Girl Defying Disability

Mohini Sood

Being a person with disabilities in India can be tough challenge as the country is yet to evolve as a disabled friendly country. However, there are many who time and again rise to this challenge through their pure determination and grit, and in the process become an inspiration to not only people who suffer from disabilities, but also the youth of the nation. One such person is Uma, who fought her disability and for the past four years has been working at the Government Zonal Hospital, Solan, as a computer operator. Hailing from middle class family from Annu, a small hamlet in the Nauni gram panchayat of Solan district, Polio struck Uma at a young age. Her life has since never been the same as Uma’s knees have turned backwards rendering her unfit for walking.

Uma did not let her condition come between her determination to be self-reliant. Despite being unable to walk, Uma undertakes the 13-kilometer journey every day to reach her place of work. Speaking of her struggles, Uma says her parents were initially worried that she would be unable to accomplish anything in life due to her condition, but seeing her positive mindset, they supported her to complete her Class XII education. There was constant financial stress on Uma’s parents given that she has six sisters and a brother.

To support her family, she gave tuitions to school kids at home. She also took computers lessons for herself which eventually helped get her present job. Her condition has not been able to dent Uma confidence, who exhorts, “It is really painful, when people take pity on me because of my disability. I believe that we are not less than anyone. She has been honoured with Excellence Award by Anand Welfare Society and Sararthi Welfare Society at Solan for her spirit. Member of Parliament Virender Kashyap presented her the award and praised her.

Himachal  in Numbers

0.8

The drop in growth rate (in percentage) Himachal witnessed according to 2017-18 economic survey report tabled by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur during Vidhan Sabha proceedings

38.34

The capacity (in percentage) of electric power, out of a total 100% capacity, honed by Himachal Pradesh at present

128

The amount of land (in acres) Gaggal airport needs for expansion

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