Date:11/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/11/stories/2007021120280400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Where there is a wheel, there is a way

Staff Reporter

Wheelchairs ad tricycles distributed to beneficiaries

HELPING HAND: Children who received wheelchairs from the Rotary Bangalore Peenya on Saturday. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

Bangalore: Life took a rude turnaround for Vishwanath a year ago when he lost both his legs after a truck carrying construction material ran over him. But Vishwanath, who is studying in the fifth standard, has not let the tragedy crush him.

"Because of the carelessness of his previous school, he lost his legs. They sent him home unaccompanied and the truck ran over him when he was crossing the road," said his father. The boy shows resilience typical of children. "I want to continue my studies and become a doctor," he said.

Vishwanath was one of the many people who received wheelchairs and tricycles from the Rotary Bangalore Peenya on Saturday.

Vishwanath's fate is no different from Somashekharaiah's, who came all the way from Tumkur with his wife to receive his tricycle. His right foot was mangled when a pillar fell on it while he was doing some repair work at his house. He is not able to fully move his left leg. Somashekharaiah, who used to be a daily wage worker, now runs a cycle repair shop.

Fifty-three wheelchairs and 60 tricycles were distributed to beneficiaries, who had come from various parts of Karnataka, by former international athlete Arjun Devaiah. "Do not lose your confidence and self-esteem. because of your disability but make the most of your abilities," Mr. Devaiah said.

"We had identified 250 beneficiaries for the wheelchair and tricycle project at a Jaipur Foot camp last month. The rest of the people will be given aids next month. We hope to reach out to many more persons," Virchand Nahar, president of Rotary Bangalore Peenya said. Those who wish to benefit from this project may contact 9844046122/ 9243109009.