Vision for the future

THE KNOWLEDGE that his vision is failing has not deterred Pratap Nethaji of Chennai from chasing his dreams. Instead, it has only strengthened his determination to battle the odds. Pratap is one among 2.5 crore persons who reportedly suffer from Retinitis Pigmentosa in the country. The condition limits one's vision to a vague outline of the person or object on the side, and direct vision is affected.

Pratap was chosen to represent the country in the Disability Open Athletics 2001, held last month at Assen, The Netherlands, where athletes from 36 countries participated. He returned home with two gold medals - for the shotput and javelin throw events.

"In the National Paralympics 2000, held at Bangalore I won a gold for shotput and a silver in discus throw. Though I was selected last year to go to New Zealand, I could not do so as I was unable to find a sponsor. Besides, I did not get my passport in time," says Pratap. "But, I am determined to make it to Holland, this year", he adds.

An M. Com gold medalist and college topper in 1992, the next step for Pratap was to enrol for the ICWA course. But his fading eyesight proved a stumbling block. He was unable to complete the course. It was then that he was diagnosed as suffering from Retinitis Pigmentosa - an incurable condition, which results in blindness.

However, it seemed as if God was on his side when he was introduced by an acquaintance to Chandra Balasubramaniam, managing trustee of an ashram - the Bhogar Bhuvana Mooligai Thirukkudil in Palani. She took him to the ashram in 1993, where he has since been undergoing herbal treatment. Today, eight years later, he claims that the treatment has benefited his vision.

"The treatment demands that I remain in Palani and, therefore, I need to find employment there." One among nine siblings, Pratap is badly in need of a job to sustain himself.

"As a first step to self-reliance, I joined the National Institute for the Visually Handicapped at Poonamallee, and learnt Braille, typing, shorthand and even passed a receptionist and telephone operator's course. But it has not really helped. I was told that there was a vacancy in the Palani Andavar Arts and Science College; but academic qualifications alone were not sufficient to land the job. I have even passed the UGC examination which makes me eligible for a lecturer's job as well as the SLET examination conducted by the State Government, through the Bharatidasan University. I thought if I qualified in sports, I could get a job through the sports quota," he says.

"I was interested in athletics right from my school days and would go to the police training grounds with my younger brother to practise. Watching the police personnel training there, my brother would direct me and I would follow his instructions. There are not many coaches ready to train the disabled. Neither is training easy, because there is none to sponsor the necessary equipment. I managed to get some gear with the help of a few well wishers. Actually, it was at the suggestion of Mr. Narayanaswamy, a coach, that I began to seriously train to be an athlete. However, as Avadi was too far away for me to go regularly, I had no choice but to train myself."

Pratap has earlier tried sending appeals to the then Chief Minister for help to get a job, but to no avail. He is hopeful that with the change of Government his plea will be heard.

He is all praise for Chandra Balasubramaniam who has tremendous faith in Siddha medicine. Says Pratap, "It is a great experience to explore the Palani hills in search of rare herbs. I forget my handicap; it is like being in a different world altogether."

LAKSHMI VENKATRAMAN

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