Southern States - Karnataka-Bangalore   

Helping paraplegics lead a normal life

By Sahana Charan

BANGALORE Dec. 21. Life came to a standstill for Shankar, an auditor in his mid-30s, when a near fatal accident badly injured his spinal cord, resulting in paralysis of the lower half of his body. And both his legs were amputated owing to gangrene. He had nearly lost hope. But with over two years of counselling and rehabilitation at the paraplegic centre of the Association of People with Disability (APD), Shankar is working successfully as an accountant in Raichur.

The paraplegic programme of the APD has given new hope to many a battered life. At present, the centre is helping around 15 paraplegics, aged between 10 and 40 years, get back to normality and lead an independent life. But the association is not able to run the programme in a big way owing to lack of funds.

``In Bangalore, on an average, there are almost eight accidents a day in which there is injury to the spinal cord and the victim loses the use of the lower part of his body. There is a dire need for a full-fledged paraplegic programme to cater to the needs of such people, once they are out of the hospital,'' V.S. Basavaraju, General Manager, APD, said.

Through the programme, APD aimed to rehabilitate patients, so that they could learn to manage their lives. They were also provided mobility aids. Counselling was given to the family members so that they could cope with the problem at hand and provide support to the victim. Not only that, the paraplegics were given vocational training at the APD's centre and the association helped them secure a job, Mr. Basavaraju told The Hindu.

The APD is currently holding a charity sale at Safina Plaza (first floor) to raise funds for this programme. Most of the articles being sold have been donated by garment companies, candle making industries, and so on. Sutradhar, a voluntary organisation, which makes educational toys, has also set up stall there. Plants from APD's horticulture unit are also on sale.

``We hope to raise at least Rs.50,000 from the charity sale. The association is also planning one more such event early next year.

The proceeds from the charity sale will go towards the paraplegic programme of the APD,'' Rumi Sikdar-Rathod, Consultant, Communication and Fundraising, APD, said.

"We need Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 6 lakh within the next one or two years to successfully run the programme, for all those who require such treatment. We are also planning to bring together paraplegics, who are being treated at the APD, to form a group, so that they can meet and share their experiences and anxieties,'' Mr. Basavaraj added. For details, call ph: 5475165.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Handloom Expo from Monday
• Directive to phone subscribers
• PWD expands vehicle fleet
• Good response to handicrafts exhibition
• Seminar on IT today
• Man-animal conflict: Who is to blame?
• Helping paraplegics lead a normal life
• Man from City among victims
• When death plays its ugly dance

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu