study. Recipe for success: Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing. William A. Ward 38 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

Anti-cold pills may lead to stroke Chinese Neurosurgeon: led by old/cough medication Ministry has decided to the nose Ccontaining the banned review the safety of PPA. phenylpropanolamine In other countries, PPA is uang Hongyun is the After culturing, the cells are (PPA), which works as a replaced with the safer Honly doctor in the world transplanted above and nasal decongestant pseudoephedrine. “GSK’s pioneering a controversial below the damaged area of increases the risk of stroke. Actifed uses PPA in India surgical procedure- using the spinal cord using a Some such popular drugs but the safer pseudo- the nasal cells from aborted hypodermic syringe. are D’Cold, Actifed, Vicks ephedrine in the UK,” says fetuses to help ‘cure’ For patients with ALS, the Action 500, Wincold, Dr. C.M. Gulati, editor of the patients affected by certain method is more direct and Triaminic, Cetrizet-D, Monthly Index of Medical spinal injuries and brain the cells, numbering about Eskold, Tuspress, Alex Specialities. damage. 2 million, are simply injected (capsules, cough formula PPA was banned in the US He has turned the into the atrophied area of the and pediatric drops), Tixylix, after a study by the Yale conventional wisdom to its frontal lobes of the brain and Contac CC, Cosome and University School of head that chronic spinal the entire process is carried Coldarin. According to a Medicine showed an injuries that cause paraplegia out under a local press report of January 28, increased risk of or tetraplegia can never be anaesthetic. these medicines continue to haemorrhagic stroke in treated and that it is Huang’s critics, especially be sold in India despite people taking PPA. The risk impossible to stabilize the western medical comm- being banned world over is even higher among condition of patients with unity might accuse him of since November 2000. The women. the wasting disease being a charlatan, but for his Health and Family Welfare amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, the immediate (ALS). results have been quite DHX Hearing Aid A report in the January 8 remarkable, according to avindra Nath Narang, that 88 per cent users want issue of the medical journal reports in several western R68, received the better sound quality, 81 Lancet says, he doesn’t publications, both general National Award on last percent want loud noise to promise anything and claims and niche. Within hours, World Disability Day for his be less painful. He took up it is not a miracle cure. He wheelchair bound patients breakthrough innovation in the challenge to improvise on has operated on more than have stood up and hearing aid technology for the device in these areas. 500 patients, and many have performed tasks that have making DHX hearing aid. “DHX has sound quality experienced between 5 and previously been impossible. The first Indian to receive with 67 percent accuracy 15 per cent improvement in There is a flip side too. The the National Award in this rate, which is so far the best, function, according to the restoration of feeling field unfolds: “DHX- Digi closest to the open (normal) Chinese Medical Journal. means the patients can feel Hear Xtra- is a digital hearing ear. We have been able to Apart from spinal injuries pain that they could not aid. The USP of DHX is that achieve the bandwidth and ALS, Huang claims his earlier. But Huang it can be configured range of 10,000. Again, it is method of treatment helps maintains that 70% of his according to an individual’s a far higher score compared patients of stroke, multiple patients have experienced requirement, for people to internationally available sclerosis and Parkinson’s. improve-ment in the quality suffering from mild to severe aids,” apprises Narang, Huang’s procedure involves of their lives hearing loss.” Not only the whose product is sold under extracting olfactory and Huang treats at a cost of deficiencies in the the brand name ALPS. sheathing cells taken from $20,000/-, there is already a contemporary aids, like The aid is equipped with the nose of 16-week-old waiting list for operation seedy quality, high cost, multi-memory, wherein fetuses. These cells, he that stretches till 2006. frazzled comfort levels, but change in the parameters for claims, have a powerful Little wonder that also a cavernous gap of different situations is regenerative effect on publications like the Times, repair time for the imported possible. One can minimise damaged spinal cord and London and The Guardian hearing aids motivated him or eliminate sounds brain tissue and simply act have run features on this to remould the present according to the need. as a catalyst rather than Chinese doctor, as has the device. Unlike other hearing aids, it replace the damaged cells. BBC. Narang found after research has a low battery indicator. In 2001-02, 35% of India’s 60 million middle class lived in the villages. By 2009-10 India is likely to have a middle class population of 154 millions, one third of which will be from villages. National Council of Applied Economics Research (NCAER) 39 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D Managing How fish tame kids & convicts? osteoarthritis n Oxford University times faster than the construction, known as he best way to make Ateam reported in the control group. essential fat. This is Tstiff joints better is to mid-May that they’ve The brain is largely made different from the visible move them—and found that cases of up of essential fats. The fat by which the body yourself—as much as dyslexia, dyspraxia, omega–3 fatty acid DHA stores energy. possible. Exercise and attention deficit and is concentrated in the There are two different dietary weight loss are more hyperactivity disorder synaptic junctions and types of essential fatty effective than usual among children can be signaling system of the acids. treatment in improving dramatically improved by brain and retina. Another * Linoleic acid and its physical function, pain and nutritional supplements – omega-3 fatty acid, EPA, derivatives, including mobility in overweight adults noticeably fish oil, high in is also vital for cell arachidonic acid (AA), with knee osteoarthritis, omega-3 fatty acids. signalling. are known as the omega- reports a study in the journal The same is true for These fatty acids cannot 6 series of fatty acids; Arthritis & Rheumatism. violence among prisoners be synthesised in the * Alpha–linolenic acid Overweight, sedentary in jail. Their work on the body, but have to be and its derivatives are the lifestyle and a poor posture biological basis of eaten in the diet. Fish is omega-3 series of are the leading causes of personality and behaviour the best source. Nuts, essential fatty acids, osteoarthritis, which is the suggests its time to seeds and leafy vege- which include EPA and primary aetiology of rewrite the books on tables also provide them. DHA. backache, joint replacement crime and punishment. Modern food processing These essential fatty acids surgeries and cervical and They show that mood, strips vital omega-3 fatty must be eaten. Animals and lumber spondylosis. behaviour and achieve- acids out of food because fish eat the plants containing Arthritis of the knee joint is ment are affected by they are liable to go bad the shorter chain fatty acids, quite common mainly whether the brain has the and reduce shelf life. and their digestive systems because the knee is a right nutrients to function Hydrogenating fats also change the fat, extending weight-bearing joint that properly. Disruptive wipe out omega-3s. the length of the carbon bears almost the entire body children to convicted In the West, people chain. When people eat weight. Increasingly, criminals may not be able consume between 10 and meat or fish they build on exercise and diet controls to control their behaviour 20 times as much omega- these building blocks again. have become the mainstay because of their food. 6 as omega-3 fat; an All chemical and electrical of osteoarthritis treatment. Study in the school imbalanced diet. signals have to pass through These changes in diet the outside walls of the brain Osteoarthritis occurs when Alexandra Richardson have been matched with cells. These are made the cartilage gets damaged studied 100 school- a sharp rise in various mostly of fats. with age, which makes the children who were disorders. About 20% of When the cells react to a bones to rub against each underachieving and the British population stimulus, little holes in the other and cause pain. The suspected of being may be affected by membrane open and close most commonly affected dyspraxic – that is having dyslexia, dyspraxia, to produce electric joints are the fingers, problems with motor ADHD or autistic impulses. With the right kind weight-bearing joints such skills. Half were given spectrum disorders. of fat, that is a lot of DHA, as the knee and facet joints fish oils high in omega-3 But our approach to many they are more elastic and in the spine. Bony growths essential fats for three of these disorders is still signals can be passed called osteophytes in the months. The other half hung up on pharma- rapidly and efficiently. joints create new pressure were given placebos. cological or psychological The cells also release points. However, exercise is 40% of the children on treatments. signalling molecules derived the most effective non- supplements made dram- Omega –3 factor that from EPA, so for the brain invasive disease atic improvements in makes brains better to work well, you need to management method. reading and spelling, The brain uses a special have more EPA to replace averaging progress three kind of fat in its them. q

Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare. Japanese proverb 40 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D Sania Mirza joins anti-polio campaign ania Mirza, the teenager some children. “Two drops Stennis sensation from won’t harm you. Let’s take Hyderabad is the latest the cudgels against polio and sportsperson to join polio make India polio- free,” she eradication campaign. She said. attended a function, on Deepak Kapoor who heads February 27, in Delhi Rotary’s INPC said on the Players to watch organized by the India occasion “Our war on polio National Polioplus has been on since 1985 and ohit Bhaker, 21, is no 2002, runner up at the All Committee of Rotary has now entered it’s last Rordinary shuttler. He India Inter University International in phase, which really is the won a bronze medal in the Championships Nagpur Sriniwaspuri’s MCD hardest part of an world Silent Games in 2004. Dispensary administering eradication initiative.” Sydney early this year. He 18-yr-old Fahimuddin those life-saving drops to travels about 100 km every Abbasi, hearing and speech day from Bhivani in impaired, has impressed Ex-Olympian turns bone setter Haryana to come to the everyone with his shear itting cross legged in a first week of March and had Northern Railway Indoor pace as a cricket bowler. Sgloomy shop hidden in his swollen elbow daubed in Badminton Stadium, in 9th standard student of Deaf the Kabul bazaar, the cold egg and bandaged up. Delhi. Yet he is very and Dumb School, his stock shoeshine boy gasped as the He injured it in a run-in with punctual. ball is the in swinger like his bones in his left arm an impatient traffic cop. Rohit has the distinction of idol’s Irfan Pathan. He crunched back into position The young man handed winning the Haryana state made a big mark in the in the powerful hands of Jan Agha 9 Afghanis (47 US open singles title four times recently concluded one-day Agha, ex-Olympian and the cents) for his five-minute in a row. Rajiv Bagga is his Silent Series against proprietor of Kabul’s diagnosis and treatment and idol. His most burning desire Pakistan and demonstrated ‘Wrestler’s Hospital’. happily pronounced himself is to represent India at the his talent with a ten-wicket A visit to Agha’s grimy store mended. Olympics and not the haul in four matches. After in the capital’s bird market “Now, I can get back to Special Olympics. Rohit’s missing the opens in Lahore is the obvious choice for work,” he said. achievements include due to visa problem, he Afghans seeking treatment Agha’s skills were handed international level- bronze established his credentials for dislocations, sprains and down through several medal (individual) and gold with a four-wicket haul in minor fractures. It’s faster generations of his butcher in team at the World Silent Karachi. and cheaper than the family––“the leg of a sheep Olympics Sydney 2005. Coach Tarak Sinha, who hospital and patrons seem is just the same” as a Silver medallist in doubles at trains at Sonnet Club, feels unfazed by the hulking human’s, he said–and honed the World Silent Olympics in that Fahimuddin has the man’s admitted lack of on about 15 patients a day. Copenhagen 1999. potential to make it as a orthopedic training. People even bring car- Bronze medal in the doubles major left arm seamer for “The hospital takes ages, wreck victims to him, but he and team championships in Delhi. Sinha says that it is and the wrestler is so said he sends them to the Asia Pacific Deaf difficult for a captain to give experienced, so he’s the hospital if they have open Badminton Championships instructions to Fahimuddin man,” said Rafiq, a 21-year- fractures. in Kuala Lumpur 2002. Gold as it is hard to communicate old, who visited Agha in the medalist at the National with him. Currently Badminton Championships Fahimuddin is trying for a India takes the Petro Cup for the Deaf in Bangalore place in Delhi Ranji team. ndia won the Petro Cup were played at Jamia Milia series for blind cricketers Islamia, Modern School, How many physiotherapists does it take I to change a light bulb? 3-0 in the fifth and last match Shaheed Bhagat Singh None. They just give the dead bulb in New Delhi, on May 5. College. The third match some exercises to do and hope it will be working a bit The five match series began was abandoned due to rain. better the next time they see it. on April 28 and all the games

According to research, Britons are more likely to take time off works to care for their sick pets than their partners or relatives. Vijay Dutt, Columnist, HT 41 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

John majors in cricket, charity IndiAbility Games 2005 ormer British Prime sight of a million people in F Minister John Major three years,” said Major. was in India on March 13 “Many of them are in India. for charity. He was I visited Vizag and this conferred with honorary hospital which 50,000 people membership of Cricket Club last year. Some problems of India by Raj Singh require simple operations Dungurpur. Former union costing $20 and yet people minister M.K.P. Salve was have no money for that,” also present on the Back in the UK, the former occasion.” I am here as part Tory leader assists many Hurdle race in progress of a campaign to raise funds charities for the people n May 9, Sucheta build a barrier free for Vision 2020 launched by suffering from asthma Kriplani Shiksha environment for disabled Stanchart for restoring the besides other disabilities. O Niketan (SKSN), a senior people. Wheelchair tennis player secondary residential school The hotly contested games for disabled children, hosted comprised events like relay goes global the first IndiAbility Games race, distance throw, tug-of- ndia’s wheelchair tennis in Jodhpur. These Games war. The focus of attention Iplayer Boniface Prabhu were the culmination of the was a 10-over cricket match will take part in a series of first year of IMAGE––– and manual slaton relay international tournaments Indian Mixed Ability Group race. The games were with the support of some Events, a programme followed by a colorful like-minded sponsors. initiated in March 2004 at cultural programme by the A winner of the 2004 Florida SKSN. IMAGE is set to students of SKSN. Open Wheelchair Tennis Boniface Prabhu Championship last year, player to reach the finals of Believe it or Not ! Boniface kicked off the the US, British, French and THE SEEING ICE DOGS ARE A HOCKEY TEAM season with the Japan Open Australian Opens, was LOCATED IN CALGARY, CANADA. on May 15. He will also take over-whelmed by the THEY’VE GOT A PECULIAR NAME IN HONOUR OF THE FACT THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE PLAYERS ARE BLIND! part in the French, Dutch, sponsorship. Belgium and British Open. Currently he is ranked 40 in Boniface, who was the first the world. His aim is to Indian wheelchair tennis break into top ten. Illustrious Athlete ritish wheelchair athlete Tenni BGrey Thompson, 35, born with spina bifida won the final of women’s 100m-T53 during the 12th IN OCTOBER 2003, ROBERT Paralympic Games in Athens on HENSEL, CONFINED TO A WHEELCHAIR WITH SPINA September 23, 2004. As Grey BIFIDA, PERFORMED A 6.178-MILE-LONG WHEELIE, Thompson nears the end of an Grey Thompson A NEW RECORD! illustrious career, she says she is on the verge of winning her biggest ever race- banishing the patronizing atmosphere IF ALL THE BLOOD enveloping the sport. Grey Thompson has won 11 VESSELS IN ONE paralympic golds but rates the criticism she received for HUMAN ADULT failing at the 2004 Games among her greatest BODY WERE LAID OUT END- TO-END IN A SINGLE LINE, achievements. She also participated in the Paralympic THEY WOULD WRAP AROUND World Cup in Manchester from May 12-15, 2005. THE EARTH UPTO 4 TIMES!

Too many people today know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Oscar Wilde 42 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

ABILITY IN DISABILITY Editor: Vinod Kumar Mishra Pages: 36 Price: Rs. 20/- Published by: Friends of Handicapped, B-107, Puneet Apartments, B-10, Vasundhara YOU AND YOUR SPECIAL CHILD Enclave, Delhi-110 096 Authors: Lal Advani and Dr. Anupriya Chadha Friends of Handicapped, a Pages: 334 national society for the Price: Rs.225/- welfare of physically Publisher: UBS Publishers’ challenged persons, launched a quarterly journal Ability- Distributors Pvt. Ltd. 5 Ansari in-Disability in January 2005. The 36-page bilingual (Hindi Road, New Delhi-11000 & English) publication comprises articles, poems, stories, Tel: 011-23273601, 23266646 features and other interesting columns. The editor of the quarterly, V.K. Mishra is well known author of many books You and Your Special Child on different aspects of disability. The highlights of the by Lal Advani and Dr. maiden issue are articles on Dr. Uma Tuli and Dr. Thakur Anupriya Chadha, Hari Prasad under the column ‘Institution Builders.’ comprehensively covers the issues like identification, causes, assessment and management of children with -Swaran Gambhir various disabilities including visual impairment, hearing impairment, mental retardation, learning Mahan Tatvagyani Ashtavakra disability, cerebral palsy, autism and multiple Author: Vinod Kumar Mishra disabilities. The book is specially written keeping in Pages: 216 mind the educational needs of special children. At Price: Rs. 200/- the end of each chapter, important teaching strategies Publisher: Amarsatya have been discussed in detail. Chapter 11 of the book Prakashan, 109, Block-B, Preet particularly focuses on designing and developing Vihar, Delhi-110092 Individual Educational Programmes (IEPs) for special children, and annexure 1, 2 and 3 at the end The great and the mystic sage of of the book provides valuable tips for making teaching India, Ashtavakra, wrote beautiful aids for children with visual impairment, hearing treatise on Geeta, in the post impairment and mental retardation. By and large, Mahabharata period. He was born special educators, regular teachers, parents, disabled. The author, VK Mishra himself suffered the same psychologists and all other interested parties working fate, being afflicted by polio at the tender age of three. with special children would gain a great deal of Perhaps this destiny inspired and motivated him to reach information from this book. The book is well the utmost recesses of Ashtavakra’s Geeta and churn organised, easy to follow and written with great out its message and gist to the common man on the street. human experience in the field of disability. Lal The book depicts the Guru Shishya bonding in our ancient Advani, himself visually impaired, was one of the system of ashram in a lucid and magnificent way. The pioneers of special education in India and also a dialogue between king Janak and his teacher Ashtavakra founder member of the World Blind Union and Dr. about the relationship between finite soul and infinite God Anupriya Chadha is a national-level consultant for unfolds the mysteries of man and his Creator. Ashtavakra the inclusion of children with special needs in the was brought up in the ashram of Rishi Aaruni after his District Primary Education Programme (DPED). own father left for his heavenly abode through Jal Samadhi. -Upasana Bajaj, [email protected] The narration of his mother Sujata’s remorse and suffering

India’s current population is 1.1 billion, this will be 1.6 billion in 2050 and India will surpass China’s population by 2030. 43 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D is very poignant and touches your heart. At the very start of their journey the word “Impossible” is The book depicts Astavakra’s understanding of life’s slashed out. The means of communication are simple principles and his views on soul and salvation. Mishra, things like objects sprinkled with the magic of fingers. with his devoted efforts has made the book an interesting The pace of the movie is like water. It is smooth and each read. scene blends into another carrying an idea forward. The screenplay is excellent! Whether it is the never-ending -Jeevan Sharma, [email protected] learning process or the effect of the child Michelle with a bell looped around her, which takes its full impact when Krishna Leela the elderly teacher (who is suffering from Alzheimer) is Krishna Leela, a culmination of 6-month theatre chained to his bed like an animal! workshop, performed by 150 differently able children and The film is divided into two parts. The first phase, is the youth from 6 different special schools- Action for Ability story of Debraj Sahai as a teacher with the dying bulb, Development and Inclusion, Balvantray Mehta Vidya trying to find an expression for light. The second is of Bhawan, Muskaan, Sanskriti School, Vasant Valley School Michelle trying earnestly to revive that light, which she and Very Special Arts India, was held at Kamani finally does through her graduation robe. Auditorium, New Delhi, on March 9. The show was The maverick filmmaker- Sanjay Leela Bhansali has been choreographed and directed by Syed Sallauddin Pasha, a able to elicit breath-taking performances by Ayesha Kapur pioneer in Indian therapeutic theatre. The show had the who plays the child Michelle, Amitabh Bachchan as Debraj spirit that said impossible is merely “I’m possible.” All the Sahai and Rani Mukerjee as grown-up Michelle, a children and young adults from various schools imbibed spectacular fighter for her dignity, an emotionally appealing that spirit. They seemed to be on a mission to prove to the sister, exceedingly proud daughter and sublime child- world that nothing is beyond their reach. There were woman. children with severe physical challenges, intellectual and hearing impairment but the show purely conveyed their Though she has aristocratic background, it is not difficult abilities. And if one was aware of the ‘special status’ of for a disabled person to relate to her, as misery does not the show, one would appreciate it on pure merit of have any prejudices. The focus is on how a person can performances. The show belonged to the young boys and struggle with the misery and overcome it by courage, girls of Balwantray Mehta School who played the main patience and faith. Black is perhaps the first Bollywood leads in the Raas Leela sequence. The elegance and the film that caters to global audience as its subject deals with grace with which they performed was pure magic. It is human nature and attitude, which is above spatial barriers. hard to imagine that none of the performers could hear A few critics have cried fowl and have accused Bhansali the music to whose rhythm they synchronised their steps of being a plagiarist, courtesy- The Miracle Worker so perfectly. The Very Special Arts India team needs to (1962). The issue however seems to diminish when be applauded for the tremendous efforts it had put in not compared to the piece of art created by him as well as only organising the show but for the very platform it the awareness it has spread. It is better to repeat a message provided for people with various challenges to come rather than let people thrive in ignorance. together and challenge the world to see their abilities. After all the film is about, in the words of Amitabh -Rubina Mohan, [email protected] Bachchan, “Two ordinary lives who make an extraordinary effort at life!” BLACK -Harshita Tripathi, [email protected] Producer and Director : Sanjay Leela Bhansali Naina Cast : Amitabh Bachchan & The All India Ophthalmologic Society filed Rani Mukherjee a PIL in the Mumbai High Court on May18, to stop the screening of film “Black, is the colour of Naina starring Urmila Matondkar. knowledge!” Debraj Sahai an Mumbai–based Dr. S. Natarajan, ageing alcoholic and Michelle his chairman, scientific committee of AIOS, student, a visually challenged girl with hearing impairment, who filed the petition, said that the PIL was filed on the turn their steps towards achieving this goal. grounds that the film would prejudice people against eye Contd. to Page 46

Dreams come true. Without that possibility nature would not incite us to have them. John Updike 44 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

Free Gadgets Mata Kaushalya Devi Charitable Trust (MKDCT) (Basement) Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi- 110060, Tel: organised a function on April 9 for distribution of aids and 25758088, 9810915505 (M), 9871302060 (M). E-mail: appliances – wheelchairs, walkers, axillary & elbow [email protected], [email protected] crutches, walking sticks, tripod, commode chairs, sewing machines and rolators to persons with physical disabilities. Recreation & Excursion MKDCT has been contributing to the welfare of the v Friends Organisation arranges meetings, get- society for the last 29 years. For more information, contact togethers, out-station tours & excursions, picnics, R. N. Dhingra, secretary, MKDCT, 2/46 Ramesh Nagar, recreational activities, etc. for disabled people, where they New Delhi – 110015; Tel: 55337242 can share their experiences and feelings and enjoy cessation from their immediate environment. Those who Decorative / utility items wish to be a part of it, contact: Dinesh Gupta, president, For bulk and unit purchase of attractive jute bags, purses, Friends Organization, 7 East Avenue Road, East Punjabi pot holder, peppier machie, carry bags, envelopes, shagun Bagh, New Delhi – 110026 Tel: 25447762, 25100327 (after envelopes, file folders – from jute, cloth & hand-made 7:00pm); 55484835(O) paper miniature paintings. Contact – Arveend Budh Singh, Tel: 9873468917 Situation Wanted A 42-yr-old B.Com (P) graduate from Delhi University, having 18 year experience as junior accounts officer is looking for a suitable job, can work on Tally 5.4 and Microsoft Excel & Word. Has hemiparesis (left side), fully independent including travelling, doesn’t use any gadget. Contact: Sanjiv Gupta, 5A/19, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New Delhi – 110002; Tel: 011 - 23267338 Disabled-friendly resort Services Available v For a break from monotonous routine, come to v Comprehensive day boarding / residential centre for disabled–friendly well equipped and fully furnished resort mentally and physically challenged persons. Fully equipped set in 1 acre, at calm and pollution-free Aravalli Hills, 21 with latest equipments and trained staff. Facilities for km from Gurgaon Malls on Sona-Alwar highway. Tariff games, sports, exercise, yoga/ academics and vocational Rs 1000/- for one room with bathroom , Rs 1900/- for training. Therapies- behaviour, speech, physio, music and drawing, dining and 2 bathrooms and kitchen. Bathrooms naturopathy available. For details contact : Gulshan Arora, without grab bars, 3-feet wide doors. Cook available at Director, Aadhar Special Centre, Gopalpur, Outer Ring extra cost. Sleeping quarters for male help/ drivers. Road, Near Timarpur, Delhi – 110009; Tel 011 – 27654850 Wheelchair walks possible. For further details contact (O), 27654840 (R ), 9811737934, 989942074 Muninder Nanda 9212123471(M), 011-52440888, 22050212. v Prayaas Special Education Centre with therapies- speech, physio and occupational for the mentally Volunteers challenged and associated conditions (autism, cerebral Persons interested in volunteering their time and skills to palsy, Down syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactive promote FOD greeting cards, readership of The Voice... Disorder, multiple disabilities) for children 2 ½ years and and help in other organisational and administrative jobs, above. Individualised education programme. Home visit contact FOD. available. Contact: Tulsi Baura/ Ruchika Chadha at 24/29

India, Bangladesh and Pakistan account for half of all under-weight children in the world. World Food Programme (WFP), Rome 45 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D

at the main happenings in the past six months at Family of Disabled

Ø 32 people availed the benefit of FOD’s Apna Rozgaar Year greeting cards. For the first time, designs made by Scheme (ARS), aimed at economic rehabilitation of artists from Kolkata have also been converted into greeting disabled individuals, in the past six months. Till June 30, in cards. all, 231 people had taken benefit of ARS. Charities Aid Foundation India, RC Malhotra Foundation Trust and Trickle Up Programme were among the prominent sponsors of ARS entrepreneurs.

Ø Altruistic organisations — RC Malhotra Foundation Trust, Bee Gee Motors, Mata Kaushalaya Devi Charitable Trust and Bharat Vikas Parishad provided tricycles through FOD to 15 individuals, which facilitated their mobility. Majority of them are using these cycles in promotion of their micro trades commenced with financial support from FOD.

Ø Charities Aid Foundation India organised a Donors Meet Mohit Jain and Sumeet Gupta, trainees from SP Jain Institute at Shri Ram School, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, on March of Management and Research, Mumbai, were posted with 6. The occasion provided a platform for interaction FOD for a six-week training, from March 21 - April 30, as a between the donors and recipient organisations. FOD had part of their DOCC (Development of Corporate Citizenship) project. While out in the field they visited Shiv Kumar Sharma put up a stall at the Meet, selling items prepared by its and Ashok Kumar, ARS entrepreneurs. beneficiaries. Ø Preeti Johar served as a resource person in awareness Ø In January, relief material worth Rs 65,072/- for tsunami programme conducted by Deepalaya, an organisation in victims was arranged by Anil Sharma, a chartered the service of poor children for over 25 years, at its centres accountant and one of the active members of FOD and in Dwarka and Peeragarhi on March 10 and 11, for the his son Akhil Sharma. Material included tarpaulin sheets, persons with disabilities and their parents residing in the plastic rope, utensils, medicines and dressing material, community. torches, batteries, etc. Ø Star News telecast a programme on FOD, on February Ø Under the project, See Our Ability 19, in its weekly show Jaanbaz, a series on the Red & (SOA), sponsored by an export house, White Bravery Awardees. Enadu TV Urdu covered FOD Rs 1.75 lakh has already been on May 9, in its programme Achhi Sehat Hazaar Niamat. disbursed among the artists for their A group of eight students from Jaagran Institute of selected paintings (unframed). This Management and Mass Communication, Noida (U.P.), project is mainly to encourage visited FOD on March 11 to film the organisation as a amateur, children and unemployed part of their training programme. artists under which a 6” X 4” selected art work fetches Rs. 80/- to the artist. Ø 35 students from Yashwant Rao Chavan Institute of Social Sciences, Satara (Maharashtra), visited FOD on Ø This year FOD has come out with a series of ten New February 5 for their project based on disability related

Instead of rating man by his performances, we rate too frequently performances by man. Samuel Johnson 46 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D issues. They also visited a couple of ARS entrepreneurs Ø James Tulloch, a volunteer with Scottish Love in Action and interacted with them. (SLA), on his way to Tuni in Andhra Pradesh dropped in at FOD to acquaint himself with the projects run by the Ø Janet Heisey, programme officer for Asia, Trickle Up organisation. He will volunteer his services for six months Programme (TUP), New York, spent a day with FOD at Tuni an orphanage-cum-school for 350 dalit children, a staff discussing the basics of TUP at its office on May project of SLA. 25. The discussion was particularly beneficial for the staff who had joined the organisation recently. She also visited one of the TUP sponsored entrepreneurs Bhim Sen Arora who has paraparesis, and with the help of his wife now prepares and sells south Indian delicacies, under ARS.

Rajinder Johar, chief coordinator, FOD, received CavinKare Ability Eminence Award 2005, on February 26 . The award, instituted by Ability Foundation in association with Bhim Sen and his wife prepare a dish while Janet CavinKare, is given annually to one disabled individual in the country who has excelled in serving the disabled people, Heisey looks on overcoming his own disability. Here, Preeti Johar, senior The couple makes a neat profit of approximately Rs. 200 executive, FOD, is seen receiving the award from A.R. Rehman, per day whereas only a month earlier they were looking the renowned music director, on behalf of the chief coordinator, for some kind of sustenance for their family of four. at a grand function held at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai.

Contd. from Page 43 The Godfather, accompanied by his donation and prevent them from donating eyes and attorney, walks into a room to meet undergoing transplants. with his accountant. The Godfather Dr. Mahipal S Sachdev, chairman, scientific committee, asks the accountant, “Where’s the three million bucks you embezzled from me?” The Intraocular Implant and Refractive Society of India agrees accountant doesn’t answer. The Godfather asks again, with Natarajan, “The film is completely unscientific and “Where’s the three million bucks you embezzled from shows a corneal transplant recipient visualising experience me?” The attorney interrupts, “Sir, the man is a deaf- of the dead eye donor. This kind of supernatural bunkum mute and cannot understand you, but I can interpret can have a devastating affect on the minds of gullible eye for you.” The Godfather says, “Well, ask him where donors and recipients.” the hell money is.” The attorney, using sign language, There are factual errors also in the film. It shows a solar asks the accountant where the three million dollars eclipse blinding Urmila, who finally gets her sight back are. The accountant signs back, “I don’t know what after both her eyes are transplanted. you’re talking about.” The attorney interprets to the Godfather, “He doesn’t know what you’re talking “An eclipse does not hurt the cornea, but burns the retina about.” The Godfather pulls out a pistol, puts it to the (solar retinitis). Since only corneas can be transplanted temple of the accountant, cocks the trigger and says, and not retinas (whole eyeballs), there is no cure for solar “Ask him again where the hell my money is!” The retinitis,” says Dr. Sachdev. Also, transplant on both eyes attorney signs to the accountant, “The accountant signs is never done together as it increases the chances of the back, “Okay! Okay! The money’s hidden in a suitcase new graft (transplanted eye) being rejected by the body. behind the shed in my backyard!” The Godfather says, However, the Bombay High Court, on May 19, refused to “Well, what did he say?” The attorney interprets to Naina and disposed of the PIL. the Godfather, “He says that you, the Godfather, don’t q have the guts to pull the trigger.”

Irrigation accounts for two thirds of global use of fresh water. Farmers use water less efficiently and with- draw more water to compensate for water losses. In developing countries 60% is wasted or used inefficiently. 47 The VOICE of FOD F Jan-June 2005 O D